Considering US asylum? You may NOT be able to return home

Thinking about taking up Donald Trump’s offer of asylum under refugee status in the US? If so, you might not be able to return home…

asylum, refugee status, donald trump, south africa

Seeking asylum or a refugee status in the US could mean you would be unable to return home. Image by David Peterson from Pixabay

If you are one of several thousand white South Africans who have enquired about seeking asylum in America, you’ll likely be disappointed at the possibility that you may not be able to return home if granted refugee status.

Last week, US President Donald Trump signed off on an executive order for immigration services to prioritise the Afrikaner community. This comes amid his criticism of the SA government, citing “racist laws” and “unfair discrimination.”

ASYLUM PROCESS IN THE WORKS

According to the US Embassy in SA, the wheels are in motion for the asylum process for white South Africans.

In a statement, the embassy claimed that the US Department of State was coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to “promote and prioritise humanitarian relief”.

afrikaner, refugee, donald trump — Here’s what you need to know about Donald Trump’s refugee status offer to South Africans. Image by tammon from Pixabay

For those seeking refugee status under the Trump administration, this meant that the US was working on the consideration of eligibility for admission and resettlement of the Afrikaner community, who were “victims of unjust racial discrimination.”

According to the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA), “thousands of South Africans” have contacted them for information regarding the process and implications of Donald Trump’s executive order.

The organisation has invited interested individuals to register in their database to stay informed on the latest developments.

REFUGEE STATUS: WILL YOU BE ABLE TO RETURN TO SA?

According to the US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS), there is a strict vetting process in place for those seeking asylum or refugee status.

Once resettled in the US, refugees are permitted to work immediately. They will also be eligible for a green card a year later.

However there are also stringent travel restrictions in place.

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 asylees being denied re-entry into the US. These actions could also strip asylees of their refugee status, resulting in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

In the case of Afrikaners, returning to South Africa – considered the country of “persecution” may be a bit more complicated.

Refugees who visit SA without prior permission shall be presumed to have abandoned their asylum. This, 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.