Thousands of asylum seekers in the Netherlands, including 31-year-old Bushra Youssef from Syria, face extended waiting periods for decisions on their applications following the implementation of a new European migration pact. Youssef has been awaiting a response for nearly three years, creating significant uncertainty about her future. The new pact aims to expedite asylum procedures, mandating decisions within six months for new applicants arriving after June 12th, but offers no immediate relief for those already in the system. Over 54,000 individuals are currently awaiting a ruling on their asylum claims in the Netherlands. While Youssef acknowledges the positive aspects of the new rules for recent arrivals, she expresses frustration over the perceived unfairness for long-term applicants who may face another three years of waiting. Despite the challenges, Youssef remains active by learning Dutch, volunteering with the Dutch Refugee Council, and utilizing her bicycle for transportation and wellbeing. She emphasizes the difficulty of planning her life amidst such prolonged uncertainty.