In a shocking and unprecedented move, the U.S. government has ordered an abrupt halt to life-saving humanitarian assistance, impacting millions of vulnerable people worldwide. HIAS, one of the world’s leading refugee aid organizations, has strongly condemned this decision, calling it “breathtakingly cruel” and a direct abandonment of refugees who rely on these critical services.

HIAS’ Outrage and the Global Impact

Mark Hetfield, President of HIAS, expressed his devastation over the decision, stating that millions of displaced individuals now face heightened risks of exploitation, violence, and hunger. Among those affected are Afghans who assisted U.S. troops, as well as refugees from Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and Iran, who fled war and persecution seeking safe and legal resettlement.

“The magnitude of these stop-work orders is unprecedented,” Hetfield said. “The U.S. has decided to abandon the very people who have fled oppression because of their beliefs and identities.”

The stop-work order also halts the efforts of national and local refugee organizations across the U.S., including HIAS’ network of more than two dozen partners. This means communities that had prepared to welcome and integrate refugees are now left in uncertainty, disrupting not only the lives of those seeking safety but also the programs designed to assist them.

What This Means for HIAS in Aruba

Aruba, a small island with just over 110,000 residents, is home to an estimated 17,000 Venezuelan refugees and migrants, along with others affected by displacement. Unlike larger nations with structured refugee support systems, Aruba offers limited legal recognition and assistance for displaced individuals.

HIAS has been a critical player in filling this gap, designing programs aimed at fostering inclusion and integration for refugees in Aruba. Their efforts focus on vulnerable groups, including single women, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities or serious medical conditions. Without continued U.S. support, these programs face severe funding shortages, potentially leaving thousands without access to basic services.

Regional Consequences for Refugee Support

Beyond Aruba, HIAS operates a flexible remote assistance program across the Caribbean, providing psychosocial support and economic inclusion services to asylum seekers and refugees. Given the mixed migratory flows in the region, this initiative has been instrumental in helping displaced individuals navigate legal challenges, access healthcare, and find employment. However, the U.S. stop-work order jeopardizes this lifeline, forcing many refugees into greater uncertainty and vulnerability.

A Call for Action and Resistance

Despite this devastating setback, HIAS has reaffirmed its commitment to its mission. The organization urges Secretary of State Marco Rubio to allow humanitarian and development organizations to continue their critical work. As the world’s oldest refugee agency, HIAS refuses to abandon its values, standing by the displaced individuals it has supported for over 120 years.

“Our hearts are broken today,” Hetfield said, “but we look to tomorrow with resolve and determination to help as many people as we can.”

With Aruba hosting one of the largest displaced Venezuelan populations in the Caribbean, the impact of these cuts will be deeply felt. Unless immediate action is taken, thousands could be left without legal aid, economic support, or even basic humanitarian assistance, worsening an already fragile situation.

HIAS remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and safety of refugees, but the question remains: without U.S. support, will vulnerable populations in Aruba and across the Caribbean be left without the help they so desperately need?