The United States Embassy in South Africa has confirmed it has received close to 50,000 inquiries regarding its refugee resettlement programme, following a controversial offer of asylum extended to white Afrikaner farmers by former US President Donald Trump.
Trump previously claimed that white farmers in South Africa were victims of racial persecution and violent attacks—allegations the South African government has strongly denied, stating that high crime levels in the country affect all communities, regardless of race.
The embassy said the first group of white South African refugees arrived in the US last month, with reports indicating that a second group of nine individuals landed last Friday.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Pretoria said it continues to review applications from those who have shown interest in resettlement. It also confirmed that eligible individuals are being contacted for interviews and further processing.
Refugees from South Africa continue to arrive in the United States on commercial flights as part of the programme’s ongoing operations.