To the President of the United States of America.

Dear Mr. President,

We, the South African refugee community and other racial minorities who have endured oppression and persecution in South Africa, extend our profound gratitude to you for the safety and new beginnings afforded to countless women, children, and families through the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). 

This initiative, advanced by Executive Order 14204 ("Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa") on February 7, 2025, has enabled victims of government-sponsored race-based discrimination—including Afrikaners and other minorities—to resettle in America, escaping threats of violence, land expropriation without compensation, and systemic marginalization.

The extraordinary warmth and hospitality of the American people have exceeded our every expectation. From abundant provisions of health care, food and housing to comprehensive support services and genuine compassion, we have been welcomed as valued members of American society. This stands in stark contrast to the uncertain future and insecurity we left behind.

Thank you, America!

For the first time in years, our families experience the profound privilege of living without constant fear — our homes are free from security fencing, surveillance cameras, reinforced doors, and burglar bars on every window. We can safely walk our neighborhoods day or night without the pervasive dread of assault or worse. 

This is the essence of true freedom, a gift we cherish deeply.

As thousands of applicants await processing under this vital program, those of us already resettled are diligently integrating into our host communities. We are pursuing education, employment, and civic engagement to become productive contributors to the many hospitable states that have received over a thousand of us with remarkable kindness and efficiency. It often feels like a dream realized. 

Our history has often intersect through shared values of liberty, resilience, and mutual aid.

We honor the memory of American volunteers who fought alongside us during the Second Boer War (1899–1902), including members of the American Scouts under John A. Hassell and figures like "Dynamite Dick" King, renowned for his daring sabotage of British infrastructure. An estimated 150–300 Americans joined Boer commandos, driven by anti-imperialist sentiments and a commitment to justice.

We also recall the contributions to America's founding by our own families. Like that of Thomas Antoine Mauduit du Plessis, a French artillery officer who volunteered for the Continental Army, distinguished his bravery at battles like Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth during the American War of Independence. His gallantry was commended in letters to Congress, earning him recognition as a meritorious ally. 

This shared legacy is further immortalized in the portrait of Benjamin Franklin that is printed on every $100 bill, painted by Joseph-Siffred du Plessis in 1778—a testament to the enduring goodwill between our families.

In light of these historical ties and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Africa, we respectfully petition you to:

1. Increase the annual refugee admissions ceiling beyond the current Fiscal Year 2026 limit of 7,500 — the lowest in the 45-year history of the USRAP since its inception in 1980. This cap, while prioritizing Afrikaners and other minorities facing persecution, falls far short of addressing the scale of need amid escalating farm attacks, discriminatory policies like the Expropriation Act of 2024, and calls for violence from radical political figures. Expanding this ceiling would align with America's tradition of providing refuge to the persecuted and prevent further loss of life.

2. We further hereby nominate Retired Colonel Chris Wyatt for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a former Director of African Studies at the U.S. Army War College and a veteran with extensive assignments across Africa—including as Senior Military Advisor to the U.S. Mission to the African Union—Col. Wyatt has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of South African minorities. Through his intelligence analysis, public commentary, YouTube channel (featuring interviews with resettled refugees), and exposés on the South African regime's criminal activities—including corruption, state-sponsored discrimination, and incitements to violence—he has informed U.S. policymakers, amplified victims' voices, and contributed to the awareness that supported the President's 2025 Executive Order. 

Much like Emily Hobhouse, who's exposés on Boer War concentration camps saved countless lives, Col. Wyatt's advocacy has preserved dignity and secured safety for many families. This nation's highest civilian honor, given to those making exceptional humanitarian contributions, would fittingly recognize his efforts.

Dear Mr. President, your leadership in championing justice and human rights inspires hope and like those before us, we stand ready to contribute to America's prosperity and pray for continued strength in our shared pursuit of freedom and liberty.

Sincerely,

The South African Refugees