One of the white Afrikaner refugees brought to the US by the Trump administration was found to have a history of posting antisemitic content on social media. Charl Kleinhaus made disturbing statements about Jews and shared nationalist, right-wing videos promoting violence against immigrants. Despite confirming ownership of the account containing such posts, Kleinhaus denied being antisemitic, attributing his actions to medication. This revelation raises questions about the US government’s screening process, particularly in light of recent efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists on grounds of alleged antisemitism.

The Trump administration’s decision to grant refugee status to Kleinhaus and 58 other white South Africans has drawn criticism, especially as they were welcomed amidst claims of persecution in their home country. Afrikaners, a white ethnic minority that once enforced apartheid in South Africa, have faced allegations of promoting the baseless theory of “white genocide.” Trump’s executive order in support of Afrikaner refugees further fueled controversy, with the DHS emphasizing its vetting process but refraining from commenting on specific cases.

The Episcopal church’s decision to terminate its refugee resettlement program with the US government reflects concerns over the preferential treatment given to these Afrikaner refugees. The presiding bishop expressed disappointment at the unequal treatment of refugees, highlighting the need for a fair and transparent approach to resettlement efforts. This development underscores the complex intersection of political decisions, social issues, and ethical considerations in the realm of refugee resettlement.