President Donald Trump’s administration appears to be grappling with an unexpected challenge in its initiative to offer refuge to white South Africans. Despite the administration’s fervent claims of an “imaginary genocide” targeting Afrikaners, many do not seem inclined to accept the opportunity to resettle in the United States.

An internal proposal recently obtained by The Guardian reveals that State Department officials are considering allocating approximately $335,000 to conduct an advertising campaign aimed at understanding the lack of interest among potential applicants for refugee status.

Since launching an online registration platform in November 2025, the number of applications from Afrikaners has been “lower than expected,” according to the report. The officials admit they are puzzled by the low turnout while expressing a desire to investigate further.

The proposal outlines a multi-phase plan, beginning with focus groups in various South African communities, including Pretoria and Orania, the latter known for its “White Only” status. The outreach effort aims to gauge the sentiments of these communities toward migrating to the United States.

Subsequent to the focus groups, a survey involving 1,000 Afrikaners is planned, with an aim to determine effective messaging for promoting the migration program. The final phase will entail a dedicated six-month online advertising campaign conducted largely in Afrikaans.

However, it is important to note that this campaign remains a proposal and has yet to receive the necessary approvals from key stakeholders.

In February 2025, President Trump’s executive order positioned the resettlement of Afrikaners as a key agenda item. The administration’s justification for this move centers around claims of government-sponsored racial discrimination and property seizures against white South Africans.

Despite the administration’s claims, governmental and scholarly sources have widely discredited the concept of “white genocide” advanced by Trump. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized that the narrative surrounding this purported genocide is unfounded and merely “fake news,” noting there is no substantial evidence to support such assertions.

The refugee admissions idea initially gained momentum when Trump drastically trimmed the cap set by the prior administration, reducing it from 125,000 to just 7,500. Later, it was increased to 17,000 with an emphasis on Afrikaner resettlement. However, officials acknowledge ongoing disappointment regarding the program’s effectiveness.

Recent figures show that the U.S. admitted a total of 16,292 refugees in the last fiscal year, most of whom were from South Africa. Yet, this number has not alleviated concerns about the apparent disinterest among Afrikaners in pursuing refugee status.

A State Department spokesperson defended the ongoing initiatives, stating, “We continue to process and admit as refugees Afrikaners in South Africa who are escaping the threat of government-sponsored race-based discrimination.” The spokesperson reiterated that Trump remains committed to prioritizing Afrikaner resettlement.

The relationship between the Trump administration and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been tense. In a past meeting, Trump showcased what he called “evidence” of violence against white South Africans, presenting imagery that turned out to mistakenly depict humanitarian workers elsewhere in Africa.

This initiative to resettle Afrikaners raises questions about the intersection of immigration policy and racial narratives in the current political climate. While the administration touts its commitment to helping these communities, the evident lack of applicants calls into question the actual demand for such a program.

Trump’s emphasis on this demographic also sheds light on broader discussions surrounding race and immigration in America. His focus on Afrikaners has been criticized by many who argue it reflects an underlying agenda rather than genuine humanitarian concern.

As the proposed campaign waits for approval, the future of Afrikaner resettlement remains uncertain. Without a clear understanding of the barriers keeping potential applicants from participating, the administration runs the risk of further complicating its efforts.

Ultimately, this complicated scenario serves as a litmus test for the Trump administration’s immigration policy and its ability to navigate the nuanced and often divisive landscape of race in America, where perceptions and realities can clash dramatically.

The outcome of these efforts could have lasting implications not just for Afrikaners, but for U.S. immigration policy as a whole, highlighting the complexities involved in resettlement discussions amidst a backdrop of race and discrimination.