Since early 2025, more than 6,000 South Africans—predominantly white Afrikaners—have been granted refugee status in the United States under changes implemented during the Trump administration that sharply altered longstanding U.S. refugee policies. These adjustments effectively fast-tracked refugee admissions for this specific group while significantly restricting access for refugees from many other countries, marking a notable shift in U.S. immigration priorities.

Charl Kleinhaus, a white South African and former mining businessman, is among those who relocated through this program. He cited concerns about increased violence in South Africa and policies intended to empower Black South Africans, which he said adversely affected his business prospects. Kleinhaus described the situation in his home country as a “reverse apartheid,” asserting that racial equity laws limited opportunities for white South Africans like himself. After a rapid vetting process that typically takes years, he moved with his family to South Dakota, where he has found part-time work while planning new business ventures.

The Trump administration defended the program as a humanitarian effort, emphasizing the administration’s intent to prioritize refugees deemed more likely to assimilate quickly into American society. A White House spokeswoman referred to the situation in South Africa as one in which Afrikaners face severe violence and displacement, noting the U.S. government's commitment to processing their applications despite skepticism from the South African government and some media outlets. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that refugee admissions must align with U.S. national interests, seeking individuals who can quickly integrate and contribute to society.

Critics of the policy have labeled it a racial and political maneuver that prioritizes white refugees over others facing equally or more urgent dangers. Refugee resettlement organizations and former government officials have expressed concern that such a focus undermines the foundational principles of refugee assistance by sidelining many individuals in dire need around the world. They highlight that while the new program facilitated the entry of thousands of white South Africans, refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and Ukraine have faced prolonged delays or denials.

Data and police reports from South Africa indicate that violent crimes affect all communities, without evidence that white South Africans are disproportionately targeted, a point underscored by individuals such as Kobus Van Den Berg, a South African who travels to the U.S. on seasonal work visas. Observers note that the administration’s heavy prioritization of Afrikaners contradicts broader refugee admission trends and raises questions about the criteria used to determine eligibility.

The resettlement process has also presented challenges for some Afrikaners. Complaints collected by resettlement agencies include reports of delays in receiving aid, difficulties navigating applications independently, and concerns about discrimination within local support organizations. A few individuals have even chosen to return to South Africa, citing family reasons or dissatisfaction with their situations in the United States.

The administration has stated that other minority groups from South Africa—including people of Indian descent, those of British heritage, and mixed-race individuals—remain eligible for refugee status, though internal records show a clear emphasis on resettling white Afrikaners. The vetting process appears to have been expedited, with some recipients, including Kleinhaus, passing despite social media posts containing controversial or antisemitic content.

For Kleinhaus and others who have relocated, the move represents a permanent departure. He left behind significant assets, including property and vehicles, and described the decision as irreversible, reflecting the finality inherent in refugee status. While he expressed appreciation for perceived freedoms and opportunities in the United States, he acknowledged missing aspects of his previous life and faces the challenge of building a new future far from home.