Family Separated by Trump’s Refugee Admission Suspension Faces Uncertain Future

A family of refugees from Afghanistan finds themselves in a desperate situation as their hopes of reuniting in the U.S. have been dashed by an executive order signed by President Trump, which has effectively suspended the admission of refugees. The sibling connection is particularly poignant, as Batool resides in the U.S. while her younger sister remains in Afghanistan, living in hiding with their parents and brothers.

This separation has lasted almost a decade, exacerbated by the abrupt policy changes regarding refugee admissions. Trump's order, titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” does not specify a timeline for its duration, leaving families like Batool's in limbo, unsure of when or if they will be able to reunite. The new policy affects many migrants from various countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Egypt, and several others, although it does not extend to those with Special Immigrant Visas.

Batool had anticipated a smooth transition for her family, particularly since her father had aided the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and her sister had enlisted in the military after completing her education. After being approved by the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts since 2022, the family has become increasingly frustrated as they await news that has yet to come. Their bags remain packed, a testament to their readiness to flee oppression.

In a heartfelt message, Batool expressed her sorrow over the prolonged waiting period, describing it as truly disheartening for families yearning for reunification. Her father conveyed his family's loss of hope, explaining the precarious nature of their daily existence under the looming threat of the Taliban. Despite hopes of sending his children to quality schools in the U.S., uncertainty continues to overshadow their lives.

As Batool lays out her vision for her family in North Carolina, she insists that refugees should not be labeled as burdens upon society. However, any attempt to relocate to another nation would result in years of delays, further complicated by the looming expiration of their passports and scant updates from officials regarding their case.

Others, like Yaman, a resettlement case worker in California, intimate similar struggles. Having previously navigated the treacherous path of refugee resettlement herself, she reflects on her wait of four years before finally reaching the U.S., only to witness her brother facing similar delays in Egypt. The pain of uncertainty resonates with both women, as they share a collective hope for a faster resolution to their family’s plight, determined to escape the shadows of instability.