Afrikaner Refugees’ Arrival Sparks Debate on U.S. Refugee Policy

The recent arrival of 59 Afrikaners in the United States has reignited discussions about the country’s refugee policy and the plight of thousands of other refugees still waiting to be resettled. The Afrikaners, a White ethnic minority in South Africa, were admitted to the U.S. following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February.

According to Eskinder Negash, president of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, “We are hopeful that the arrival of this group of refugees indicates the government’s intention to restart the U.S. refugee program and help other refugees in need of resettlement services”.

The swift admission of the Afrikaners contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by other refugees, such as Yasmin Aguilar’s family from Afghanistan. Aguilar, who resettled in Boise, Idaho, as a refugee years ago, expressed frustration about the disparity in treatment. “I’m glad that people are searching for safety. I don’t have any issue about that,” she said. “We have to have a fair system for everyone.” Aguilar’s brother and sister were on the cusp of joining her in the U.S. before Trump’s suspension of the refugee program in January, which left their approvals in limbo.

The U.S. refugee program has been criticized for its slow pace, with over 100,000 people currently in the pipeline, including 22,000 who have completed medical and security screenings and 12,000 who had travel booked. Danilo Zak, director of policy for resettlement agency Church World Service, highlighted the challenges faced by refugees, citing the federal lawsuit challenging the shutdown of the refugee program.

Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.

• Current Refugee Admissions Program: The U.S. aims to resettle 100,000 refugees this fiscal year, the most in three decades.
• Private Sponsorship Program: The Welcome Corps program empowers Americans to support refugees through private sponsorship, providing case management, employment services, housing assistance, and limited financial assistance.
• Eligibility: Refugees typically must be designated by the United Nations and undergo years of interviews and vetting before being resettled to third countries.²

The arrival of the Afrikaners has sparked a mix of reactions, with some criticizing the preferential treatment given to this group. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe of the Episcopal Church expressed disappointment, stating, “It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years.” In contrast, some community members, like Joe Mitchell, a retiree who sponsored Afghan refugees, have shown support for refugees, highlighting the welcoming nature of their community. “Even though Idaho is a red state and Idaho Falls is even redder, our community has been outstanding as a welcoming community,” Mitchell said.