Archive · 8 Jan 2026
US-South Africa Agree on Refugee Program
The US and South Africa had a secret meeting to talk about a special program where white South Africans can move to the US as refugees.
The US says these people are being treated unfairly in South Africa, but the South African government disagrees.
However, South Africa said they won't stop the program.
There was also a problem where some workers were arrested, and a US official's passport picture was leaked online.
The two countries are trying to work together better, but they still have some disagreements.
US and South African officials agreed to continue the US refugee program for white South Africans.
South Africa assured the US it would not interfere with the program despite rejecting the 'white genocide' premise.
The US claims white South Africans face race-based persecution, while South Africa rejects these claims.
Tensions rose after a raid on a US refugee processing site in Johannesburg and the arrest of contractors.
The US State Department reported increased arrivals of Afrikaners as refugees in December and January.
- Who
- US and South African officials
- What
- Agreement to continue US refugee program for white South Africans
- When
- December 23 meeting, ongoing program
- Where
- South Africa, US
- Why
- US claims white South Africans face race-based persecution; South Africa rejects claims but won't interfere
- Meeting Date
- December 23
- US Representative
- Marc Dillard
- South African Representatives
- Alvin Botes, Thabo Thage
- Refugee Admissions Target (2026)
- 7,500
- Afrikaners Arrived Since May
- 1,000
- Controversial Aspect
- White South Africans as refugees
- South Africa's Stance
- No interference, but rejects 'white genocide' premise
- US Stance
- Continues program despite South African objections