Luismar Liendo and Edwin Perez, political dissidents from Venezuela, arrived in Eau Claire, Wisconsin as some of the last refugees admitted to the United States before the refugee program was suspended by President Donald Trump. Their arrival coincided with a dramatic shift in national policy, including the withdrawal of federal support for refugee resettlement and a broader crackdown on immigration. Despite initial hardship and local opposition, the couple found support from volunteers and a small but resilient Venezuelan community, which helped each other adjust and find work. While they face ongoing fears about their safety and future, Liendo and Perez remain hopeful, envisioning a stable and fulfilling life in their new country, even as the national welcome for refugees has all but disappeared.

Original article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/15/us/wisconsin-refugees-trump-cuts-migrants.html
Source Id: 2025-08-805828389