Benjamin Schoonwinkel, a South African white Afrikaner, sought asylum in the United States following statements from former President Donald Trump, who indicated that individuals from his community, claiming to be victims of discrimination since apartheid's end, would be welcomed. Trump's administration suggested that Afrikaners facing persecution could enter the U.S. as refugees, even as it imposed restrictions on many other groups.

In September, Schoonwinkel traveled from Johannesburg to Atlanta with the intention of seeking asylum. However, he did not use the designated refugee program. Upon his arrival, he informed U.S. border agents of his asylum intentions but was detained instead. Within two days, he was placed in a federal detention center in rural Georgia, where he has remained for nearly 100 days. Schoonwinkel expressed surprise at his situation, expecting only minor bureaucratic hurdles. His experience illustrates a significant aspect of the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have led to prolonged detentions, primarily affecting migrants from Latin America, despite the administration's rhetoric regarding specific groups like Afrikaners.

In a broader context, the phrase 'E pluribus unum,' meaning 'Out of many, one,' was established in 1776 to symbolize the unity of the original 13 colonies as they formed a single nation. This motto was later mandated by the Coinage Act of 1873 to be inscribed on U.S. currency, reflecting its significance in American identity. Historically, this motto represents the collective struggle against perceived tyranny and the shared values that bind the nation.

Current immigration policies are critiqued for being at odds with these foundational values. Some narratives suggest that recent immigrants may not respect or assimilate into established culture, which is viewed as a threat to national unity. The Biden administration's border control policies have also faced scrutiny, with claims that they have led to an influx of individuals perceived as not sharing the same commitment to American values. This situation raises concerns about the implications for social services and cultural cohesion, framing the immigration landscape as a challenge to the nation's identity and stability.

The role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is highlighted as a necessary mechanism for managing these challenges, reflecting a belief in the need for a strong response to perceived threats against American culture. This ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of immigration policies to ensure alignment with the historical principles of the nation.