Nlandu Katekila, an asylum seeker from Angola, waits inside the city's family shelter on Monday.

Asylum seekers mill about the city's family shelter after dinner on Monday.

Leticia Rafael Mandala, right, an asylum seeker from Angola stands with her children outside Portland's family shelter on Monday.

Lena Lengi Silvina, center, of Angola rests her head in her hands while sitting next to Helene Vete, right, of the DRC at Portland's family shelter. Both asylum seekers said they were hoping someone might help them leave the shelter system in Portland.

David Malaba, senior human services counselor for the City of Portland, talks to asylum seekers at the family shelter on Monday.

Nquemba Fumuzingui, an asylum seeker from Angola, stands outside Portland's family shelter on Chestnut Street on Monday.

Katekila Mata, an asylum seeker from Angola, stands outside Portland's family shelter on Chestnut Street on Monday.