The United States Embassy in South Africa has confirmed receiving a list of more than 67,000 individuals expressing interest in refugee status in the U.S., following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The order, signed on February 7, prioritizes humanitarian relief and resettlement for Afrikaners, a white minority group in South Africa, whom Trump claims are victims of racial discrimination by the Black-led government.
The list was submitted to the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria by the South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., which has become a focal point for inquiries regarding the refugee program. However, the chamber clarified that the list does not constitute official applications.
Trump’s directive ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to fast-track refugee applications for Afrikaners, citing “government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.” This move comes despite Trump’s broader stance against refugee resettlement, which previously sought to curb the U.S. refugee program.
South Africa’s government has strongly rejected Trump’s allegations, arguing that claims of racial targeting under its land expropriation law are misleading. Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform that Afrikaners were having their farmland seized, despite no land having been taken under the law.
The executive order has also deepened tensions between the U.S. and South Africa. Trump criticized South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly its decision to bring genocide allegations against Israel at the United Nations’ top court. The Trump administration subsequently expelled South Africa’s ambassador, accusing him of anti-American and anti-Trump sentiments.
Neil Diamond, president of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., revealed that the list contains 67,042 names, primarily individuals between the ages of 25 and 45 with children. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Diamond emphasized that while his organization has facilitated inquiries, only U.S. authorities have the jurisdiction to process official refugee applications.
“We have reached out to the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria to request a dedicated channel for South Africans seeking information and registration for refugee status,” Diamond stated. “That cannot be the responsibility of the chamber.”
The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria confirmed receipt of the list but stated it is awaiting further guidance on the implementation of Trump’s order.
Credit: AP