A social media post by a “refugee” applicant questioning if they are permitted to visit South Africa after resettling abroad in the US has set tongues wagging. This comes as US President Donald Trump has prioritised allowing 7500 predominantly Afrikaners in as part of the resettlement programme.
The controversial leader has shared his views about how he believes white people are being “killed” in a “genocide”
‘REFUGEE’ APPLICANT: ‘CAN WE HOLIDAY IN SOUTH AFRICA?’
On social media, a screenshot of a community forum chat between refugee applicants have gone viral.
In it, one interested party questioned whether resettling in the US was a one-way ticket out of South Africa
“OptimisticGrape2077” asked: “My husband applied for refugee status in America for all of us. We had the first teleconic interview, and now we have a face-to-face interview coming up.
“What I want to know is, if the refugee status is granted, are we allowed to come back to SA on holiday to see family? If so, is there a time limit on how long we can come back for?”
RETURNING HOME, AT A COST
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are stringent travel restrictions in place for refugees who are successful in the resettlement programme.
The USCIS states that all refugees must obtain permission via a travel document before they depart the US. Failure to do so could result in refugees being denied re-entry into the US. These actions could also strip South Africans of their refugee status, resulting in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
Returning to South Africa – considered the country of “persecution” – could come at a cost; here is how…
- Refugees who visit SA without prior permission shall be presumed to have abandoned their asylum unless they can establish compelling reasons for their return.
- Refugees are expected to explain the reason for their return in the process of obtaining permission.
- Returning to one’s country of claimed persecution could result in termination of asylum if there are fundamental changes in circumstances back home.
- Termination could also occur due to fraud in the asylum application. This happens if an applicant is not eligible for refugee status.
- Returning to SA for business or pleasure can be considered evidence that the refugee’s alleged fear of persecution is not genuine.
REFUGEES WHO SEEK VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION
For Afrikaner “refugees” hoping to return home willingly for good, voluntary repatriation is always an option. Organisations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) help those who wish to travel back to their countries by providing financial assistance.
According to the South African Department of International Relations, “refugees” would be welcomed back as citizens. However, they would have to revoke their status in order for this to happen.
