There are so many things to be grateful for. In the past 12 months, Klinke Immigration helped over 100 families with their immigration matters, I’ve hired two wonderful employees, and our reputation for compassion and hard work continues to grow.
I’d like to give thanks for a particularly amazing past few days. In just the last week:
1) We had our first same-sex marriage case approved. This couple is amazing – they may not have known each other for long, but within a matter of weeks, they knew they had something special. When DOMA was overturned in June, it allowed them to start the process of staying together here in the United States. It was an honor to work with these two caring, committed, and all-around good guys.
2) We had a VAWA case approved. This was no ordinary case – first, it was for a man who had been abused. Unfortunately, cases with a male petitioner are more difficult to win because of the stereotypical dynamics of intimate partner violence. Another complicating factor was that the couple had filed for immigration benefits together and USCIS thought the couple was in a “sham marriage.” The U.S. citizen spouse did everything she could to sabotage the case. She lied about addresses, about who they know, and she “forgot” key moments in their lives together. We had two very difficult hurdles to overcome and we did it. The next step is to terminate removal proceedings so he can move on with his life without his ex-wife’s threats of deportation coming true.
3) We had a U visa case approved. A woman had been held up at gunpoint while working, and she didn’t think she would survive the ordeal. But she did. She called the police and worked with law enforcement to try and find the perpetrators, who were eventually convicted. Now she, her husband, and her two sons have lawful status in the United States. They will be able to apply for green cards in just three years.
Certainly, I would never wish such a traumatic, scary event on anyone. But, we can’t go back in time or pretend it never happened. If something horrible like this has to happen, we might as well try and get as much good out of it as possible. This family has a lot of good coming their way!
4) We had an Adjustment of Status case approved for a woman who had been granted Parole in Place. She entered the United States when she was just nine years old, but she entered without authorization. Today, her husband is in the Navy and stationed overseas. This allowed us to apply for, and receive, Parole in Place. A few months ago, we filed her green card application. This week, we received the official approval. Because her husband is stationed overseas, we can now look at filing for expedited Naturalization. I have to smile when I think that within a matter of about 18 months, she can go from being undocumented to a lawful permanent resident to a U.S. citizen.
I love being part of these success stories. Thank you to these clients, and all of our clients, for letting Klinke Immigration represent you. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude.
– Tracie