US refugee finds first love
The waves of xenophobic mobilisation are a warning sign.
South African refugees face scorn and mockery due to President Donald Trump's exaggerations and lies. However, the reasons behind their decision to move to the US are more nuanced. One such individual is John, a 57-year-old English-speaking Joburger who was self-employed and rented a cottage. He decided to apply for US refuge after receiving a casual invitation.
The process, which took 14-15 months, involved screening, biometrics, interviews, medical tests, and security checks. Despite not claiming a genocide was occurring, John's case revolved around racial redress becoming systematic discrimination.
John, who is divorced and concerned for his teen daughter, fears the rise of xenophobia. He believes that if violence can be directed towards one visible outsider, it could eventually target other groups. John was resettled in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in a large American city. The resettlement agency provided basic necessities and allocated a two-bedroom flat.
John utilized his $2 450 resettlement allowance to cover deposits, rent, and initial expenses. He applied for employment in his technical field, but was willing to take any interim work. John's social circle encouraged the resettlement program, and several others have followed suit.
An unexpected twist in John's journey was reuniting with his first love, whom he had not seen in 41 years. After updating his location on Facebook, a message from her arrived, and they rekindled their relationship. John is now preparing to move closer to her while continuing his job search.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
