On 7 February, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order offering Afrikaners refugee status in response to South Africa’s controversial Land Expropriation Bill, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The order facilitates Afrikaner resettlement in the United States and prioritizes their refugee claims.
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA reported receiving over 10,000 relocation inquiries within 18 hours of Trump’s announcement.
Immigration attorney Gwen Vermeulen from Move Up highlighted that the order also calls for suspending aid to South Africa and defines Afrikaners as a group eligible for refugee status due to alleged race-based discrimination.
Vermeulen explained that US visa decision-makers have yet to finalize refugee claim procedures. She outlined two main legal pathways for Afrikaners wishing to apply:
1. Refugee Resettlement from Outside the US
Applicants must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion. Key steps include:
- Referral: Applicants need referrals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), US embassies or consulates, or designated NGOs.
- Pre-screening and Interview: After referral, applicants undergo pre-screening by the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) and an interview with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
- Background Check and Medical Examination: Comprehensive checks ensure applicants pose no security or public health risks.
- Visa Issuance: Approved applicants receive visas under INA § 207 and access support services upon arrival in the US.
2. Asylum from Within the US
Afrikaners already in the US may seek asylum by:
- Entering on a valid visa or at a US port of entry: Applicants must file Form I-589 within one year of arrival, with some exceptions.
- USCIS Interview: Applicants must provide evidence of persecution during an asylum interview.
- Permanent Residency: Asylees may apply for permanent residency after one year in the US.
Vermeulen advises applicants to seek professional legal guidance due to the complexity of US immigration law. She stresses the importance of compiling thorough evidence on discrimination, land expropriation, and persecution threats.
“Applicants should carefully choose the appropriate pathway based on their circumstances and ensure all claims are credible and well-supported,” Vermeulen added.
The Executive Order’s impact and the relocation programme’s details continue to unfold as Afrikaners consider their options amid South Africa’s ongoing land reform debates.
