Salem, OR – The ongoing federal pause on refugee admissions has left many families in the Salem area in a state of uncertainty, as they await the arrival of relatives who have been approved to resettle in the United States. With the halt in admissions, individuals who were already in the process of reuniting with loved ones are now faced with an indefinite wait, disrupting plans for reunion and causing emotional distress for those affected.
The pause, which began in the latter part of 2024, was implemented as part of broader changes in U.S. immigration policy. Refugee advocates have raised concerns about the toll the delay is taking on families who have already endured lengthy and complicated resettlement processes.
Among those impacted are residents of Salem, Oregon, a city with a sizable immigrant and refugee population. Many in the area had hoped to welcome family members from countries affected by the pause, such as Afghanistan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These individuals had already undergone rigorous background checks, interviews, and screenings as part of the refugee resettlement process, only to see their plans disrupted by the current policy changes.
Maria Hernandez, a Salem resident originally from Guatemala, had been anticipating the arrival of her sister and niece, who had been waiting in a refugee camp in Mexico. “It’s been over two years since I saw them,” Hernandez said, “and now we don’t know when they will be able to come.” Like many others in her situation, Hernandez said she feels helpless, as there is little clarity on when the admissions process will resume.
Local organizations that assist refugees, including the Salem-based Catholic Community Services, have been fielding an increasing number of calls from families seeking updates on their loved ones’ status. “The uncertainty is taking a toll on the emotional well-being of these families,” said Rachel Foster, a caseworker with the organization. “Many of them are in limbo, unsure of when or if they will ever be reunited with their families.”
The pause on refugee admissions also raises questions about the broader implications for the U.S. refugee program, which has long been a key component of the nation’s commitment to humanitarian efforts. While the government has stated that the pause is necessary to address security concerns and better manage resettlement processes, critics argue that the move is harmful to vulnerable populations already in dire situations.
As the months drag on, families like Hernandez’s are left hoping for change. “All we can do is wait,” she said, “and pray that someday we’ll be together again.”
With the situation still unresolved, the future remains uncertain for both those waiting for relatives to arrive and the organizations working tirelessly to support them. For now, families in the Salem area must navigate the painful reality of separation, hoping that the federal pause will soon come to an end, and their loved ones can finally join them in the U.S.
