As we stepped out of the secure zone at Dulles Airport to retrieve our luggage, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. It wasn’t the travel itself that wore me out, but rather the challenge of managing two young children, which can be an overwhelming task for any parent.
My kids were bubbling with excitement, darting towards a large family gathered near the exit. Suddenly, cheers erupted from the family as a teenager rushed toward them. Laughter filled the air, with kids bouncing up and down, a scene that’s all too familiar in airports.
And then I spotted it: THE BAG.
The young man behind us gripped a thin white plastic bag emblazoned with the letters IOM, struggling to keep his balance amidst the joyous chaos of relatives embracing him. IOM stands for the International Organization for Migration, the agency that assists refugees in finding new homes. The bag he held contained crucial documents, such as visas and passports, vital for his journey to the United States.
That bag brought back memories for me, as I fondly recall clutching it tightly during my own journey to the United States 30 years ago as a refugee. As a thrilled 12-year-old, I begged my parents to let me carry it, and they eventually relented but kept a watchful eye to ensure I didn’t misplace it. It was my prized possession — the same bag my brother held when he finally reunited with us at the airport after two long years apart.
Even three decades later, those memories are etched in my mind. As a refugee, I empathized with the joy of that family. And now, as a mother, I understood the bittersweet tears that followed the initial excitement; they were tears of joy and relief for a mother finally holding her son again.
Throughout my work with Oxfam, I’ve encountered many of these bags. Each time I see one, it sparks a smile as I think of the hopeful anticipation felt by those clutching them — a symbol of the new lives they are about to embark upon in their new homes.
However, as I stood at Dulles that night, my heart was heavy. Tears welled in my eyes as I contemplated how my adopted country has begun to close its doors to refugees, making such joyful reunions increasingly rare.
Refugees are among the world’s most vulnerable individuals — women, children, and young men like him — simply seeking safety after fleeing unimaginable violence and loss. Rather than upholding the values of compassion and refuge that the United States has long represented, recent executive orders aim to restrict access for those in need. That’s not the America I remember from 30 years ago; that’s not the America we should strive to be.
For decades, the United States has graciously welcomed refugees from all corners of the globe. In my case, my journey began in Communist Romania during the Cold War. Today, countless Syrians are seeking asylum after enduring years of brutality in their homeland, often spending significant time in refugee camps while undergoing complex and rigorous security screenings. Despite the challenges, refugees work tirelessly to rebuild their lives and weave themselves into the fabric of American society.
While legal battles unfold over the administration’s recent orders, we must raise our voices for those who cannot. It’s in these challenging times that we reveal our true selves. The America I know would extend a helping hand, not withdraw it; would seek ways to show empathy, not retreat into fear; would aspire toward greatness rather than lower its standards.
We cannot allow the light of the Statue of Liberty to dim — it has long symbolized hope for millions yearning to start anew in this great country.
Though I could speculate about the young man’s background, I choose not to. He is on his way to becoming just as American as you and I.
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Summary:
The journey of a refugee is filled with hope, sadness, and resilience. As a former child refugee, I reflect on the experiences of new arrivals and the challenges they face in seeking safety. Despite the current political climate, the values of compassion and support for those in need must prevail. It is crucial to remember the importance of welcoming refugees as they strive for a better life, just as many of us have experienced in the past.