Over 60 000 Afrikaners have expressed interest in seeking refugee status under US President Donald Trump’s administration, reports the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA)
This comes weeks after the controversial statesman issued an executive order prioritising the “resettlement” of white South Africans. Trump has accused SA President Cyril Ramaphosa of promoting “racial discrimination” and “confiscating land.” Ramaphosa has dismissed the claims as “misinformation.”
AFRIKANERS EXPRESS INTEREST IN TRUMP’S REFUGEE STATUS
According to SACCUSA, over 60 000 Afrikaners had expressed their interest in taking up President Trump’s offer of refugee status abroad. The voluntary business organisation – which represents entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics living in the US – handed over the information to the US Embassy in Pretoria.
It said in a statement: “SACCUSA remains steadfast in its support for the Trump Administration’s efforts in the resettlement of South Africans with a desire to relocate to the USA.
“As a vibrant and resilient community, the South African diaspora in the USA looks forward to welcoming and supporting the new arrivals, particularly those granted refugee status.
The organisation reinforced Trump’s Executive Order, emphasising that it was “committed to fostering constructive engagement between the U.S. and South Africa by utilizing economic diplomacy and cultural diplomacy.”
It added: “These initiatives are crucial for maintaining resilient trade relations and ensuring the well-being of South Africans looking to build new lives in the United States.”
‘WE ARE NOT PUSHING AN AGENDA’
SACCUSA President Neil Diamond told Newzroom Afrika that most of the inquiries were from Afrikaners between the ages of 25 and 45, with an average of two to three dependents.
“Many of them cited concerns over land reform and their perceived treatment in the country,” he said.
Despite the tense relations between South Africa and the US, fuelled by President Trump and other public figures and organisations, SACCUSA insisted that it did not encourage anyone to leave SA or discourage anyone from leaving.
He added: “We are not pushing any particular agenda.”
US EMBASSY SHARES UPDATE ON TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
In a social media post last week, the US Embassy shared an update on the admissions for the refugee status programme.
It tweeted: “Under E.O [Executive Order] 14204, the US is considering refugee resettlement for disfavored ethnic minority Afrikaners facing unjust racial discrimination in South Africa”.
Eligibility will be determined by the US Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and implementing partners who will “promote and prioritise humanitarian relief to white South Africans.”
The Embassy warned the public to beware of scams or potential exploitation.
“Access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is free.
“No one should pay any fees or favors in return for access to the program or to unauthorized individuals claiming to be able to assist or expedite your resettlement case”.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Embassy and monitor their social media channels for updates.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR TRUMP’S REFUGEE STATUS OFFER?
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