Non-white South Africans express interest in refugee status

It’s not just Afrikaners, white South Africans, or farmers who are eligible for US President Donald Trump’s refugee status offer. 

And according to social media commentary, many who fall under the label of “racial minorities” are also expressing their interest in making a new life for themselves abroad.

The programme is open to “persecuted” South Africans who are victims of “racial discrimination”.

‘RACIAL MINORITIES’ KEEN TO TAKE UP ‘REFUGEE STATUS’ OFFER

Earlier this month, 49 Afrikaner “refugees” arrived in the US under the Trump administration’s Refugee Admissions Programme.

Days later, the US Embassy issued a statement detailing the programme, which was extended to “racial minorities” in South Africa.

Despite initially being targeted at Afrikaner farmers and white people, US authorities have since included coulred, Indian, and “mixed-race” South Africans.

On social media, many who fall into this category have expressed their interest for various reasons, including lack of employment and being “victims of racism”.

@truthbetold: “I’m Indian and I’d go in a heartbeat. Rather sleep overnight in a refugee camp than daily in fear in our own homes.”

@sameshhairpersad: “I would love to leave if they are giving us job opportunities. There is nothing for us here.”

@mol: “How do I apply? I am a qualified nurse and unable to get a job here in South Africa”.

HOW TO APPLY

According to the US Embassy, applicants for the refugee programme must meet the following criteria.

• Be South African
• Be of Afrikaner ethnicity or be a member of a racial minority in South Africa.
• Must be able to articulate an experience of persecution or fear of future persecution. 

Applicants who met the criteria were encouraged to complete and submit a Statement of Interest form.  

In line with US President Donald Trump’s claims of “racial discrimination”, applicants must prove that they have been “persecuted” in their applications.

In the Statement of Interest form, applicants are required to specify if the “persecution” was based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership of a social group, or a fear of “future harm”.

Other questions included when the prospective “refugee” would like to travel to the US, how many family members they would like to bring, and if interested parties have a valid passport.

ARE YOU A RACIAL MINORITY CONSIDERING ‘REFUGEE’ STATUS?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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