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The Star
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
US set to welcome white Afrikaner refugees as emigration move invokes mixed feelings
In a controversial turn of events, US officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security are preparing to welcome 49 white Afrikaners to Washington, DC, as refugees starting May 12. According to reports, US officials were trying to arrange a charter flight to land at Dulles International Airport, with commercial flights being assessed as an alternative. A total of 54 individuals initially applied for asylum, but five were red-flagged due to criminal records. The decision, which has stirred both support and outrage within South Africa, comes amid growing concerns over the legitimacy of their claims, as critics argue that South Africa does not meet the conditions that would warrant refugee protection for any ethnic or political group. This comes in the wake of the migration of 49 Afrikaners to the US, sparking a national debate. Political analyst Sandile Swana has raised concerns, questioning the legitimacy of their asylum claims and emphasising that refugee status requires evidence-based grounds proving individuals can't remain in their country of origin. "For somebody to be an asylum seeker or a refugee, there must be an evidence-based assessment that shows that the person has legitimate grounds, making it impossible for them to remain in the country of their origin." He explained that in Africa, there are several regions, such as Eritrea, the DRC, and Sudan, where refugees come to South Africa to escape clear and well-documented dangers. However, in South Africa, there are no such threats targeting a particular ethnic group, especially the white Afrikaners, or individuals based on their political or religious beliefs. Swana also remarked that the Trump administration's political agenda seems focused on promoting a Western white Christian civilisation. He explained, "They appear to be working to reduce the population of Hispanics and others who don't fit within this group, while increasing the number of those who align with this Western white Christian ideal. ''As a result, people outside of this group are being expelled from the US, while white Afrikaners, who claim to share this philosophy, are being brought in under misleading reasons to perpetuate the idea that whites, particularly those who feel oppressed, are being victimised." He reiterated that this is a political maneuver aimed at painting the South African government, along with specific political parties like the EFF and ANC, as racist and targeting whites in South Africa. However, the evidence contradicts this narrative. "No South African, regardless of their complexion, hair texture, eye colour, or religious background, deserves refugee status anywhere on Earth at this time. This move seeks to falsely accuse the government and certain political parties of unconstitutional actions, which is simply untrue. There is no evidence to suggest that anyone, regardless of their background, is being targeted unconstitutionally," Swana said. The Star spoke to two of the asylum seekers, who revealed that their decision to seek refuge in the US was fuelled by desperation, driven by hunger and an overwhelming sense of disillusionment with life in South Africa. Kirsten Van Der Vententer shared, "I'm waiting to go because I have nothing left in this country. I can't even afford bread. My children are hungry." Meisie Tonder expressed, "I don't have to go! My husband is not happy here, so we will wait to leave. We don't know what the future holds." IOL previously reported that US President Donald Trump suspended the country's refugee resettlement programme on his first day in office in January, leaving more than 100 000 people, already approved for resettlement, stranded after fleeing war and persecution in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. However, in February, Trump signed an executive order instructing his administration to grant refugee status to Afrikaners — descendants of Dutch and French colonisers — whom he claimed were being discriminated against in South Africa. Elon Musk, a prominent adviser to former President Trump and CEO of Tesla, has made headlines by criticising South Africa's Expropriation Act. This comes in the wake of Trump's decision to cut off foreign aid to the country, where about 3 million Afrikaners reside. Meanwhile, Trum took to his X account to unveil a controversial self-deportation programme, offering cash incentives and free plane tickets to migrants willing to leave the U.S. voluntarily. "Today, I signed an Executive Order to launch the first-ever self-deportation program. Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion. TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT RIGHT NOW!" The tweet reads. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
11-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
US set to welcome white Afrikaner refugees as emigration move invokes mixed feelings
The U.S. plans to grant refugee status to 49 white Afrikaners, stirring debate about the legitimacy of their claims and sparking international scrutiny. The U.S. plans to grant refugee status to 49 white Afrikaners, stirring debate about the legitimacy of their claims and sparking international scrutiny. In a controversial turn of events, US officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security are preparing to welcome 49 white Afrikaners to Washington, DC, as refugees starting May 12. According to reports, US officials were trying to arrange a charter flight to land at Dulles International Airport, with commercial flights being assessed as an alternative. A total of 54 individuals initially applied for asylum, but five were red-flagged due to criminal records. The decision, which has stirred both support and outrage within South Africa, comes amid growing concerns over the legitimacy of their claims, as critics argue that South Africa does not meet the conditions that would warrant refugee protection for any ethnic or political group. This comes in the wake of the migration of 49 Afrikaners to the US, sparking a national debate. Political analyst Sandile Swana has raised concerns, questioning the legitimacy of their asylum claims and emphasising that refugee status requires evidence-based grounds proving individuals can't remain in their country of origin. "For somebody to be an asylum seeker or a refugee, there must be an evidence-based assessment that shows that the person has legitimate grounds, making it impossible for them to remain in the country of their origin." He explained that in Africa, there are several regions, such as Eritrea, the DRC, and Sudan, where refugees come to South Africa to escape clear and well-documented dangers. However, in South Africa, there are no such threats targeting a particular ethnic group, especially the white Afrikaners, or individuals based on their political or religious beliefs. Swana also remarked that the Trump administration's political agenda seems focused on promoting a Western white Christian civilisation. He explained, "They appear to be working to reduce the population of Hispanics and others who don't fit within this group, while increasing the number of those who align with this Western white Christian ideal. ''As a result, people outside of this group are being expelled from the US, while white Afrikaners, who claim to share this philosophy, are being brought in under misleading reasons to perpetuate the idea that whites, particularly those who feel oppressed, are being victimised." He reiterated that this is a political maneuver aimed at painting the South African government, along with specific political parties like the EFF and ANC, as racist and targeting whites in South Africa. However, the evidence contradicts this narrative. "No South African, regardless of their complexion, hair texture, eye colour, or religious background, deserves refugee status anywhere on Earth at this time. This move seeks to falsely accuse the government and certain political parties of unconstitutional actions, which is simply untrue. There is no evidence to suggest that anyone, regardless of their background, is being targeted unconstitutionally," Swana said. The Star spoke to two of the asylum seekers, who revealed that their decision to seek refuge in the US was fuelled by desperation, driven by hunger and an overwhelming sense of disillusionment with life in South Africa. Kirsten Van Der Vententer shared, "I'm waiting to go because I have nothing left in this country. I can't even afford bread. My children are hungry." Meisie Tonder expressed, "I don't have to go! My husband is not happy here, so we will wait to leave. We don't know what the future holds." IOL previously reported that US President Donald Trump suspended the country's refugee resettlement programme on his first day in office in January, leaving more than 100 000 people, already approved for resettlement, stranded after fleeing war and persecution in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. However, in February, Trump signed an executive order instructing his administration to grant refugee status to Afrikaners — descendants of Dutch and French colonisers — whom he claimed were being discriminated against in South Africa. Elon Musk, a prominent adviser to former President Trump and CEO of Tesla, has made headlines by criticising South Africa's Expropriation Act. This comes in the wake of Trump's decision to cut off foreign aid to the country, where about 3 million Afrikaners reside. Meanwhile, Trum took to his X account to unveil a controversial self-deportation programme, offering cash incentives and free plane tickets to migrants willing to leave the U.S. voluntarily. "Today, I signed an Executive Order to launch the first-ever self-deportation program. Illegal aliens who stay in America face punishments, including sudden deportation, in a place and manner solely of our discretion. TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT RIGHT NOW!" The tweet reads. The Star
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
SA criticises US receiving Afrikaners
More than 50 Afrikaners have reportedly been granted asylum in the US and will be leaving South Africa on Monday. Image: Marco Longari / AFP South Africa's ministry of International Relations and Cooperation says the resettlement of South Africans in the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy. It has been reported that officials from the Departments of State and Homeland Security in the US will be welcoming from Monday the arrival of 54 white Afrikaners in Washington DC. They have been granted refugee status. US President Donald Trump suspended the US refugee settlement programme in January, on his first day in office, leaving more than 100 000 people approved for resettlement stranded, having fled war and persecution in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. However, in February, Trump signed an executive order directing his government to grant refugee status to Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French colonisers who he claimed were discriminated against. In a report in the New York Times in March, the Trump administration was establishing a program called 'Mission South Africa' to help white Afrikaners from South Africa to go to the United States. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes held a cordial discussion with the United States deputy secretary of state, Christopher Landau, on Friday. In a statement issued by the department, it said the discussion follows engagements via the diplomatic channels where in the government expressed concerns with the information conveyed that the US had commenced processing alleged refugees from South Africa and will begin resettling these citizens in the US. "We reiterate that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. The South African Police Service statistics on farm-related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law. "It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy," said the statement. It further stated that whilst South Africa challenges the US' assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Through the diplomatic channels, the foreign ministry has sought the status of persons that will be departing, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens; and assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them, amongst others.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawsuit challenges Trump's 'two genders' passport policy
Seven individuals have filed a federal lawsuit against the State Department after an executive order from Donald Trump barred people from updating the sex designation on their passports, preventing them from obtaining passports that reflect their accurate gender. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at enforcing discrimination against transgender people across federal agencies and government programs. Among other things, this instructed the Departments of State and Homeland Security to ensure that government-issued identification, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, reflected a person's sex 'at conception.' As a result, within 24 hours, the State Department began withholding some passports and other documents — such as birth certificates and court orders — submitted by transgender, intersex, and nonbinary applicants seeking to update their sex designation. Others had their applications rejected, with newly issued passports reverting to their sex assigned at birth. 'I've lived virtually my entire adult life as a man. Everyone in my personal and professional life knows me as a man, and any stranger on the street who encountered me would view me as a man,' Reid Solomon-Lane of North Adams, Mass., said in a press release from the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups representing him and other plaintiffs. 'I thought that 18 years after transitioning, I would be able to live my life in safety and ease. Now, as a married father of three, Trump's executive order and the ensuing passport policy have threatened that life of safety and ease. If my passport were to reflect a sex designation that is inconsistent with who I am, I would be forcibly outed every time I used my passport for travel or identification, causing potential risk to my safety and my family's safety.' The ACLU has received over 1,500 inquiries from concerned transgender people or family members, many of whom, worried about being able to get passports that accurately reflect their identity, have had their passports suspended or pending, through their legal intake form. For years, including those in the first Trump administration, the State Department has allowed people to make changes in sex designation on their passports to better align with their gender identity. In 2022, under President Joe Biden, the State Department revised its policy to make changes in sex designation easier and allowed individuals to select M, F, or an alternative X for their sex. In 21 states, the District of Columbia, and many countries around the world, similar policies apply for birth certificates and driver's licenses. Since the Executive Order took effect, the State Department has publicly stated that applications requesting a sex designation matching a person's gender identity rather than their sex assigned at birth have been suspended. An official with the White House has also stated that the policy requiring passports to bear the holder's sex assigned at birth 'will not be applied retroactively,' so existing passports are valid, but it will be applied to passport renewals. Along with the national ACLU, the ACLU of Massachusetts and the law firm Covington & Burling LLP are representing the plaintiffs in the suit, who are unable to obtain passports that align with their gender identity or who are at risk of being affected when they next renew. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The lawsuit challenges the State Department's passport policy by arguing that it violates the Administrative Procedure Act by being unconstitutional, arbitrary, and capricious, and by failing to follow the required notice-and-comment process for changes to government forms. It also asserts that the policy violates the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution by unlawfully restricting the freedom of movement of transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals. The lawsuit argues that the policy violates the Equal Protection Clause by unjustifiably discriminating against individuals based on sex. Lastly, the suit says the policy violates the First Amendment by forcing people to carry passports with a sex designation that conflicts with their identity, effectively outing them to others and compelling them to convey a government-mandated ideological message they disagree with. 'The plaintiffs in this case have had their lives disrupted by a chaotic policy clearly motivated by animus that serves zero public interest,' Sruti Swaminathan, staff attorney for the ACLU's LGBTQ & HIV Project, said in the release. 'Our clients need to travel for work, school, and family, and forcing them to carry documents that directly contradict what they know about themselves to be true — or withhold those documents altogether — is a blatant effort to violate their privacy and deny them their freedom to be themselves. We're thankful for their participation in this lawsuit and are hopeful the court will see through this flagrant attempt to violate our plaintiffs' rights under the Constitution.' 'This is yet another example of the Trump administration attempting to deny the dignity of transgender people and trying to push them out of public life,' added Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts. 'These efforts are cruel, unfair, and unlawful. We're challenging this unconstitutional Passport Policy because all people deserve the freedom to live their lives safely and with dignity.' 'Transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people deserve dignity, privacy, and the right to travel, just as all people do,' said Isaac D. Chaput, a partner in Covington's San Francisco office. 'We admire the courage of our clients to stand up to this attempt to deprive them of these fundamental rights, and we're proud to represent them alongside the ACLU and ACLU of Massachusetts.'
