CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The United States Embassy in South Africa has reported that more than 67,000 people have expressed interest in refugee status in the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s plan to assist members of a white minority group, primarily Afrikaners, who he claims are victims of racial discrimination by their Black-led government.
This extensive list, consisting of 67,042 names, was provided to the embassy by the South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. (SACCUSA). The organization has acted as a contact point for inquiries following the Trump administration's announcement of the program last month. However, it is important to note that this list does not constitute official applications for refugee status.
President Trump issued an executive order on February 7, 2025, which included cutting U.S. funding to South Africa while citing what he called disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners. Trump's order specifically mentioned Afrikaners, who are descendants of mainly Dutch and French settlers that arrived in South Africa during the 17th century. The order directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to prioritize humanitarian relief for Afrikaners facing what Trump termed "unjust racial discrimination" and to facilitate their resettlement in the U.S.
Approximately 2.7 million Afrikaners inhabit South Africa, which boasts a total population of 62 million. Despite this large community, the South African government has firmly denied Trump’s allegations regarding land confiscation, stating that such claims are based on misinformation. Moreover, Trump has been criticized for asserting that Afrikaners are losing their farmland when, in fact, no land has yet been seized under newly proposed laws.
In addition to addressing land issues, Trump’s executive order also scrutinized South Africa’s foreign policy regarding Israel and the Palestinian territories, accusing the government of supporting anti-American positions. Notably, the U.S. recently expelled South Africa's ambassador over accusations of being anti-Trump and anti-American.
Neil Diamond, the president of SACCUSA, revealed that the majority of individuals expressing interest are aged between 25 and 45, many of whom are parents. Commenting on the situation, Diamond mentioned that his organization has been inundated with requests for more information regarding the refugee program. He emphasized that while the SACCUSA acted as an intermediary, only U.S. authorities have the power to officially register applications for resettlement.
Some in the Afrikaner community have expressed gratitude for Trump’s offer. A 57-year-old carpenter from Bothasig stated, "I think it's a very nice gesture from Donald Trump to offer us asylum over there," reflecting a perspective shared by many who feel vulnerable in their current situation.
However, not everyone in this demographic agrees with the notion of leaving South Africa. Representatives from Orania, a whites-only town in the Northern Cape, made it clear that they denounce the idea of becoming refugees. They stated, "Afrikaners do not want to be refugees. We love and are committed to our homeland," reinforcing a strong sentiment of belonging among many members of the community.
Kallie Kriel, the head of AfriForum, echoed this sentiment, arguing that emigration would jeopardize the cultural identity of Afrikaners. He poignantly noted, "Emigration only offers an opportunity for Afrikaners who are willing to risk potentially sacrificing their descendants' cultural identity as Afrikaners. The price for that is simply too high." This highlights the complex and emotional nature of this discourse within the Afrikaner community.
As tensions rise around the topic of racial dynamics and land ownership in South Africa, the controversy surrounding Trump's offer adds another layer of complexity to a fraught narrative. The U.S. Embassy in South Africa is currently awaiting further instructions for implementing Trump's plan, as the dynamics and implications of this potential mass migration continue to evolve.
