SA 'refugees' expelled from US over ‘fraudulent’ claims

Three South Africans have been kicked out of the US refugee programme after allegedly obtaining their refugee status fraudulently. A fourth woman is also facing the music after she allegedly failed to declare her membership of a motorcycle club during the interview process. Zach Kahler, spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, told News24’s sister publication Rapport that those seeking protection in the US must be honest and comply with all legal requirements: ‘If (immigration services) finds someone obtained refugee status through fraud or misrepresentation, or is otherwise found ineligible, we will act to protect the programme and the American people.’ Immigration services typically sends a refugee a letter notifying that the status may be terminated along with the reasons for the decision. The refugee then has 10 days to respond and attempt to rebut the claims.