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Refugee advocacy organizations in the Chicago area are voicing their disapproval of the Trump administration’s recent policies, which they say are negatively affecting individuals wishing to settle in the city.
Recent adjustments by President Donald Trump’s administration have altered both the green card application process and the procedures for those seeking asylum in the United States.
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Amir Hamidi, a chef renowned for his Afghan cuisine, once served U.S. troops during the Afghanistan war. He fled his homeland in 2021, after the conflict concluded, seeking refuge in the United States.
Since his arrival in Chicago, Hamidi has been industriously working. He realized a dream last year by launching his own restaurant on Devon Avenue, situated in the city’s Northwest Side.
“We had plans to bring our family here earlier, but every time things start to look up, major setbacks occur,” Hamidi explained.
Speaking to ABC7 through an interpreter, Hamidi says his wife and 9-year-old daughter are left behind in Afghanistan.
President Trump’s crackdown on the United State’s refugee program resulted in more restrictions after an Afghan national was accused of shooting two National Guard members, one fatally, in Washington, D.C., an incident Hamidi and other Afghans strongly condemn.
Hamidi is losing hope his family will rejoin him anytime soon. He fears for their lives and his.
“I’m also not good right now,” Hamidi said. “I feel I don’t feel safe, and every time I’m thinking about my business, my investment, about my life here, what will happen? What will happen with us?”
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Uncertainty and fear has spread among thousands of refugees in Chicago, especially people from who came to the U.S. between 2021 thru January of this year. Trump is requiring additional vetting.
“Despite already enduring the most rigorous vetting process in the world, refugees are now being forced to once again, prove and even relive the persecution and traumas they fled,” said Fasika Alem with the United African Organization.
In addition, the Trump administration is pausing asylum applications, reducing work permits, re-examining green card applications and travel documents for people from countries on the president’s travel ban list.
“We have people who have worked for years to earn their citizenship in this country that they love, and they are now finding out that that final step, their appointment to take the oath of allegiance has been canceled,” said Sally Schulze, Refugee One communications director.
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As refugee organizations banned together Thursday to call attention to Trump’s policies, Hamidi and other refugees call America a great country to build a new life.
“We are working very hard since we are here,” Afghan refugee Siam Pasarly said. “We establish our businesses. We have my own staffing agency, we have this restaurant, we have tailor shop, we have mechanic shop, we have nonprofit organizations.”
Refugee organizations are weighing their options on whether they will take legal action against the Trump administrations additional refugee program.
