John’s Harrowing Story

Please, please read and share - John (alias), fled persecution in his home country thirteen years ago. He arrived in Hong Kong stateless and hoping and praying that a western country would give him a chance to have a new life.

Hong Kong has more than 15,000 foreigners who are seeking asylum and survival in this expensive city is not easy. Life as a refugee has been a daily struggle for John, his wife and four young children, all of who do not have any formal, migrant status. Still, John has been lucky that the Immigration Department did grant him permission to work. John’s small salary allows them to afford a tiny apartment.

Ten years ago our staff at our Centre for Refugees (CFR) helped John apply to The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Miraculously, he and his family were accepted! They attended orientation classes in preparation for life in the U.S. and shortly afterwards they received airline tickets with a departure date scheduled for three weeks later!

As they wrapped up their lives in Hong Kong, John and his wife informed their landlord and children’s schools that they would be leaving, submitted their resignations and bid farewell to friends. Their happiness was beyond words.

Tragedy Strikes

What no one foresaw was that President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 20th January 2025, suspending the USRAP. John received a phone call from the International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, telling him that even though he had valid airline tickets, his visa had been revoked and he and his family would not be able to board. In an instant, John's hopes for new freedom and life were shattered. His family was shocked, their grief and hopelessness overwhelmed them, and they were inconsolable.

As soon as the news got out, our senior social worker Jeffrey Andrews put crisis management into place to handle the large number of phone calls to CFR. “We were overwhelmed with clients seeking advice; one of our staff members was affected too; they were concerned and afraid, and we were deeply moved by their tragic experience.” Our staff members have put in a lot of overtime to oversee counseling sessions and offer service users logistical and resource support.

This population of refugees is facing severe uncertainty and mental trauma. The U.S. side had promised to review the refugee program after 90 days but that milestone has come and gone and the outlook appears bleak. But it is not. My God put us here to serve these tired and weary souls in our midst. Please help John today by donating, volunteering and sharing this story. Thank you.

God bless you,
Siew Mei