For Lucymar Polanco and her family, the dream of finding safety in the United States has been put on hold. The 32-year-old Venezuelan, along with her husband, three children, and five relatives, are currently living in a shelter in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, just across the border from the US.

Their journey began over two years ago when they fled Venezuela due to political persecution. They trekked through the dangerous Darien Gap and faced kidnapping by a cartel in southern Mexico. Finally, they thought they were nearing safety when they secured a CBP One appointment to seek asylum in the US. But their hopes were dashed when all CBP One appointments were canceled on January 20.

Now, stuck in a crowded shelter, the family spends their days waiting, wondering, and trying to stay positive. “We laugh to keep from crying,” Lucymar says. Their days revolve around meals, shared rumors about the CBP One app, and occasional moments of humor to lighten the mood.

The family’s story is just one among thousands. Many asylum-seekers are now stranded at the border, unable to move forward. Despite the uncertainty, Lucymar’s family remains determined to follow the legal process. “We never considered entering illegally,” they said in unison when asked.

As they wait, the family clings to hope and each other. “We are humans just like him,” sighed 19-year-old Beyker Sosa, referring to former President Donald Trump. “I wish he would have compassion.”

For now, the Polancos focus on the little things—like the warmth of a chicken soup lunch or the laughter of children playing in the shelter’s courtyard. But the question of what comes next lingers. “This is all we do,” Lucymar says. “We wonder what could’ve been.”