White South Africans Depart for US Under Controversial Refugee Plan

The first group of white South Africans, mainly Afrikaners, has departed for the U.S. under a refugee program initiated by Trump. Around 8,000 inquiries have been made for resettlement, with up to 1,000 Afrikaners expected to be admitted this year. Trump’s focus on perceived persecution of this minority contrasts sharply with their ongoing privileges in South Africa.

In a significant move, the first group of white South Africans granted refugee status under a program set up by former President Donald Trump took off from Johannesburg. On Sunday, reporters noted a line of white citizens, all set with airport trolleys full of bags, standing ready before entering the departure lounge. According to a spokesperson from the South African Transport Ministry, Collen Msibi, the chartered flight carried 49 passengers.

Msibi elaborated that the application for the landing permit indicated these are Afrikaners relocating to the U.S. Afrikaners, a white ethnic minority, are mainly descendants of Dutch, German, and French settlers. Historically, Afrikaner leaders held power during apartheid, overseeing a system of racial segregation and violent suppression of the Black South African population.

The charter was on its way to Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C., before heading to Texas, as stated by Msibi. In a related coverage, NPR reported prior to the flight that 12 U.S. states have agreed to welcome these Afrikaners, many of whom already have family in the United States.

The resettlement program initiated by Trump has generated considerable discussion about the context of race in South Africa today. While addressing claims of persecution among Afrikaners, the statistics reveal significant disparities and privilege that still persist. As this situation develops, it begs larger questions about the nature of refugees and who qualifies as a victim in today’s socio-political climate.

Original Source: www.dw.com