South African Refugee Families Resettle in Iowa

(DES MOINES, IA) -- Two White South African families have arrived in Iowa after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration.

Lutheran Services in Iowa and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants each received one family, part of a group of 59 Afrikaners admitted to the U.S. on May 12. The administration cited racial discrimination as the reason for admission-a claim disputed by South African officials.

Local agencies say they are adapting to new federal priorities while continuing their work with refugees from all backgrounds.