South African officials have cast the move as a politically motivated attempt to discredit the country. The Trump administration has criticized the South African government for having a close relationship with Iran and for its stance against Israel.

After suspending the US refugee program, President Trump is making an exception for white South Africans, known as Afrikaners

The church is ending its refugee resettlement deal with the government rather than resettle Afrikaners it feels were given ‘preferential treatment.’