A group of Afrikaner refugees hoping to return to South Africa has sparked backlash from Americans.
This comes after the authorities revealed that almost 5 000 South Africans – predominantly white Afrikaners – have taken up resettlement in the US to date.
The programme was commissioned by President Donald Trump via executive order in February 2025 to aid victims of “racial injustice”.
Trump has directly accused the South African government of “killing” white people and “stealing” their land, claims that have been widely hailed as disinformation.
AFRIKANER REFUGEE FAMILIES WANT TO RETURN
On his YouTube account, US intel analyst Chris Wyatt revealed that he had come across reports of “misbehaving” South African refugees in the US who wanted to return home.
Two families – one including nine members – had claimed that life abroad was “too difficult”.
An irate Wyatts criticised the South Africans – of whom are predominantly white, Afrikaner refugees – claiming that they had exploited and “defrauded” the US Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP).
He said: “There are people who have used this programme to their advantage to come here as if they’re on holiday. As if this is destination shopping for them. Shame on them!”
He continued: “What the hell is wrong with these people? If you came here and want to go back, then why did you defraud my country? Clearly, you’re not suffering from unjust racial persecution. Clearly, your life is not in jeopardy in South Africa.
“So why did you come in the first place? You have taken a slot and wasted our time and resources bringing you over here! You undermine the credibility of this programme”.
In the comments section, many fellow Americans voiced their anger and disappointment.
ONLY SOUTH AFRICANS – MOSTLY AFRIKANERS – NOW ALLOWED IN UNDER REFUGEE PROGRAMME
Government data released earlier this month revealed that 99.9% of refugees accepted into the US in the last fiscal year, from October 2025, have been solely from South Africa. Only three were not from the country.
While the programme is open to all racial minorities, it has predominantly been taken up by white Afrikaners.
In December, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavit confirmed that white Afrikaner South Africans were the only refugees permitted in the country.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU WANT TO RETURN TO SA?
South African refugees who want to return home would be liable to repay a travel loan and other start-up expenses provided to them by US authorities.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), South Africans who want to return temporarily must obtain permission via a travel document before departing the US. Failure to do so could result in them being denied re-entry into the US. These actions could also strip South Africans of their refugee status, resulting in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
Returning to South Africa – considered the country of “persecution” – could come at a hefty cost. Click here for more information.
For refugees hoping to return home permanently, voluntary repatriation is always an option.
Organisations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) help people who wish to return to their countries by providing financial assistance.
According to the South African Department of International Relations, “refugees” would be welcomed back as citizens. However, they would have to revoke their status in order for this to happen.
