AFRIKANER Act

This bill would let certain residents of South Africa be treated as “Priority 2” refugees, a fast-track category for people in urgent need. It covers people in South Africa’s Caucasian minority who have been persecuted, or fear persecution, because of their race, ethnicity, or ancestry. It also covers their spouses, children, and parents, except parents who are citizens of a country other than South Africa. Applications can be processed in South Africa or in another country. People can still apply even if they also qualify to immigrate through other paths, and a politically motivated arrest or similar action tied to their race, ethnicity, or ancestry cannot be the main reason to deny them.

People admitted under this policy would not count against yearly immigration or refugee caps. The State and Homeland Security Departments must publish reports 180 days after the law takes effect and every 90 days after that, showing pending applications, average wait times for key steps (like interviews and security checks), and reasons for denials. The State Department must post these reports online. Those granted this status are considered to meet U.S. refugee admission requirements.

• Who is affected: Residents of South Africa in the Caucasian minority facing persecution; their spouses, children, and parents (except parents who are citizens of another country).
• What changes: They are designated as Priority 2 refugees; cases can be processed in South Africa or elsewhere; they cannot be denied mainly for politically motivated arrests; admissions do not count against annual limits; required public reporting begins after enactment .
• When: Reporting starts within 180 days of enactment, then every 90 days.