MATT KATZ:
That's because Donald Trump has dramatically changed U.S. refugee policy, effectively delaying Andre and Lisette's reunion.
First, Trump enacted a 120-day ban on most refugee arrivals so new security protocols could be implemented. The ban and new vetting requirements have clogged the pipeline for new admissions like Lisette.
Second, citing concerns that terrorists could enter the country through the refugee program, president trump capped the number of entering refugees at 45,000, the lowest level since before the 1980 refugee act. In his last year in office, president Obama had set the cap at 110,000.
Third, the administration reassigned some American officials who handled overseas refugee admissions, adding to an already massive backlog on the waiting list.
So in the meantime, Andre tries to settle into Elizabeth, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from New York City.