Trump's new policies are shutting out refugees from the US around the world

When President Donald Trump halted the refugee program at the start of his administration, thousands of individuals worldwide who were on the verge of starting a new life in the United States found their plans abruptly derailed. Many had already sold belongings, ended leases, and completed extensive documentation to secure approval. Some had even purchased tickets and undergone interviews with U.S. officials.

As part of his strict approach to migration, both legal and unauthorized, Trump disrupted the longstanding refugee program that historically offered sanctuary to those escaping conflict and persecution. Although the program resumed in October, refugee admissions were slashed to an unprecedented low of 7,500, primarily allowing entry for white South Africans.

Following an incident in which an Afghan national was implicated in the shooting of two National Guard members, additional restrictions were introduced. The administration also announced it would review refugees admitted during the previous Democratic administration, citing concerns about national security and the economy.

At the time the program was paused, roughly 600,000 applicants were in the process of seeking refugee status. Only a handful, mostly white South Africans, have been admitted this year, with approximately 100 others allowed entry due to a lawsuit filed by advocates pushing for the program's reinstatement.

Families Torn Apart by Policy Changes

The Dawood family, Syrian refugees who had fled civil war and settled in northern Iraq, faced separation after being accepted into the U.S. Their children, Ibrahim and Ava, relocated to Connecticut in late 2024, but their parents and another sibling were delayed due to health and logistical issues. Mohammed, one of the siblings, chose to stay behind with his parents, postponing his dreams of education and work in the United States.

Ibrahim has adapted to life in the U.S., working as a private school math teacher and tutoring online, while caring for his sister. Despite the challenges, he expresses gratitude for the assistance from volunteers and the community support that has helped them adjust.

Decade-Long Limbo for a Chinese Pastor

Lu Taizhi, a Chinese Christian who fled persecution over a decade ago, remains in Thailand awaiting U.S. resettlement. After being accepted by the United Nations for refugee status, multiple flights to the U.S. were canceled or postponed, and his application remains on hold indefinitely. Lu supports Trumps policies due to his stance against the Chinese Communist Party, yet continues to endure financial and familial hardship while living apart from his wife and children.

Family Separation in East Africa

Louis, a refugee in Kentucky, was forced to leave his wife Apolina and two young children in Uganda after his family reunification request was frozen following the policy shift. The family now faces an uncertain future, living thousands of miles apart. Apolina and the children reside in a refugee camp, struggling with the separation, while Louis works in the U.S. and hopes for eventual reunification.

These cases illustrate the human impact of the dramatic changes to U.S. refugee policy, leaving thousands in uncertainty and extending the wait for those who had long anticipated building new lives in America.

Author: Olivia Parker