A group of white South Africans arrived in the United States on Monday, marking a significant moment as the State Department highlighted its renewed focus on refugee resettlement in Africa.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the group as vulnerable, claiming they have been unfairly targeted by racism in South Africa. She emphasized that bringing them to the U.S. is a necessary step to protect those suffering from such discrimination.
“There’s no need for them to fear losing their property without compensation or experiencing violence based on their ethnicity. In the coming months, we will continue to welcome more African refugees and assist them in starting new lives here,” Bruce stated.
The inaugural flight carrying 49 South Africans, members of a minority community, landed at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday morning, according to reports.
Former President Trump defended the decision to accept these refugees while previously suspending admissions for others fleeing conflict and famine, such as those from Sudan and Afghanistan.
“They’re being killed, and I don’t want to see people being killed,” he remarked.
He continued, referring to the violence against white farmers. “It’s not what you want to write about, but the farmers are being brutally killed. They just happen to be white, yet it doesn’t matter if they’re white or black; the fact remains that violence is occurring.”
Trump noted that he had effectively expanded citizenship for those seeking safety from violence in South Africa, mentioning that leaders from South Africa plan to meet with him at the White House soon.
“I don’t care who they are. Their race, color, height, or weight doesn’t concern me,” he added.
According to reports from South African police over the last four years, 101 individuals connected to farms have been murdered. In response, a spokesperson for the South African Foreign Ministry accused the Trump administration of political maneuvering in this matter.
