In a historic move, a group of 49 white South Africans, known as Afrikaners, departed from their homeland on a private charter plane bound for the United States. This relocation is part of a new program announced by the Trump administration in February, which offers refugee status to Afrikaners who claim to be facing racial discrimination in South Africa. The group, which includes families with small children, is expected to arrive at Dulles International Airport outside Washington on Monday morning.

According to Collen Msibi, a spokesperson for South Africa’s transport ministry, the Afrikaners are the first to be relocated under this program. The South African government, however, has denied claims of persecution, stating that the allegations are “completely false.” Despite this, the Trump administration has fast-tracked the applications of the Afrikaners, while pausing other refugee programs from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and most of sub-Saharan Africa.

The decision to prioritize the relocation of Afrikaners has raised questions among refugee groups, who argue that people from countries affected by war and natural disasters should be given priority. The vetting process for refugee status in the US typically takes years, but the Trump administration has made an exception for the Afrikaners.

The US government claims that the South African government is pursuing racist, anti-white policies through affirmative action laws and a new land expropriation law that targets Afrikaners’ land. However, the South African government denies these claims, stating that they are based on misinformation and that there is no racism against Afrikaners.

The Afrikaners, who are descendants of Dutch and French colonial settlers, make up around 2.7 million of South Africa’s population of 62 million, which is more than 80% Black. Despite being a minority, Afrikaners are considered to be among the most economically privileged in the country, with many successful business leaders and some serving in government as Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.

The relocation of the Afrikaners is expected to be the first in a “much larger-scale relocation effort,” according to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. The HHS Office for Refugee Resettlement has prepared to offer support to the relocated Afrikaners, including housing, furniture, and other household items, as well as expenses like groceries and clothing.

The Trump administration’s decision to relocate the Afrikaners has sparked controversy, with many in South Africa puzzled by claims of persecution. The South African government has respected the freedom of choice of the Afrikaners, but has stated that there is no justification for their relocation. As the first group of Afrikaners arrives in the US, the international community watches with interest, wondering what this move will mean for refugee policies and international relations.