SACCUSA Calls for Clarity on Refugee Policies and Process
Ten days after President Trump’s Executive Order, immigration authorities have yet to outline eligibility criteria or the application process. SACCUSA has obtained a legal view on this from our member and immigration specialist Mr Leon Versfeld as he provides an overview of a potential refugee process:
Click here for full article: https://versfeldimmigration.com/executive-order-on-refugee-resettlement-south-africans
SACCUSA still urges diplomatic resolution and continues monitoring developments. Updates will be shared once the U.S. Embassy in South Africa or USCIS provides further guidance. Official inquiries on Refugee Application process can be directed to pretoriaprminfo@state.gov or, stay informed by registering for updates at www.sachamberusa.com.
Legal Insights on a Potential Afrikaner Refugee Program by Karen-Lee Pollak
SACCUSA member and immigration specialist Karen-Lee Pollak provides valuable legal insights into what an Afrikaner Refugee Program could entail. While no official policies have been established following President Trump’s Executive Order, Karen Pollak highlights key factors that could shape such a program, including eligibility criteria, processing timelines, and the legal pathways available for South Africans seeking refugee status in the U.S.
She emphasizes that any refugee program would need to meet U.S. asylum and humanitarian standards. SACCUSA continues advocating for clarity and will provide updates as more details emerge.
Link to SACCUSA member and immigration specialist Karen-Lee Pollak’s legal insights on what an Afrikaner Refugee Program could look like – https://www.pollakimmigration.com/blog/trump-afrikaner-refugee-program
South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) Highlights Employment Opportunities for Afrikaners in the United States
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) was actively engaged by U.S. employers last week who have enquired about the timelines and procedures for bringing South African workers into the country following the Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on February 7, 2025.
South Africans are highly regarded in the U.S. labor market, particularly in agriculture, artisan trades, and administrative positions. Their reputation for hard work, adaptability, and problem-solving skills makes them a valuable asset to businesses in the U.S. Employers recognize South Africans’ ability to find innovative, out-of-the-box solutions, while working independently, and deliver tangible results in various industries.
By way of example, an employer from Houston, Texas, has reached out to SACCUSA seeking South Africans for roles in construction, real estate, and hospitality management, as well as farmers for their ranch in Montana. Many agricultural employers provide accommodation for families as a benefit of employment, further enhancing the attractiveness of these opportunities for South African workers.
In 2024, over 15,000 temporary agricultural workers from South Africa, were employed in the U.S. under H-2A visas, establishing a strong foundation for continued agricultural employment opportunities. In addition to the growing agricultural sector, numerous non-agricultural employment prospects are available across the U.S. economy, where the current unemployment rate remains at a low 4%.
To further support the growing demand for South African workers, SACCUSA will be configuring its website to enable U.S. employers to post job opportunities and for South Africans to upload their CVs. This initiative aims to streamline the employment process, making it easier for South Africans seeking legal work in the U.S. and to connect with prospective employers and secure meaningful and legal employment opportunities.
SACCUSA remains committed to fostering strong U.S.-South African trade relations and legal pathways for South Africans seeking employment opportunities in the United States.
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