As we stepped out of the secure area of Dulles Airport to collect our luggage, a wave of fatigue washed over me. It wasn’t the journey that wore me down, but rather the challenge of traveling with two young children, which can be exhausting for any parent.
My children, filled with excitement, dashed toward a large family gathered near the exit. Cheers erupted from the group as a teenager bolted into their embrace. The air was filled with laughter and the joyful antics of children bouncing with glee, a scene all too familiar in airport terminals around the world.
Then, my gaze fell upon it: THE BAG. The young man behind us held a thin white plastic bag emblazoned with the letters IOM. He struggled to maintain his balance amidst the whirlwind of joyous hugs from relatives of all ages. IOM stands for the International Organization for Migration, an intergovernmental body dedicated to assisting refugees in their resettlement. That bag is a crucial lifeline, containing essential documents like visas and passports for refugees on their journey to the United States.
I have a personal connection to that bag; I cherished carrying it during my own arrival in the U.S. thirty years ago as a refugee. At the tender age of twelve, I begged my parents to let me hold it, and they eventually relented, keeping a close eye on me to ensure I wouldn’t lose it. It represented my hopes and dreams, much like the bag my brother clutched when he finally joined us after two long years apart.
Such memories linger, even after decades. I felt a kinship with that young man’s family, sharing in their joy, while also understanding the bittersweet tears that followed. Those tears were not just of happiness but of relief at finally reuniting with a loved one after a prolonged separation.
Throughout my work with Oxfam, I’ve encountered many similar bags, always eliciting a smile as I imagined the mix of nervousness and excitement of those grasping them tightly—a symbol of the new beginnings awaiting them. However, at Dulles that night, I felt a profound sadness. My eyes brimmed with tears as I reflected on how my adopted country has begun to close its doors to refugees, making these heartfelt reunions increasingly rare.
Refugees represent some of the most vulnerable segments of our global community—women, children, and young men like him—seeking safety after fleeing unimaginable violence and loss. Instead of upholding the values of compassion and sanctuary that have historically characterized the United States, recent policies aim to restrict access to those in desperate need. This is not the America that embraced me thirty years ago; it is not our America.
For decades, the United States has been a safe haven for refugees from various nations, including my own—Communist Romania during the Cold War. Today, countless Syrians seek refuge after suffering from horrific violence and enduring lengthy waits in refugee camps. Once they arrive in America, regardless of their origins, refugees work tirelessly to rebuild their lives, weaving themselves into the very fabric of our society.
As legal challenges to the administration’s executive order unfold, our voices must rise in solidarity. This is a critical moment—one that reveals our true character. In times of great need, the America I know would expand its welcoming arms, not constrict them; demonstrate compassion rather than fear. We must not snuff out the light of liberty that has illuminated the path for millions seeking a fresh start in the U.S.
Although I could speculate on the young man’s origins, I will refrain. He is on the journey to becoming as American as any of us.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the journey of parenthood and the options available, check out our blog on the home insemination kit. For couples navigating the intricacies of fertility, this guide provides valuable insights. Additionally, for those preparing for pregnancy, March of Dimes offers excellent resources to support you on your journey.
In summary, my experience as a former child refugee drives me to empathize with the struggles of today’s young displaced individuals. We must uphold the values of compassion and inclusion that define us, ensuring that we continue to welcome those seeking safety and a new life in America.
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