‘Kept In a State of Limbo’

Over the last two years I have met hundreds of refugees like these three men. They include Colombians in Ecuador who were forced into guerrilla armies, Eritreans and Sudanese in Ethiopian refugee camps who fought for their homeland, Ethiopians with the Oromo Liberation Front, which was once part of the transitional government in Addis Ababa, but then pulled out and had to flee to Kenya. Every time, incredulous, they ask the same question: "How can we be seen by America as terrorists when we are victims?"

They were all caught by the same overzealous legislation, and for years there was no way of making an exception. Finally, today there is a possibility, at least, of waivers, and the U.S. government must wield this power with all due haste. It may be too late to right the wrongs done to Lincoln, Silver Fox or Albert Gray, but the fates of thousands of other refugees are at stake.

Husarska is senior policy adviser at the International Rescue Committee.

© 2008