Maria’s* immigration story started in the Philippines in the 1990s. She was petitioned for a green card by her father as the unmarried daughter of a permanent resident. Maria did her best to wait patiently for a visa number to become available, but she eventually grew frustrated with the years of waiting.
She ultimately decided to marry her long-time boyfriend and start a family. Maria then became even more motivated to enter the U.S., knowing that it was her best opportunity to provide her family with a better life. Maria knew that she had become ineligible for a visa since she got married, but she decided it was best for her family if she did not disclose the marriage during the personal interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Maria received her immigrant visa and was reunited with her parents in the U.S. She was thrilled to see her parents again and to be able to care for them as they aged. However, she deeply missed her husband and daughter in the Philippines. She visited the Philippines as much as possible, but these short visits were just not the same as seeing them every day. Maria knew though that she was unable to file petitions for her family because she had previously failed to disclose the marriage.
Maria decided to consult with Reeves Immigration Law Group (RILG) and ask if there was anything that could be done. We told Maria that she was eligible to seek a waiver of her prior misrepresentation. We explained to Maria that this waiver is available for immigrants who already have their green cards, and it operates to forgive the prior misrepresentations and allow the immigrant to move on with their life.
Maria retained RILG and we immediately started preparing her case. We prepared a strong case that detailed why Maria deserved a favorable exercise of discretion – it highlighted Maria’s close relationship with her elderly mother, her community involvement, and her otherwise law abiding life in the U.S. Maria also testified in immigration court about her regret for her prior lies about her marriage.
The immigration judge granted Maria’s request for a waiver! This made her eligible to bring her family to the U.S., and also to become a U.S. citizen!
*Please note that we are referring to our client as Maria to protect her privacy.
