Thousands of white South Africans, primarily Afrikaners aged 25 to 45, have expressed interest in emigrating to the United States after a recent executive order by former President Donald Trump, which offers potential refugee status to those citing racial discrimination in South Africa. The policy shift follows South Africa’s controversial land expropriation law, which allows the state to seize land without compensation—sparking fears among some white farmers and property owners of economic displacement and racial targeting.
Neil Diamond, president of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., confirmed that over 67,000 individuals have registered interest in relocating via the chamber’s platform since the announcement. Many of the prospective migrants cite personal security concerns, economic uncertainty, and a perceived lack of protection for minorities under current policies.
The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria acknowledged a surge in related inquiries but reiterated that all applicants must meet strict asylum or refugee eligibility criteria under U.S. immigration law, including proving a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, ethnicity, or political opinion. The potential wave of emigration has reignited debate in both countries over the implications of land reform, historical inequality, and racial tensions. South Africa’s government defends the expropriation policy as essential to addressing centuries of colonial and apartheid-era land dispossession, while critics argue it risks triggering capital flight, food insecurity, and international backlash.
U.S. immigration authorities have yet to clarify how many of the expressed interests will translate into approved asylum or refugee claims, as each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
