US Reviews 8,000 Applications for Afrikaners’ Relocation, Identifies 100 for Possible Asylum

The United States has begun reviewing more than 8,000 applications from South African Afrikaners seeking relocation, according to a New York Times report. So far, only 100 applicants have been identified as potential candidates for asylum.

This is part of US President Donald Trump’s initiative, dubbed “Mission South Africa,” which aims to offer members of the Afrikaner minority group a pathway to resettlement.

Trump’s Refugee Initiative for Afrikaners

The program is largely driven by claims that Afrikaans-speaking farmers face targeted violence in South Africa—an assertion that has been widely debunked as misinformation by local and international analysts.

To process these applications, US officials have set up ad-hoc refugee centers in South Africa, focusing exclusively on screening white Afrikaner farmers.

Despite earlier reports that over 70,000 people applied, the US teams in Pretoria have only reviewed 8,200 applications, identifying just 100 individuals for possible relocation.

Security Measures and US Government Involvement

Given the sensitive nature of the program, the US government has provided security escorts for officials engaging with potential refugees. The program’s next steps and any long-term strategies for implementing the resettlement plan are expected to be outlined in an official update next month.

Controversy and Criticism

The initiative has sparked significant debate:

Critics argue that it selectively prioritizes a specific racial group, rather than focusing on all South Africans facing legitimate threats or economic hardships.

South African authorities have previously dismissed Trump’s claims of targeted violence against white farmers, emphasizing that crime affects all communities.

Immigration analysts question whether the US will follow through with large-scale relocations or if this initiative serves more as political rhetoric.

What Happens Next?

With only 100 Afrikaners shortlisted so far, it remains unclear how many—if any—will be granted asylum in the US. As Trump’s program continues to be reviewed, more updates are expected in the coming weeks.

{Source BusinessTech}

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