U.S. Embassy in South Africa Announces Refugee Admissions Program for Afrikaners and Minorities

The U.S. Embassy in South Africa has launched a Refugee Admissions Program targeting Afrikaners and other racial minorities in South Africa who face persecution or fear future discrimination, as outlined in a recent statement from the embassy. This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14204, which addresses what the U.S. government describes as “egregious actions” by the Republic of South Africa.

The U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and implementing partners, will assess eligibility for resettlement in the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). To qualify, applicants must meet three criteria: they must be South African nationals, identify as Afrikaner or belong to a racial minority in South Africa, and be able to demonstrate past persecution or a credible fear of future persecution.

Eligible individuals are required to submit a Statement of Interest form, accessible via a link provided by the embassy. The embassy emphasized that even those who previously contacted U.S. government entities must complete this form. Due to expected high demand, responses may be delayed.

The embassy stressed that the USRAP is free and cautioned against scams or exploitation. Applicants do not need external preparers or translators, as these services will be provided by the U.S. government if needed. During interviews, applicants may be asked to disclose any assistance received to ensure the legitimacy of service providers. Providing false or incomplete information could result in application denial.

The U.S. government warned against sharing personal information or identity documents with untrusted parties and advised against paying fees to unauthorized individuals claiming to facilitate resettlement. Only communications from U.S. government officials or designated entities should be trusted.

For more details or to access the Statement of Interest form, visit the official U.S. Embassy South Africa website.

https://za.usembassy.gov/refugee-admissions-program-for-south-africans