FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2025

Contact:

Versfeld & Hugo, LLC

📧 [email protected]

📞 +1 816-891-8600

🌐 www.versfeldimmigration.com

USCIS and State Department to Implement Refugee Resettlement Plan Following Presidential Executive Order

The recent executive order issued by the President of the United States directs the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to take steps toward prioritizing humanitarian relief for Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination. This directive includes potential admission and resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

At this time, the full scope of the order remains unclear, and further clarification will be necessary to determine eligibility criteria, application processes, and implementation timelines.

Specifically, questions remain regarding:

Who qualifies under the term "Afrikaner"as used in the order?

What impact, if any, a reversal of South Africa’s land expropriation policies would have on the implementation of the refugee resettlement program.

What should South Africans in the US do to qualify for any related immigration relief under this new Order?

Key Information on U.S. Refugee Eligibility

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to qualify as a refugee , an individual must:

✔️ Be outside the United States

✔️ Be of special humanitarian concern to the U.S.

✔️ Demonstrate past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group

✔️ Not be firmly resettled in another country

✔️ Be admissible to the United States under immigration laws

Application Process and Next Steps

Referral Required:
Applicants must receive a referral to USRAP for consideration as a refugee.

USCIS Interview:
Once referred, an applicant will complete their refugee application and undergo an interview with aUSCIS officer abroad who will determine eligibility.

Family Inclusion:
A refugee’s spouse and unmarried children under 21may be included in their application.

Resettlement Assistance:
Approved refugees will receive a medical exam, cultural orientation, assistance with travel, and a travel loan to relocate to the U.S.

Work Authorization:
Refugees may legally work in the U.S. immediately upon arrival.

Path to Permanent Residency:

Refugeesmust apply for a Green Card one year after entering the United States.

Important Considerations

The executive order signals a significant policy shift in U.S. immigration, prioritizing refugee protections for individuals facing race-based property confiscation and discrimination. While the order outlines a framework for resettlement, specific details regarding application procedures are still forthcoming.

Our firm, Versfeld & Hugo, LLC, is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as soon as USCIS and the State Department release additional information.

For those potentially eligible, we strongly advise consulting with an immigration attorney to assess available legal pathways and next steps. PLEASE BE AWARE OF SCAMMERS OR NON-LAWYERS IN THIS SPACE

For inquiries regarding U.S. refugee admissions and immigration options, contact:

📧 [email protected]

📞 +1 816-891-8600

🌐 www.versfeldimmigration.com