Controversial Refugee Resettlement: Afrikaners to Arrive in the U.S.

The United States is poised to welcome its first wave of Afrikaner refugees from South Africa early next week, according to The New York Times. The Trump administration is coordinating the arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, with officials slated to attend the reception event.

This initiative is part of President Donald Trump's executive order issued on February 7, which aims to resettle Afrikaner refugees identified as victims of racial discrimination. However, logistics and flight arrangements are still being coordinated, which may cause delays, officials familiar with the operation have indicated.

The plan has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from South Africa's Foreign Ministry. The Ministry contends that the executive order misrepresents South Africa's historical context of colonialism and apartheid, especially given Trump's earlier suspension of refugee admissions on security and cost grounds. Meanwhile, other refugees from conflict zones remain blocked despite having been vetted and cleared.

(With inputs from agencies.)