Nation

Life in Limbo: Refugees in Hong Kong Struggle After Trump's Resettlement Ban

2025-05-25

Author: Jessica Wong

Refugees Trapped in Uncertainty

Peter, a refugee in Hong Kong, fled political persecution in Africa, only to face a new battle due to a foreign leader’s policies. His hopes of resettlement in the US were shattered after Trump's re-election became a catalyst for widespread uncertainty.

Scheduled to leave Hong Kong for a new life in the US on February 4, Peter had made extensive preparations—packing up, resigning from his job as a pastor, and vacating his living space. However, on January 20, just hours after assuming office, President Trump signed an executive order halting the US Refugee Admission Program (USRAP) indefinitely.

Trump's Actions: A Global Impact

This order mandated a 90-day review by the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider refugee admissions. Yet, by April 20, no announcements were made, leaving countless refugees like Peter in limbo.

With a single decision, Trump altered the trajectory of many lives, forcing them to remain in environments devoid of prospects for permanent residence or citizenship.

A Declining Refugee System

Historically, refugee admissions to the US have plummeted—from over 200,000 in 1980 to around 100,000 in 2024, well before Trump’s presidency. Citing national interests and purported capacity issues, Trump's suspension of USRAP drew fierce criticism for being both unjustified and contrary to studies showing the positive economic impact of refugees in the US.

Peter, contemplating his plight, expressed disappointment but also empathy for US policymakers. "They’re trying to fix their issues, but at what cost to us?" he pondered.

The Human Cost of Policy Changes

Across Hong Kong, Peter observed that many refugees who had anticipated a new beginning were now stranded without direction. He remarked about the general hopelessness within the refugee community regarding resettlement prospects.

The Christian Action Centre for Refugees, nestled in the intricate Chungking Mansion, has been a hub of support. Social worker Jeffrey Andrews noted that many refugees had gone to great lengths in preparation for departure, only to face a rude awakening when their hopes were dashed.

A Long and Grueling Process

With over 15,000 asylum seekers languishing in Hong Kong as of June 2024, many face years of waiting before being recognized and potentially resettled. Asylum seekers endure exhaustive screenings and have little recourse, saving for the rare chance of resettlement through UNHCR.

Peter’s journey through this exploitative system has been harrowing. Arriving in Hong Kong in 2016, he faced a year-long wait for refugee status before being granted asylum. Yet, the seven years that followed have stripped him of hope.

Voices from the Community

Aimé Girimana, a refugee since 2004, echoed similar sentiments. Originally a human rights lawyer fleeing persecution, his long wait for resettlement underscores the systemic barriers in place, exacerbated by Trump’s policies.

Despite hardships, both Peter and Girimana remain committed to advocating for refugees, pushing against prejudices and stigma. Girimana’s account of early challenges in Hong Kong illustrates the ignorance surrounding refugee issues.

Continuing Advocacy and Resilience

Uzma Naveed, another resilient refugee, has transformed her trauma into community empowerment, organizing activities for fellow refugees. Yet, uncertainty looms over their futures with resettlement prospects dwindling.

As of early 2024, four American NGOs filed a lawsuit against Trump’s policies, seeking to reverse the ban and allow refugees a fighting chance. A federal ruling even mandated that hundreds of refugees be resettled.

A Fight for Recognition and Respect

Amidst these bitter realities, prejudices still plague the refugee populace in Hong Kong. Some lawmakers propagate theories of ‘bogus refugees,’ inciting xenophobia and further complicating the fight for dignity and rights among refugees.

Despite living in limbo, Girimana remains resolute in his mission of advocacy, insisting that the plight of refugees deserves mainstream recognition. Their resilience shines as a beacon of hope amid an environment marked by uncertainty and struggle.