Since the invasion of Ukraine, refugee resettlement programs in Traverse City have run into problems trying to bring refugees into the United States.
Sandy Mascari-Devitt is the refugee resettlement specialist for Bethany Christian Services.
She said right now the process has come to a halt.
“We have many cases that are in the pipeline for refugee resettlement they’ve applied, they’ve gone through all of the necessary steps and they were just waiting for their number to come up for flights and reunification with family members here in the Traverse City area.”
Mascari-Devitt said to create a change she encourages everyone to contact state and federal representatives to help change policy so the refugee pipeline can open again.
“Put out a plea for these individuals. The local families here I mean they're US citizens and one of the things they’re asking is US Citizens, government officials, to please have heart.”
