Non-white South Africans show interest in seeking refugee status
Chasing the ‘American Dream’? South Africans from racial minority groups are showing interest in President Trump’s refugee status offer.
US President Donald Trump’s refugee status offer extends beyond Afrikaners, white South Africans, and farmers.
According to discussions on social media, many individuals identified as “racial minorities” have also shown interest in starting a new life abroad.
The programme is open to “persecuted” South Africans who are victims of “racial discrimination”.
‘RACIAL MINORITIES’ KEEN TO TAKE UP ‘REFUGEE STATUS’ OFFER
Earlier this month, the Trump administration admitted 49 Afrikaner “refugees” to the US through its Refugee Admissions Programme.
Days later, the US Embassy issued a statement detailing the programme, which was extended to “racial minorities” in South Africa.
Despite initially being targeted at Afrikaner farmers and white people, US authorities have since included coulred, Indian, and “mixed-race” South Africans.
On social media, many who fall into this category have expressed their interest for various reasons, including lack of employment and being “victims of racism”.
@truthbetold: “I’m Indian and I’d go in a heartbeat. Rather sleep overnight in a refugee camp than daily in fear in our own homes.”
@sameshhairpersad: “I would love to leave if they are giving us job opportunities. There is nothing for us here.”
@mol: “How do I apply? I am a qualified nurse and unable to get a job here in South Africa”.
HOW TO APPLY
According to the US Embassy, applicants for the refugee programme must meet the following criteria.
- Be South African
- Be of Afrikaner ethnicity or be a member of a racial minority in South Africa.
- Must be able to articulate an experience of persecution or fear of future persecution.
Applicants who met the criteria were encouraged to complete and submit a Statement of Interest form.
In line with US President Donald Trump’s claims of “racial discrimination”, applicants must prove that they have been “persecuted” in their applications.
In the Statement of Interest form, applicants are required to specify if the “persecution” was based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership of a social group, or a fear of “future harm”.
Other questions included when the prospective “refugee” would like to travel to the US, how many family members they would like to bring, and if interested parties have a valid passport.