The Trump administration granted refugee status to the 59 white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, on the basis that they were fleeing race-based discrimination and persecution allegedly occurring under South Africa's post-apartheid government, including claims of land confiscation and violence against white farmers.

South Africa's government has strongly denied allegations of persecution against Afrikaners, describing such claims as unfounded and asserting that Afrikaners remain among the country's most economically privileged groups.

Refugee advocacy groups have condemned the program, criticizing the Trump administration for prioritizing white South Africans while many refugees from war-ravaged countries remain unassisted. Additionally, the Episcopal Church announced it would terminate its resettlement partnership, citing its commitment to racial justice.

The program was initiated by an executive order signed in February 2025 by President Trump, allowing for expedited resettlement of Afrikaners fleeing what the administration described as race discrimination and racially discriminatory confiscation of land in South Africa.