US Congressman Troy Nehls has introduced the “Afrikaner” Act to the American legislature, aimed at providing Afrikaans South Africans with Priority-2 refugee status. Nehls aligns himself with US President Donald Trump’s assertion that the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa constitutes a human rights violation. The proposed Asylum for Farmers and Refugees in Crisis and Necessary Emigration Resettlement (Afrikaner) Act is designed to offer a pathway to the United States for Afrikaners, who Nehls claims have faced persecution based on their race, ethnicity, or ancestry.
If enacted, the Act would extend Priority-2 refugee status not only to Afrikaners but also to their spouses, children, and parents, provided they reside in South Africa. Priority-2 status allows groups deemed to have special concern by the Department of State access to the refugee program due to their circumstances and apparent need for resettlement.
Nehls has pointed to the 2025 Expropriation Act, which he claims enables the South African government to confiscate Afrikaners’ private property without compensation, as a critical factor necessitating this legislation. He defines Afrikaners as rural farmers of European descent who comprise approximately 7% of South Africa’s population. However, this definition has been challenged.
According to the 2022 Census, there are 4.5 million white South Africans, representing 7.3% of the population, but not all of these individuals identify as Afrikaners. The Census also indicates that about 10.6% of the total population consists of first-language Afrikaans speakers. Roughly 60% of the white population are Afrikaans speakers, amounting to approximately 2.7 million people. Yet, it is essential to note that not all Afrikaans speakers identify as Afrikaners, nor are all Afrikaners rural farmers.
Trump previously labeled the treatment of Afrikaners as a “massive human rights violation,” a sentiment echoed by Nehls, who stated, “The Afrikaner population in South Africa has been experiencing unjust racial discrimination, and the situation continues to get worse by the day.” He emphasized that his bill would provide Afrikaners with a means to escape the persecution they face from their own government.
This legislative proposal is not the only recent effort by American politicians regarding South Africa. Congressman Ronny Jackson has also introduced the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which seeks to reassess the relationship between the United States and South Africa. Jackson claims that this legislation will help advance Trump’s foreign policy agenda by equipping him with the tools to impose sanctions on South African officials who are perceived to support adversarial nations such as China, Russia, and Iran.
Jackson’s bill identifies eight key problem areas concerning the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa. These include the ANC’s inconsistent policies regarding non-alignment in international affairs, its history of siding with malign actors like Hamas, and its continued support for Russia amidst accusations of war crimes in Ukraine.
Jackson and fellow Congressman John James have voiced concerns about the ANC’s alignment with countries that undermine U.S. national security interests. For example, James criticized the ANC’s relationships with China and Russia, stating, “The South African government and the ANC have continued to consistently undermine US national security interests.”
Amidst these political developments, South Africa’s government has attempted to clarify misconceptions surrounding the Expropriation Act, asserting that it only permits expropriation without compensation under specific circumstances and follows stringent processes. The Department of Public Works has stated that there has been no land expropriation in the past year, despite claims to the contrary from the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, the narrative surrounding Afrikaners and their treatment in South Africa continues to evolve. Eric Louw’s book, “Afrikaner Identity: From Anticolonial Struggle Through Hegemonic Nationalism to Disempowered Minority,” provides insight into the historical context of Afrikaner identity and the socio-political dynamics at play. Although names like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are not mentioned, Louw’s analysis offers a framework for understanding the ideologies that underpin contemporary political movements, including those in the United States.
Afrikaners, a group comprising about 40% of Afrikaans speakers in a country of approximately 63 million people, have a complex identity shaped by their history. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) played a pivotal role in the formation of Afrikaner identity through its early governance practices and the introduction of slavery, which led to a race-based caste society.
As the narrative unfolds, the impact of apartheid and the transition to a democratic South Africa in 1994 have left Afrikaners navigating a new landscape where their identity and place in society are continually challenged. Louw argues that the historical context is crucial to understanding the current political climate and the emergence of Afrikaner nationalism, which has shifted over time.
The post-apartheid era has seen significant changes for Afrikaners, particularly regarding language and cultural recognition. The ANC’s policies have led to a decline in the use of Afrikaans in government and education, which many Afrikaners perceive as a threat to their cultural identity.
The unrest in July 2021, resulting in 354 deaths and 5,500 arrests, has heightened awareness among white South Africans regarding the ANC government’s shortcomings. Many are now more politically engaged, voicing concerns about governance and the potential for a failed state.
As the situation continues to develop, the proposed Afrikaner Act and the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act represent significant political maneuvers that could reshape the discourse surrounding Afrikaners and their future in South Africa. With ongoing tensions and complex historical narratives at play, the path forward remains uncertain.
