The Stories Behind the Case Numbers: Part Three

On Monday an urgent message came to my WhatsApp. The leader of a non-profit that we had been partnering with informed us that it appeared Zachary* and Maryam* would be repatriated to another country since the United States had suspended refugee resettlement.

A short while later, Zachary messaged me. “Mum, we want to talk to you, but we are too ashamed.”

Zachary explained that they had contacted the embassy of New Zealand to ask if they would examine their case and allow them entry. The response came within days. Yes! They quickly updated their medical profiles and a flight was arranged for Thursday.

He explained that he was ashamed because we had grown close and had offered them prayers and encouragement. They really wanted to come here to the United States and be a part of our community. Yet safety had to be their priority and Islamabad was decidedly not safe.

We offered our congratulations and assured them there was no need to be ashamed. We were grateful that a place of safety had been found. “Please can we still call on Wednesday?” Zachary asked. “Maryam wants to tell you everything!”

(Preparing to join our friends on Zoom.)

Wednesday morning was bittersweet. Though we rejoiced they would be able to settle in another country, we had grown to love this family of four. Part of us was deeply disappointed that they would not be with us. We listened to them excitedly share all their news. As we began to close the conversation, Maryam asked, “Mum, please will it be okay? Can I still call you?” Of course, you can!

A day or so later, we were on a conference call with the resettlement agency handling the cases we were to sponsor.  Sadly, they reported that the refugee resettlement program was not just suspended but terminated. Ties to the International Office of Migration had been cut. Refugee agency contracts were canceled. The private sponsorship program, Welcome Corps, was discontinued. No refugees were to be allowed into the United States.

Our first thought was Bernard*. Zachary and Maryam had a new home, but Bernard was still waiting.  As we began our weekly call with him, Bernard told us how happy he was to know that one day possibly soon he would come here to be with us.

We explained the termination of the programs. It took a minute for the news to sink in. He could not believe his hopes and dreams were crushed. Bernard let his head drop and began to cry.

We had no words. We could not explain this turn of events. We could not offer words of hope and encouragement that the doors to the U.S. would open. As Bernard wrestled with his emotions, we assured him we were not abandoning him and would continue to seek solutions.  

We prepared to end the call even as we sensed Bernard’s deep sadness and grief. Butch explained that we are a family of huggers. In this day of virtuality, Butch taught him how we give virtual hugs. Bernard smiled and we “hugged”.

Reverend Nell Green is Emeritus Field Personnel with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Co-Founder and Director of the non-profit organization, The Off Ramp.

*Names are changed for security and privacy purposes.