A second group of Afrikaner families arrived in the United States last week, marking another stage in a controversial migration programme expected to see up to 8,000 white South Africans resettled in the country in 2025.
US State sources confirm second batch of Afrikaners arrived in America last week
These arrivals are part of a refugee policy introduced under US President Donald Trump’s executive order issued in February, which claims that Afrikaners face unfair treatment in South Africa.
The most recent group flew on a commercial flight and landed in Atlanta on Friday, according to Jaco Kleynhans from the Solidarity trade union. He said the arrivals included children and that more groups would continue to arrive over the coming weeks.
“The US Embassy in Pretoria is working with the US State Department to process the applications,” Kleynhans told AFP.
“We’re seeing Afrikaners resettling mainly in southern states like Texas, North and South Carolina, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.”
In early April, the first group arrived via a privately chartered plane. Solidarity said it has assisted applicants by helping them understand the process and connecting them to the right people at the US embassy.
US Embassy expects 8,000 Afrikaner migrations under controversial refugee policy
The resettlement is based on Trump’s Executive Order 14204, which singles out South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 as an example of discriminatory treatment.
To be eligible for the refugee programme, applicants must be South African citizens of Afrikaner ethnicity or other racial minorities, and they must be able to explain either past persecution or a fear of persecution in South Africa.
The programme has faced strong criticism for being politically motivated.
“Our aim isn’t to promote refugee status but to ensure a safe and fair future for Afrikaners in South Africa,” Kleynhans explained, although he also claimed that around 20% of Afrikaners have already emigrated due to economic hardship.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said while he didn’t know any of the emigrants personally, he supported their right to leave.
“No one should have to live with violent threats, like the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant,” he said. “We condemn the environment that has led to this.”
The US refugee admissions programme has clarified that applications are free, and that translation and guidance will be provided.
Officials have warned against scams and exploitation, urging applicants not to pay anyone for help or share documents with unverified people.
This migration plan continues to raise concerns locally and internationally, especially as it touches on sensitive issues like race, safety, and economic inequality in South Africa.
The resettlement process remains ongoing, with further groups expected to depart in the coming months.
