US imposes visa restrictions on some South Africans over alleged anti‑white discrimination

The United States announced new visa restrictions affecting certain South African nationals, though the statement did not identify the individuals who will be barred from entry. The measure follows a series of remarks from the Trump administration asserting that South Africa’s government discriminates against the white Afrikaner minority and alleging the existence of a “white genocide.” The administration has linked the restrictions to what it describes as the country’s affirmative‑action policies, which it claims target white citizens.

The visa policy was issued during President Donald Trump’s second term, a period marked by repeated, unsubstantiated claims about racial persecution in South Africa. Officials did not provide details on the criteria used to select those affected, and no evidence was presented to support the alleged genocide narrative. The announcement adds to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa, with both governments expected to address the issue through diplomatic channels.