Refugee Family from South Africa Arrives in Missoula Amid Controversial Immigration Policies
A South African family, recently designated as refugees by the U.S. Department of State, arrived in Missoula on Monday evening, according to a spokesperson from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Diana Santana highlighted the family’s arrival while withholding further details about their circumstances.
This family is among 59 Afrikaners welcomed by U.S. officials at Dulles International Airport, part of an expedited immigration process initiated by an executive order from former President Donald Trump in February. The order was precipitated by concerns over alleged land confiscation in South Africa, where Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch colonists, reportedly face violence and property seizures.
Critics, including reports from Al Jazeera and the Associated Press, have questioned the legitimacy of these claims. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration did not divulge additional information regarding the Missoula family.
The IRC has committed to supporting the newly arrived family, stating, "Across the U.S., we serve thousands of newcomers from dozens of countries based on their individual and family needs." The IRC’s Missoula office, reopened in 2016 in partnership with Soft Landing Missoula, assists refugees in various domains, including housing, employment, and education.
Since its reopening, the IRC has successfully resettled over 1,000 refugees in Montana, with arrivals from countries like Afghanistan and Syria. Santana underscored the importance of restoring operational capacity to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, highlighting the significance of welcoming individuals fleeing violence and persecution. The ongoing suspension of the program has raised concerns about the future for countless refugees seeking safety in the U.S.
This story was first reported by Montana Free Press.
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