Chavarría Sisters Face Emotional Farewell to Vermont as Immigration Policy Changes Loom
In a poignant farewell ceremony, Andrea (19) and Nahomy Chavarría (18) bid goodbye to their high school in Vermont, preparing to return to Nicaragua due to changing immigration policies. The sisters, who legally entered the U.S. through the CHNV program, experienced the warmth of community support, but new directives from the Trump administration jeopardized their status.
"Wow, I feel like it’s just…an end," Andrea expressed, recalling the heartfelt sentiments shared by peers and teachers during their graduation. The Chavarría family immigrated in 2024 amidst a historical surge amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment, with hopes for a better future. Their uncle Wilmer Chavarría, a U.S. citizen and school superintendent, provided vital support, allowing them to resettle across a 2,000-mile journey filled with challenges.
The sisters quickly adapted, excelling in school, making friends, and dreaming of careers: Andrea aspired to become a veterinarian, while Nahomy aimed to study civil engineering. However, the announcement threatening to revoke their legal status forced the family to contemplate returning to Nicaragua.
During a final graduation ceremony organized by faculty, tears and laughter filled the room as educators celebrated the girls’ resilience. Nahomy reminisced, “It was a hard year,” but emphasized their unity and determination. As the family prepared to leave, emotional goodbyes highlighted their journey and the connections they forged.
As they departed Burlington Airport, their uncle and supporters felt the weight of loss. “It’s going to be weird being in that big house,” said Wilmer’s husband. Though the Chavarría sisters return to a different chapter, their story remains a testament to hope and resilience amid uncertainty in shifting immigration landscapes.
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