Myanmar refugee family's U.S. entry delayed by executive order

Father Martin Ma Na Ling's older brother, Stephen, along with his wife and four children, continues to wait for the opportunity to enter the United States. As refugees from Myanmar, the family has been living in Malaysia in challenging conditions.

Despite health issues, Stephen has long been committed to supporting his family both financially and spiritually. "Wherever he goes, whatever he does, God is always first," said Father Martin, a priest at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who has not seen his brother since 2009. Stephen has supported his family back in Myanmar, funding educational opportunities for his siblings. This support has been essential, as their father, a catechist, earned too little to sustain the family.

In Malaysia, refugees, like Stephen's family, face precarious living conditions. The Malaysian government does not grant rights to asylum-seekers, refugees, or stateless persons, and without refugee camps, they are left to find work in urban areas with uncertain conditions. Stephen, who was initially employed as a mechanic, lost his job due to health issues and his family's situation worsened.

Stephen sought refugee status with the United Nations in hopes of entering the United States, where he had been approved to emigrate. However, an executive order by President Donald Trump halted the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, leaving the family in limbo.

Father Martin's community in Bowling Green hosts many Myanmar refugee families. Despite the setback, Stephen remains hopeful, finding solace in religious practices and community support.

Father Martin hopes for a resolution that will allow his brother's family to join him in the U.S. "He keeps asking me if there is any good news," he said.

The family remains steadfast in their faith, embodying the belief that "God never abandons me," as Stephen expressed to his brother.

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