DULLES, Virginia - On May 13, 2025, the Trump administration welcomed 59 white South Africans as refugees to the United States, citing claims of discrimination and violence in their home country [1][2]. This move has ignited a heated debate about refugee policies and racial motivations.

The group, primarily consisting of Afrikaners, an ethnic group descended from European settlers, arrived at Dulles International Airport in Virginia [4][5]. Many were seen holding small American flags as they were greeted by U.S. officials [1].

This decision has raised questions among refugee advocates, particularly as the Trump administration has otherwise maintained a hardline stance against most other refugee groups [1][2]. The South African government strongly denies allegations of persecution against white South Africans [6].

Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, stated, "They can't provide any proof of any persecution because there's not any. There is not any form of persecution to white South Africans." [6]

The refugees are set to be resettled across 10 states, with local refugee organizations assisting in their integration [6]. Two families are reportedly headed to southern Idaho, with the Idaho Office for Refugees confirming their placement in Twin Falls [5].

This move follows President Trump's decision to suspend over $400 million in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to South Africa, after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law in January 2025 [3].

The decision to grant refugee status to white South Africans while maintaining restrictions on other refugee groups has sparked criticism. Refugee advocates question the racial motivations behind this selective admission policy [2][5].

As the newly arrived refugees begin their resettlement process, the international community watches closely, with this move likely to impact diplomatic relations between the United States and South Africa, as well as broader discussions on global refugee policies.