Theresa* had always dreamed of reuniting her family in the United States ever since some family members were able to immigrate to the U.S. while other were left behind in the Philippines. There were many times when Theresa doubted whether this dream would ever come true. However, Reeves Immigration Law Group (RILG) is happy to say that Theresa’s son and grandchildren have now joined her in the United States as green card holders!
Theresa’s son was previously denied his Immigrant Visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila on two separate occasions. The consular officer denied his applications because he said that Theresa’s son was a drug addict. And when Theresa’s son’s applications were denied, that meant that the applications of Theresa’s grandchildren were also denied since they were applying as derivatives.
Theresa and her family retained RILG to assist them. Theresa stated that she wanted her grandchildren to come to the U.S. so she could watch them grow up and so they could have a better life. Theresa’s wish to be surrounded by family only intensified after her husband tragically passed away.
Theresa’s case was handled by Attorney Devin Connolly, RILG’s Managing Attorney. Attorney Connolly explained to Theresa that there were two obstacles that needed to be overcome. First, we would have to establish that Theresa’s son was admissible to the U.S. despite his prior drug use. This would require overcoming the Embassy’s potential belief that Theresa’s son was a drug addict. Attorney Connolly drafted a legal brief stating that Theresa’s son was eligible to immigrate to the U.S., even if he has previously experimented with drugs when he was younger.
The second issue was the ages of Theresa’s grandchildren. They were already over the age of 21. Therefore, since they were adults, they were potentially not eligible to immigrate to the Untied States as their father’s derivative pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Attorney Connolly knew he would have to persuade the consular officer that Theresa’s grandchildren were protected under the Child Status Protection Act.
RILG is happy to announce that the U.S. Embassy in Manila has approved all of the applications for Theresa’s son and grandchildren. They entered the Unites States and received their green cards. Theresa is thrilled! Her dream of reuniting her family in the U.S. has come true!
*We are referring to our client as “Theresa” to protect her privacy.
