The suspension of the United States Refugee Admission program through an executive order has had a direct impact on the arrival of 36 individuals who were scheduled to come to Northwest Arkansas next week.
Many people who have been forced to flee war or persecution look to America with hope for a safe future, especially during times of global unrest.
Eleven families in Northwest Arkansas were eagerly anticipating a long-awaited reunion with their loved ones. Unfortunately, their hopes have been dashed as the planned gathering will no longer take place.
Joanna Krause, the executive director of Canopy NWA, a refugee resettlement agency in Fayetteville, is currently facing a challenging situation. The agency is eagerly awaiting the arrival of 36 refugees to Northwest Arkansas, but unfortunately, they might have to wait for three months or even longer.
This week, the Canopy team is reaching out to the local community to express their apologies to relatives who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their loved ones. Despite months and months of anticipation and preparation, some families may have not seen their family members for years. It is disheartening to know that even though their arrival was scheduled, they are unable to come. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and disappointment.
According to Krause, a recent executive order has put a halt on refugee resettlement indefinitely.
President Donald Trump’s order halted the United States Refugee Admissions program, as stated in the order itself.
“The country is not equipped to accommodate a significant influx of migrants, especially refugees, without jeopardizing the availability of resources for Americans.”
According to Krause, the process of background checks, security screenings, and medical health checks can take years. These checks are often conducted within refugee camps, where individuals have been waiting for the opportunity to travel for decades. Krause emphasized the challenges faced by refugees who have completed this lengthy and arduous process, only to have their plane tickets canceled, describing it as a truly devastating experience.
President Trump has directed federal officials to assess whether the program serves the best interests of the nation after the 90-day suspension concludes. In the meantime, Canopy has expressed its commitment to providing assistance and support to the families who are already present.
“We aim to ensure that every high school student has a well-defined path towards graduation and plans for their future beyond. Some refugees possess impressive skills, yet they may need to go through the recertification process. Therefore, we are actively seeking career mentors and providing opportunities for them to upskill and advance in their chosen careers. Additionally, refugees must navigate the immigration pathway, including applying for a green card after one year and becoming eligible for citizenship after five years.”