Nine South African Refugees Set to Arrive in Twin Falls

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TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — A representative from the Twin Falls branch of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants stated that two families, comprising nine individuals of South African descent, are expected to relocate to Twin Falls in the upcoming days.

The office will assist with their integration, considering that the Trump administration has alleged discriminatory practices and acts of violence targeting the Afrikaner community under the South African government.

On Monday, a group of 59 Afrikaners who came from Johannesburg were greeted warmly by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau upon their arrival. according to CBS.

Landau mentioned that people share deeply disturbing accounts of the violence they encountered in South Africa, which wasn’t properly handled by those in charge due to unfair enforcement of laws. He added that he wants everyone to be aware that they are genuinely welcomed here and that their experiences over recent years are acknowledged and respected.

At the beginning of this year, the South African Government approved a land reform act permitting the state to seize property without payment under specific conditions. The Afrikaners, who are mainly descendants of Dutch settlers and possess 70% of the nation’s commercial agricultural lands, could be affected by this legislation.

Although no land has actually been confiscated, the Trump administration claims that the South African government is failing to assist Afrikaners and may be tacitly allowing attacks on them.

"What's unfolding in South Africa aligns perfectly with the original purpose behind establishing the refugee program. In this instance, we're witnessing persecution rooted in a protected trait—specifically, race," stated White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

The administration under President Trump has suspended all additional refugee admissions, leaving 12,000 other refugees in an uncertain state.