His family was left behind in the US due to Trump's crackdown on refugees.

CINCINNATI, Ohio Socheath Phong wants to share why he is living alone in a modest rental home near West Eighth Street. His English is steadily improving, but his accent remains strong. He worries it might create misunderstandings, so he prefers to show rather than just tell. He wants his story to be understood.

At the kitchen table, Phong opens a folder filled with documents. He explains these papers support the refugee application he submitted years ago to enter the United States. Among them is an official-looking document from Cambodia: the 2017 arrest warrant issued for him due to his pro-democracy efforts with Cambodias banned opposition party. In Cambodia, being labeled a traitor can have deadly consequences, ranging from imprisonment to death. When Phong discovered the warrant, he fled to Thailand, leaving behind his wife and four children. He says he had no choice, having witnessed the government dissolve his political party, imprison friends and colleagues, and place its cofounder under house arrest. Earlier that year, a former legislator was killed while waiting for a bus.

Two years ago, Phong was granted refugee status in the United States and settled in Cincinnati with support from Catholic Charities. He immediately began working with authorities and the organization to bring his wife and two youngest children to the U.S., aiming to reunite his family. But in January, the refugee program was suspended by President Donald Trump, halting the process that would allow his family to join him. Trump stated at the time that the U.S. could no longer accommodate refugees, claiming they strained communities and the economy.

Phong expresses gratitude for being in the United States, but discussing the separation from his family brings him pain. He removes his glasses to wipe his tears. After eight years apart, he exists in his childrens lives only through screens and phone calls. Who can help me? he asks quietly.

As he prepares dinner, Phong invites you upstairs to a small room with a desk, bed, and family photographs. He points to a faded portrait of his father, Thlai Phong, who was a Cambodian activist in the 1970s promoting human rights and democracy. When the Khmer Rouge targeted political opponents, his father fled to Thailand, but returned under threat to protect his family. Phong recalls that his father was beaten to death by the Khmer Rouge, leaving him and his mother to survive and hide in Thailand for a decade. A photo of his father survived because his mother concealed it, carrying it later when they fled Cambodia again in 2017.

Back at the kitchen table, Phong shares photographs from his time as a political activist in Cambodia, showing him leading community efforts, campaigning, and under surveillance. These images document life before the Cambodian government dissolved the opposition party and began suppressing its members. Despite the dangers, Phong remains committed to advocating for democracy in Cambodia from afar, through media interviews and social media posts. One mentor, a former party leader, encouraged him to continue despite the crackdown.

Phong also shows photos of his children, two boys and two girls, aged 14 to 27. He explains that phone calls with them are emotionally challenging, especially when they ask about his wellbeing. His work in food service and political activism keeps him occupied, but the separation from his family weighs heavily on him. Living in the United States provides safety, yet his heart remains with his wife and children.

Before departing, Phong gives you a krama, a traditional Cambodian scarf with green, purple, and white patterns. He explains it symbolizes Cambodian identity and serves as a reminder of ones place in the world. For him, it represents heritage; for you, a gift acknowledging the importance of sharing personal stories. You accept it with understanding and gratitude, leaving his home with a deeper sense of the struggles and resilience of a refugee striving to preserve family and legacy.

Dan Horn is an investigative reporter with the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network. This story originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Trumps immigration crackdown strands refugees family in Cambodia.

Analysis: The Human Toll of Immigration Policies

Socheath Phong’s story is one of many that exposes the profound emotional and personal toll of immigration policies. His journey, marked by exile, loss, and the relentless pursuit of democracy, highlights the devastating consequences of political crackdowns. While Phong has found refuge in the United States, the suspension of refugee programs has left his family stranded in Cambodia, unable to join him in safety. This tragic separation speaks to the human cost of political decisions that prioritize economic concerns over the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

Phong’s narrative offers a window into the life of a refugee: the constant balancing of gratitude for safety with the unbearable pain of separation from loved ones. His resilience in continuing his advocacy for democracy in Cambodia, despite the personal hardships he endures, underscores the strength of the human spirit. Yet, the emotional scars of his story are not just his alone. They belong to all those who, like him, have been caught in the crossfire of geopolitical struggles and policy shifts.

It is important to recognize that while Phong's refugee status has provided a lifeline, his ongoing struggle to reunite with his family is a direct result of political decisions made far beyond his control. The cancellation of refugee programs and the limits placed on immigration by the previous administration have had far-reaching impacts, not just on families like Phong's, but on the broader perception of America as a safe haven for those fleeing persecution.

As we reflect on these personal accounts, it becomes clear that immigration policies must consider the human side of the equation. For Phong, the struggle is not only about his safety but also about his ability to protect his family and uphold the legacy of those who fought for freedom before him. It is essential that we continue to push for policies that honor both the spirit of compassion and the practical needs of those seeking refuge.

Sources:

• He came to the US as a refugee. Trump crackdown left his family behind