Chicago Sunday, July 27th, 2025
The US embassy in South Africa recently sought clarification on a refugee program established by President Donald Trump’s executive order in February. The program aims to provide humanitarian relief to Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination. Embassy Charge d’Affairs David Greene asked if non-white South Africans, such as “coloured” individuals who speak Afrikaans, could apply for the program if they met other requirements.
According to reports, the State Department’s refugee and migration bureau responded, stating that the program is intended for white people. Spencer Chretien, the highest-ranking official in the bureau, reportedly sent an email clarifying the program’s scope. This development has raised questions about the program’s inclusivity and its potential impact on South Africans seeking refuge in the US.
The Refugee Admissions Program for South Africans requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- South African Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of South Africa.
- Afrikaner Ethnicity or Racial Minority: Applicants must be of Afrikaner ethnicity or members of a racial minority in South Africa.
- Persecution or Fear of Persecution: Applicants must demonstrate past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
