What happens if Afrikaner 'refugees' want to come home?

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A second batch of Afrikaner “refugees” have settled into the US, and thousands more are expected to arrive. However, with South African-born Elon Musk’s ongoing feud with President Donald Trump, concern is mounting among those who now call America home.

More importantly, will they be allowed to return to South Africa?

RIGHTS AS REFUGEES

It’s no secret that President Donald Trump’s view of South Africa was influenced by his former right-hand man, Elon Musk.

Born in Pretoria, and having left at just 17, the world’s richest man has actively accused his country of birth of promoting “white genocide”, “farm confiscation,” and “racist laws”.

With Trump now threatening to cut all government contracts to Musk, and possibly distance himself from him altogether, what does this mean for the Afrikaner “refugees” already in the US?

What does Elon Musk’s rant mean for Afrikaner ‘refugees’?
Images via X

The group of white South Africans was offered asylum based on proving their fear of persecution on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Under US and international immigration laws, refugees who have received asylum cannot simply be deported to their country of persecution. Legislation also vigorously protects their rights to stay in their new adoptive country.

However, their status can be terminated should they be found guilty of serious crimes or if they fraudulently sought asylum.

CAN THEY TRAVEL BETWEEN THE US AND SOUTH AFRICA?

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there is a strict vetting process for those who seek refugee status in the country.

Once resettled in the US, refugees are permitted to work immediately. They will be eligible for a green card a year later.

However, there are also stringent travel restrictions in place.

The USCIS states that all refugees must obtain permission via a travel document before they depart the US. Failure to do so could result in asylees being denied re-entry into the US. These actions could also strip asylees of their refugee status, resulting in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

In the case of Afrikaners, returning to South Africa – considered the country of “persecution” – could come at a cost. Here is how…

Refugees who visit SA without prior permission shall be presumed to have abandoned their asylum unless they can establish compelling reasons for their return.
Refugees are expected to explain the reason for their return in the process of obtaining permission.
Returning to one’s country of claimed persecution could result in termination of asylum if there are fundamental changes in circumstances back home.
Termination could also occur due to fraud in the asylum application. This happens if an applicant is not eligible for refugee status.
Returning to SA for business or pleasure can be considered evidence that the refugee’s alleged fear of persecution is not genuine.

VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION – AND WHAT SA AUTHORITIES SAY

For Afrikaner “refugees” hoping to return home willingly for good, voluntary repatriation is always an option. Organisations like the UNHCR help those who wish to travel back to their countries by providing financial assistance.

According to the South African Department of International Relations, “refugees” would be welcomed back as citizens. However, they would have to revoke their status in order for this to happen.