US Welcomes White South Africans as Refugees While Ending TPS for Cameroonians

The United States will begin resettling a group of White South Africans as refugees next week, following a presidential executive order by Donald Trump classifying them as victims of “race-based persecution.” The decision comes amid growing criticism over the administration’s selective immigration policies—particularly as it prepares to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Cameroonians facing continued instability in their home country.

White South Africans Prioritised

More than two dozen Afrikaner families will arrive Monday at Dulles International Airport, outside Washington. A U.S. government delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, will welcome them.The effort is part of a “larger-scale relocation” programme, according to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who cited “persecution based on a protected characteristic – in this case, race” as the justification.

“This is persecution based on a protected characteristic – in this case, race. This is race-based persecution,” Miller told reporters.

The policy follows Trump’s February 2025 executive order prioritising refugee applications from White South Africans, especially Afrikaner farmers, whom the administration alleges face discriminatory land reform policies and attacks in South Africa.

South Africa Pushes Back

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa strongly rejected the U.S. characterisation of conditions in the country. In a statement issued Friday, Ramaphosa said, “There are no South African citizens that can be classified as refugees to any part of the world, including the US.”

The South African foreign ministry also criticised the move as politically motivated, warning it undermines the nation’s constitutional democracy.

“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,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Despite South Africa’s denials, the Trump administration has continued to frame the resettlement as a humanitarian response. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement has prepared housing, household goods, and basic living support for the incoming group.

Contrasting Treatment of Cameroonians

This refugee initiative contrasts sharply with the Trump administration’s simultaneous decision to end TPS for approximately 7,900 Cameroonians, effective June 7, 2025. TPS provides temporary legal status to foreign nationals already in the U.S. when conditions in their home countries prevent safe return. The designation for Cameroon was originally granted in response to ongoing armed conflict and political instability.

Cameroon continues to experience security volatility, particularly in the North West, South West, and Far North regions, where clashes between separatist fighters, Boko Haram terrorists and government forces have led to extrajudicial killings, mass displacement, and civilian casualties. The United Nations and international rights groups have documented widespread human rights violations.

Despite these reports, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated earlier this month that Cameroon “no longer meets the criteria” for TPS, a claim disputed by humanitarian organisations and U.S. lawmakers. A bipartisan group of legislators recently urged the administration to extend TPS protections, citing the country’s ongoing armed conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

The Trump administration’s prioritisation of Afrikaner refugees while ending protections for others has prompted accusations of inconsistency and bias.

Rick Santos, President of Church World Service, questioned the selective nature of the U.S. refugee programme.

“We are concerned that the US government has chosen to fast-track the admission of Afrikaners, while actively fighting court orders to provide life-saving resettlement to other refugee populations who are in desperate need.”

Shawn VanDiver, leader of #AfghanEvac, echoed the sentiment, pointing to the administration’s rejection of Afghan refugees who aided U.S. forces.

“Afghans risked their lives for us. That should matter,” he said.

Implications for U.S. Refugee Policy

While the Trump administration maintains that it is restoring integrity to the immigration system, critics argue that its actions are reshaping the refugee programme to reflect ideological priorities rather than humanitarian need.

In recent months, authorities have largely suspended refugee resettlement from Afghanistan, Iraq, and sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, many White South Africans, who maintain relatively high standards of living compared to South Africa’s Black majority, face categorisation as urgent humanitarian cases.

South Africa, which currently holds the presidency of the G20, has experienced diplomatic friction with the U.S. in recent months. Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 meeting in Johannesburg and later expelled South Africa’s ambassador over statements critical of U.S. racial policies.

Uncertainty Ahead

As the U.S. prepares to welcome its first cohort of White South African refugees, Cameroonians in the U.S. face a looming deadline. Unless extended or reversed by court action, TPS for Cameroon will end on June 7, leaving thousands at risk of deportation to a country still grappling with insecurity and violence.

This dual-track approach prompts key questions about the application of humanitarian protection and whether U.S. law treats all vulnerable populations equally.

Mimi Mefo Info