It was supposed to be a 2 week trip. He would visit family he had not seen in over 12 years, get his visa stamped and then come home.
I can’t forget the day he got on the flight, March 11th. I called him when he was near the airport and said “Don’t go, I am worried the embassies might shut down”. He laughed it off and said “Unlikely! Plus I should get this immigration paperwork sorted out”
I even offered to drive him back to my apartment cause I only lived 10 minutes from the airport but he refused. Not a day goes by when I don’t beat myself up for not driving to the airport and trying harder to convince him to stay. Maybe that 10 minute drive would’ve made the difference.
Within 24 hours of him landing the embassies shut down. 3 months later the president issued an executive order. His embassy appointment has been moved 3 times so far.
Almost 7 months later the embassies are still partially shut down. We have no idea when he is going to be able to come home. The longer he is stuck the harder and more complicated it’s going to be to bring him home.
My dad is currently working east coast hours while in IST, which means he works through the night. I feel so guilty for making him push his body at his age.
I have tried everything. Petitions, talking to the senator’s office and endless lawyers. The most painful thing is it feels like my family has given up. But I am sick of setting up the dinner table for 3-when there should be 4.
I feel like i’m the only one still fighting to try and bring him home before the elections.
His company may take away his benefits in November. So I need to figure out health insurance…My mom is at risk of becoming undocumented and who knows what will happen to our house if both my parents have to go back. My brother is a minor and what if I need to become his legal guardian? I’m on a visa to and that’s not enough security for him. He deserves better.
Trying to survive this system made me strong. But I live life with constant worry. I always have to think of consequences. I am in my early 20s and I am playing the role of a parent at home. I honestly don’t know how much longer I have it in me to carry this weight
The Hidden Dream 