Families Torn Apart by Immigration Policies in the U.S.

Families seeking refuge in the United States are facing new challenges as immigration policies lead to increased separations. During the first administration of former President Donald Trump, families were forcibly divided at the border. Now, parents within the U.S. are being detained, resulting in prolonged separation from their children.

In Miami, three recent migrants shared their harrowing experiences with the Associated Press, illustrating the emotional and psychological toll of these circumstances. Their stories highlight a deep sense of pain and uncertainty, as many fear permanent separation from their loved ones.

Jakelin Pasedo and her two young sons arrived in Miami in December 2024, where they were granted refugee status. While Pasedo cares for her children and works as a cleaner, her husband, Antonio Laverde, who fled Venezuela in 2022, was arrested in June 2024 at his shared housing. After spending three months in detention, he requested to return to Venezuela. Pasedo, fearing persecution if she goes back, remains hopeful of reuniting with her husband in the U.S.

In another case, Amavilia crossed from Guatemala in September 2023 with her two young children. She wakes at 3 a.m. to prepare lunches to sell for $10 while also selling homemade ice cream and chocolate-covered bananas door to door. Her husband, Edgar, who had lived and worked in South Florida for over 20 years, was detained on a 2016 warrant and deported to Guatemala on June 8. This left the family struggling to pay rent and reliant on donations. Amavilia, who asked not to disclose her last name due to fears of repercussions from U.S. immigration officials, expressed her concerns, saying, “I fell into despair. I didn’t know what to do.”

Struggles of Migrant Families

Yaoska, who is five months pregnant, resides in Miami with her two sons, one of whom is a U.S. citizen. She is under 24-hour GPS supervision after fleeing Nicaragua in 2022. Her husband, a political activist, was detained during an appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and subsequently deported after failing his credible fear interview. Speaking on condition of anonymity to protect her husband, Yaoska described the emotional impact of the situation, stating, “It’s so hard to see my children like this. They arrested him right in front of them.”

Despite holding work authorization until 2028, Yaoska faces an uncertain future as she struggles to find stable employment. The fear of losing her family weighs heavily on her, amplifying the stress of their precarious living situation.

The experiences of these families reveal the complexities and human toll of current immigration policies. As they navigate life in the U.S., many are left to grapple with the emotional scars of separation and the fear of future instability. Their stories underscore the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes family unity and humane treatment for those seeking refuge.