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

From the very first day of Donald Trump's current presidency, the refugee program was suspended, leaving thousands of people across the globe who were on the verge of starting a new life in the U.S. stranded. The administration's crackdown on both legal and illegal immigration has dramatically reshaped the long-standing refugee program, historically a lifeline for those escaping conflict and persecution.

In October, the program resumed but with a record low ceiling of 7,500 refugees, predominantly white South Africans. New restrictions were announced after an Afghan individual was identified as a suspect in a shooting targeting National Guard members. Additionally, the administration intends to review refugees admitted during the Biden era, citing concerns related to national security and the economy.

At the time the program was paused, approximately 600,000 people were in the process of being approved for U.S. resettlement. Aside from a few dozen white South Africans admitted this year, only around 100 others gained entry due to legal action by advocacy groups attempting to restore the program.

A Family Torn Apart by Policy Shifts

The Dawood family fled the civil war in Syria and relocated to northern Iraq, hoping to access better medical care for their daughter, who had suffered a severe fall. After being approved as refugees, Ibrahim and his sister Ava moved to Connecticut in November 2024, while the rest of the family was scheduled to join them in January. Their mothers sudden health issue delayed the flight, and another sibling refused to leave without their parents. Nearly a year later, the family remains separated.

Ibrahim now balances tutoring, teaching math at a private school, and caring for his sister, while his mother expresses her distress over being unable to assist her daughter in the U.S.

A Pastor in Limbo

Lu Taizhi, a Chinese Christian pastor, fled to Thailand over a decade ago to escape religious persecution. Despite being accepted by the U.S. for resettlement, his flight was canceled shortly after Trump assumed office, leaving his application in indefinite suspension. Lu, previously targeted by Chinese authorities for his writings and Christian faith, has waited eight years for resettlement, viewing the U.S. as a sanctuary for religious freedom.

Family Separation Across Continents

Louis arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in September 2024, leaving his wife and two young children in East Africa. Their reunion plans were halted following Trumps return to office. His wife, Apolina, and their children remain in a refugee camp in Uganda, while Louis works in Kentucky. Changes to refugee policy froze the application for family reunification, leaving the family separated without a clear timeline for reunion.

Louis works in an appliance factory and has applied for permanent residency, while Apolina and their children live under challenging conditions in the refugee camp. The prolonged separation has caused significant emotional strain on both parents and children.

Author: Lucas Grant