First group of white South Africans arrive in US after Trump grants refugee status
theguardian.comPublished: 5/12/2025
Summary
White South Africans granted refugee status in the U.S., sparking controversy as Trump claims they're victims of "genocide." They were greeted by flag-waving officials, with their arrival coinciding as the U.S. ended protections for Afghans and resuming refugee resettlement after a pause. Critics argue it's a global apartheid approach, while Democrats condemn it as an insult to American values. Meanwhile, the Episcopal church is ending its decades-long refugee work with the U.S., citing a commitment to racial justice.