A South African family of four who sought refuge in the US via Trump’s refugee program for persecuted individuals recently got in trouble after finding out the harsh truths about the country. The Afrikaner family moved to the state of Montana expecting a smooth lifestyle transition with a free house, a job, healthcare, etc., but instead, they became stranded in a hotel and even asked for help.
South African expatriate @catmpt from TikTok detailed her family’s struggles in their move. catmpt’s family is one of the two white South African families who obtained a Priority-2 refugee status in the US– thanks in part to an Executive Order from US President Donald Trump. Priority-2 status, for the uninitiated, includes a promise of start-up assistance such as financial support and employment.
That’s not what happened once they’ve settled in the US. According to catmpt, her family was immediately disappointed and likely even regretted the move at all since they were apparently given no such resources for their migration. Additionally catmpt claims it’s the same case for other South African families who moved to the US.
“They were understanding that they would be arriving here for complete assistance. People thought they would be arriving at a house, a job, medical insurance, and other things. It isn’t that way at all,” claims catmpt, transcript courtesy of Capetown ETC.
catmpt’s TikTok video has sadly been taken down due to an overwhelming flood of bullying (likely from US citizens) telling her to go back to Africa, among other negative things. catmpt did say that her goal was to seek help from the authorities and to educate people on the difficulties of moving.
They Did Get Help
Thankfully, catmpt’s family was finally given the help and assistance they needed as per the Priority-2 status of their refugee program. It’s not clear how much catmpt’s family received from the US government, of course. Still, the situation was looking bleak prior to her viral (and now deleted) video, as they were forced to stay in a hotel in Montana, stranded with low funds.
Apparently, the mishap was the result of a lack of coordination since the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in South Africa stated that they do not grant diplomatic assistance for refugees in the US. That responsibility falls under the US Refugee Admissions Programme, which might have neglected its duties before catmpt’s TikTok video went viral.
But while catmpt’s struggles with migration appear to be over now, some people online– namely, US citizens– chimed in on the matter. Most of their opinions, however, were likely formed before catmpt was provided refugee assistance, so many of these comments were jokes about deportation and criticisms about the current Trump administration.
“Trump got his press coverage so you are no longer any value to him. Figure it out. Or not. He doesn’t care,” argues VerdantPathfinder
“Super funny that they thought they’d have access to amenities many Americans can’t even get,” laughs NamiSwaaan
“Damn immigrants asking for handouts,” jokes Next-Concert7327 (hopefully)
“Call ICE, self deport, etc.,” suggests Interesting-Risk6446
“They thought they would receive healthcare. That’s precious. Welcome to America,” says paxrom2
