If you have comments, questions or blog suggestions, please email us at mhershberger@immcouncil.org.
Resources
As an immigration policy blog, we are not able to provide legal advice. Here are some resources that may be able to help you:
- If you need an immigration lawyer, try the American Immigration Lawyers Association
- You may also find free legal service providers through the Department of Justice Pro Bono Site.
- You can also try www.lawhelp.org.
- The American Bar Association also has an Immigration Legal Service Providers Directory:
- ACLU Foundation Immigrants’ Rights Project has an Immigrant Services Directory: A National Guide of Service Providers
If you need information about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, you may find what you need at We Own the Dream.
The American Immigration Council and Immigration Impact are not familiar with the legal services providers on these lists and cannot guarantee their services or that they will be able to assist you. However, we know others have found it to be useful.
Good luck, and thanks for reading!
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John Randolph
April 28, 2011 at 12:57 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Imagine: Estamos Hasta La Madre (We Have Had It)
Imagine the good people of Mexico doing a hybrid version of “going Egyptian” on both the Mexican and U.S. governments.
Imagine them “going Egyptian” on both governments because both governments are simultaneously responsible for creating the nightmare that these good people and the good people of America are living within.
Yes, imagine “going Egyptian” on both governments because both governments are unwilling to do what is necessary to resolve the nightmare.
Imagine the good people of America, including American citizens and America’s undocumented, joining the honorable people of Mexico in this struggle.
Imagine the good people of Mexico peacefully making 2AM wake up calls not only to the Mexican government but to its enabling American government compadre too. Imagine the deep slumber and dream world that they will be awoken from.
Imagine U.S. Asylum as being the road that the good people of Mexico will take in order to shake both governments from their normal catatonic state of being.
Imagine supporting millions upon millions of Mexicans showing up on America’s door steps and legally asking for help via U.S. asylum.
Imagine this taking place not only at all U.S. ports of entry, but also at all interior immigration offices across the USA too.
Imagine this: Mexicans have the right to apply for US asylum because their own government cannot protect them from cartel narco violence. Isn’t it ironic that they can legally apply for help to the same country that co- created the nightmare that they are living in?
Imagine millions of Mexicans in Mexico lining up at the immigration offices all along the border. Imagine millions of undocumented Mexicans already living in the U.S. lining up at immigration offices across the interior of the U.S. Imagine the human tsunami and how their heart-driven response will bring world wide attention to both governments.
Imagine millions of people saying to both governments: “estamos hasta la madre”, or “we have had it”.
Imagine all of the families and supporters of these people protesting at the same time. Imagine all of the people who “estan hasta la madre” or who “have had it” with the failure of these two governments to address immigration and drug enforcement policies that are killing people and ruining both countries.
Imagine what message this will send to the world.
Imagine what the U.S. government will do. How will they prepare the millions of applications on all of these people? Where and how will they keep all these asylees in custody? Will they release these people on bond? Will they have to release them on their own recognizance because they can’t afford to keep them in custody? How will the US pay for all of this?
Imagine the U.S. government taking responsibility for its own citizens’ addictions and abuses of illegal drugs. Imagine the U.S. government taking responsibility for its inability and/or refusal to control the flow of automatic weapons going into Mexico from the U.S. Imagine the U.S. government telling the truth about how NAFTA has damaged the Mexican economy. Imagine the U.S. government admitting that America actually needs Mexican labor.
Imagine how embarrassed the Mexican government will be when their own people give up hope and turn for help to the American government. How will this affect Mexican foreign trade and investments? How will this affect their egos?
Imagine that instead of being used by the gringo government, the good people of Mexico can use the gringo government’s laws to help protect themselves.
Imagine how both governments will appear in the eyes of the rest of the world. Will they now be shamed into addressing the narco violence, corruption, poverty, joblessness, drug addiction and failed immigration and drug enforcement policies that they have ignored for so long?
Imagine how ironic it will be that the horrible violence, corruption and greed that cause so much pain and suffering in Mexico will create Mexico’s very own pathway to freedom.
Imagine that the time has come where both governments have to take responsibility for their own failures to take care of their own citizens.
Imagine the average US middle class taxpayer no longer having to pay the medical and educational costs that the Mexican government refuses to pay for its own citizens living here.
Imagine the average US middle class taxpayers not having to be subjugated to the political rhetoric and anti-immigrant propaganda which blinds them to the real culprits behind their loss of jobs and wasted tax dollars.
Imagine world pressure causing the U.S. and Mexican governments to stop their hypocrisy and “clean up their acts”.
Imagine the U.S. no longer being able to preach on one hand about the values of protecting human life and human rights, while on the other turning a blind eye to its Mexican economic partner who violates those same values.
Imagine: no longer will the Mexican elite be able to avoid taking responsibility for providing decent working wages and safe living conditions for its own people.
Imagine narco terrorists not being able to practice their murderous insanity. Imagine such terror being snuffed out like a poisonous bug being smashed by a sledge hammer forged out of human dignity.
Imagine the U.S. elite no longer being able to use the poverty stricken from Mexico as a sub-class of expendable human labor.
Imagine Washington no longer being able to hide behind the drug war as a way to turn a blind eye to the horrific human suffering taking place in Mexico.
Just imagine: the American and Mexican elite have made their own beds, now they will have to lie in them too.
Imagine the Mexican government providing a human living wage and security for the good Mexican people.
Imagine the U.S. government legalizing drugs and stopping the flow of guns to Mexico.
Imagine the U.S. government creating an immigration system that worked to the best interest of all involved.
Imagine both countries respectfully living in peace. Imagine the good people of both countries ending poverty and living in prosperity.
Imagine both governments being put in a position to do the right thing. Imagine them doing the right thing.
Imagine that the nightmare is over.
http://twopesos-protestfortheundocumented.blogspot.com/2011/04/imagine-two-countries-saying-estamos.html
http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/10513105/article-Former-Border-Patrol-Agent-Confronts-His-Past-With-Music?instance=local_news
hicham farouk
July 25, 2011 at 7:15 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
*** Please pay attention to 22 00 legal immigrants dv lottery 2012 :
Dear President Obama ,Congressmen and Congresswomen,senators and American people :we are the 22,000 people whose applications to apply for a green card was invalidated. now,we kindly ask congress to help us in this matter.
1) 22,000 have played by the rules and suffered as a result;
2) the State Department… admits its negligence in creating this situation;
3) the Office of Inspector General is investigating the Department’s misfeasance;
4) the Washington Post, one of the most influential newspapers in the United States, has written a positive editorial calling for congressional action to allocate visas to the 22,000; and
5) there have been unused Lottery visas in past years – totaling approximately 34,000 over the past ten years – so that any new allocation would be, in effect, utilizing past unused visas.
http://www.facebook.com/dv2012
please help and support us in this cause,
Thank you.
Laurence J. Pike
July 27, 2011 at 5:27 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I would like to know why you in congress cant get your job done. I live on SSID and it hasn’t had a cost of living rase in three years since your so busy stealing from it to pad you raises etc. I am unable to buy food or pay the rent and live even a low class life stile. I worked 23years for Telecommunications Companys and am now USELESS I was told by The County of Santa Clara that I have to charge to fix people with bad computors who are in the same or worse finacial state than I am I have to get at least $20.00 per person. $20.00 buys milk and food that the Government is not will ing to. Now you want to get rid of free TV. and I am sure many more things. You should be ashamed.
Larry Pike
408-226-6609
Gopal Singh
May 5, 2012 at 12:17 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I receive your E news almost every week. I like to read most of your news. But I never read any news like mine. I am going to write my bad experience about my wrongful deportation hope you are going to publish this and decide yourself what kind of inhuman things ICE is doing.
# I lived in US from last 17 years.
# I was detained in Immigration detention for more than 2 and half years and currently my asylum case in 9th Circuit Court of appeal.
# Finally after 2 and half years immigration Judge granted me $ 5000 bond and government had right to appeal on that decision but they did not appeal.
# My stay of removal was denied because of irresponsibility of ICE. And without warning ICE deport me forcefully very next morning. They do this with Mexicans.But I am from other side of the world.
# I was very sick from my liver problem from 2-3 weeks before I get deported. I was talking 4 different kind of pain medicine and I was in emergency room few days before before I get deported. They refuse to give me any pain medicine for the road.
# Now my life is in total jeopardy. 1st I don’t know when any bad thing happen with me any time 2nd I am very sick from my liver problem.
To Mr. President everybody talks about wrong and right things about US immigration. But who is going to protect people like me who have fear to go back to their home land and still get deported. And where is law about Equal protection right. Whatever happened with me is total violation of human right and asylum law.
Michelle Lozano Villegas
July 9, 2012 at 8:51 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I want to subscribe to the blogposts! How can I do that?
Mitchell J. Cohen, Esquire
August 15, 2012 at 4:34 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
DHS “Childhood Arrival” Procedures are not Child’s Play
Hidden dangers await unsuspecting applicants.
DHS has unveiled a new process whereby certain individuals who entered the United States at a young age may be considered for “deferred action,” allowing them to legally live and work in the United States for a temporary period of time.
The rules appear deceptively simple. According to instructions accompanying Form I-821D “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” an applicant must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
1. Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
2. Came to the United States before reaching his or her 16th birthday;
3. Have continuously resided in the United states since June 15, 2007, up to the
present time;
4 Was present in the United States on June 15, 2007, and at the time of making his or her request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
5. Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012.
6. Are currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a general education development certificate, or is an honorable discharged veteran of Coast Guard or Armed Forces of United States; and
7. Has not convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Let’s look at items 1 and 2, which deal with proof of the applicant’s date of birth, and continuous residence in the United States since June 15, 2007. It may come as a surprise to learn that the DHS does not necessarily accept at face value the information that is on a birth certificate, especially in instances where there was a late-registered birth. DHS has also taken issue with documents from countries that it believes have a high propensity for document fraud. DHS has even been known to challenge a foreign national’s representation about his date of birth, to the point in some cases of subjecting detained individuals claiming juvenile status to forensic dental examinations to estimate the person’s age.
What about item 3, “continuously resided in the United states since June 15, 2007, up to the present time.” The phrase “continuously resided” has traditionally been a legal “term or art” in immigration law, which means that it has a meaning that is different from the ordinary everyday use of the phrase. “Continuously resided” in immigration law has meant that the foreign national has been “living” in the U.S., as opposed to “visiting” the United States. Physical presence, on the other hand, has generally been used in immigration law to refer to the actual place where you are physically situated, regardless of your intent to ultimately stay or leave. DHS has indicated that “brief, casual, and innocent” absences will not interrupt the period of continuous residence for the new deferred action program. The problem is that individuals who entered on visa categories such as B-1 or B-2 visitor visas and F-1 visas, at the time of their entry, legally had to have the intent to return to their unrelinquished foreign domiciles. If that visitor or student visa holder made multiple trips in and out of the United States on his visitor or student visa, each time he entered the United States he was necessarily representing to the immigration authorities that he was coming into the United States for a temporary purpose (not to reside permanently) and that he continued to have an intent to return to his home country.
A foreign national entering the United States on a visitor visa and may be allowed 6 months in that status. It is possible that an immigration officer may determine that the initial 6 months did not constitute time spent in continuous residence in the United States. What about the person who since June 15, 2007 traveled in and out of the U.S. on a visitor visa on multiple occasions, and then files a Form I-821D, claiming that he was actually continuously residing in the United States for the entire period of time. The question that the DHS may ask is: were you lying then, or are you lying now? Were you visiting the United States or were you actually living here? Possible result: denied I-821D application, and possible notation in that person’s immigration file of visa fraud.
Item 4 requires proof of presence in the United States on June 15, 2007. Many individuals who entered the United States without inspection as young people may not have been immediately registered in school. As a result, it may present a vast challenge to that individual to try to prove to DHS that he was physically present in the United States on June 15, 2007. DHS lists as possible secondary evidence affidavits from individuals aware of the applicant’s presence in the United States. In reality, DHS has a history of giving little or no credence to affidavits, in the absence of “hard evidence” of the applicant’s initial presence.
Item 5, requires that on June 15, 2012 the applicant has been in the U.S. without inspection or that his “lawful status” expired as of that time. “Lawful status” is another immigration law term of art, which has been the subject of much debate and repeated clarifications over the years. The issue of “lawful status” will be particularly tricky for individuals who were admitted to the United States for “Duration of Status.” The form documenting their DHS status (Form I-94), will not have an expiration date, but rather the notation “D/S” (for “duration of status”). F-1 visa students have a “D/S” notation on their I-94 cards. The date of termination of a student’s lawful status has been traditionally defined as when an immigration officer makes a determination in the student’s immigration file that the student has violated his student visa status. The problem is that the former student does not necessarily receive notification from the DHS as the determination that the student is not out of status.
Item 6, dealing with qualifying school or U.S. Armed Services history does not define what “in school” means. Does it apply to trade school? Does it apply to part-time study? What level of accreditation is required? As to the inclusion veterans of the Armed Forces, DHS is presumably aware that in order to enlist in a branch the U.S. Armed Forces, an individual must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder).
Additionally, Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides that an individual who is on active duty during times of declared hostilities or who was honorably discharged, having served during a period of declared hostilities, is entitled to expedited U.S. Citizenship. Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been in a continuous period of declared hostilities (the ongoing “war on terror”).
On to item 7, “significant misdemeanor” is clearly a subjective term. That ambiguity aside, however, there is a deeper problem that he not been explained to the general public by DHS.
The term “conviction” under Sec. 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is broader than the traditional criminal definition of conviction. In fact, I have seen many instances of foreign nationals caught completely by surprise when DHS arrests them and initiates removal proceedings against them, for judgments that they did not even considered to be criminal convictions.
For example, the person may have – on the advice of criminal counsel – pled “no contest” and received a “withheld adjudication” coupled with a fine or probation. He may have been advised that since the court did not “adjudicate” him “guilty” but instead “withheld” the adjudication, that no conviction resulted. In fact that individual may have been perfectly correct in telling a prospective employer that he was never convicted of a crime. Unfortunately, in 1996 the Immigration and Nationality Act was amended to expand the definition of “conviction” to include situations where the court withholds adjudication of guilt or suspends the sentence. Nowhere in the DHS’s instructions is this critical point made.
Not only do these individuals face receiving denials on their deferred action applications, they also risk being categorized as a “high priority” subjects for their arrest and deportation, depending on the nature of their criminal history.
Filing the innocuously-looking FormI-821D will be a process that is fraught with hidden perils. Individuals who have outstanding orders of removal, deportation or exclusion, whose applications are denied, face the possibility that DHS will execute the outstanding order and remove that person from the United States. Individuals who left the United States after an order of removal and then reentered the United States (generally within 10 years of departing) face felony prosecution for “criminal reentry.” The I-821D elicits all the necessary information needed for prosecution. An unwary applicant may very easily hand his head on a platter to DHS and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for both prosecution and deportation.
The DHS has announced that there will be no appeal from a denial of the Form I-821D deferred action applications. This “one strike and you’re out” may seem incongruous with the Obama administration’s stated humanitarian goals of this deferred action program. The Form I-821D is one test that these students and former students cannot afford to flunk.
Mitchell J. Cohen, Attorney at Law
501 Golden Isles Drive, Suite 205
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Tel. (954) 457-1941
mcohenlaw@yahoo.com
http://www.greencardcohen.com
Mitchell Cohen is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association, with offices in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Gilbert Estiller
October 6, 2012 at 10:24 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
This is a forgotten, sad piece of US immigration history that I would like to put back into the light. In 1918 after World War I, thousands of US alien soldiers and sailors who fought in that war were naturalized, their applications expedited. but not the more than 5,000 Filipino US Navy servicemen. My father went to talk to an immigration officer to confirm the policy, and felt sad when told that Filipinos are indeed excluded from applying for US citizenship. Not many would be naturalized later because of the complex and confusing laws, and very limited quota allocated for Filipino servicemen. Another blow came in 1935, when their US national status was rescinded. Unsure of their status, and the prevailing racism that will confront their future life in America, after retirement, many simply gave up applying for US citizenship and returned to the Philippines. Out of sight and out of mind, they are now open game, the US and Philippine governments begun imposing taxes on their pension, virtually reducing their pensions to piecemeal. many of them cannot even open bank accounts, A token legislation was passed allowing them to apply for US citizenship, was practically too late and economically beyond their reach. A few of the many reasons, are; First, the expensive process.They have to travel back to the US to file and take their Oath of allegiance. second, given that they become citizens, old and alone, finding a place to stay is even more difficult. third, petitioning for the rest of the family cost time and money. In short, it’s all a lose lose situation it was for them. What I want to point out right now , is, for the US government to honor these forgotten heroes of World War I and restore dignity by giving the families they left behind a chance to immigrate to the US. After all, America is very much a part of their life, and not to forget, victims of laws and policies targeting their ethnicity.
DDS
October 9, 2012 at 8:40 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Why the whole categories family-based are too slow in the processing time? why?? we are a proffesional,bilingual speakers and we can make a income contribution to US and work hard,pay income taxes for the country,we just need the chance to get a profitable job to support our families.
Please is USA they can do better in the USCIS,move and make faster!!!
Oliver Ortega
December 12, 2012 at 12:29 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hello,
I tried to email you guys but for some reason it didn’t go through. My name is Oliver Ortega and I’m a student-reporter for a publication called Immigrant Connect (http://www.immigrantconnect.org). I’m currently finishing a feature story that I think would be a good fit for your blog. Maria Sanchez, a 17-year-old high school senior, can now live and work in the U.S. But the rest of her family is still waiting for their own relief, and the threat of deportation looms over them. Despite the risks, Maria and her parents believe that by telling their family’s story, they can make a difference.
For readers wanting a longer, intimate portrait (about 2,500 words) of a family’s struggle with being undocumented, this piece is perfect. With all the momentum around immigration reform today, readers will welcome stories putting human faces on the issue. I’ve also got some great pictures of Maria and her family.
I would love the opportunity to run my article in your blog. There’s no charge; I’m just trying to get the story out there. It should be ready by the end of this week. Please let me know if you’re interested.
Thanks,
Oliver Ortega
Dragan Paunovic
December 27, 2012 at 10:50 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hi, my name is Dragan Paunovic. This is the portion of my story that must be explained. Without people understanding this I will not be allowed to be with my family ever again. I have been separated from my wife and 3 daughters now for 2 years and out of the United States for 4.
I came to the United States in 2000 seeking political asylum.I escaped from the authorities in the country, as all the countries of the Western countries left Belgrade for the earlier bombing, I asked for a visa to Mexico I came to the border in Mexico and I applied to an officer. I asked to the best of my ability because at the time I did not speak any English at all. Even today, 12 years later my wife helps me to properly portray my feelings in the written word because English is still, definitely, my second language.
I had an interview with the officer and an error was made; an error that is now affecting me dramatically. The officer confirmed I did not speak a word of English. They met with me and had me sign papers to which I did not know what was written and I was not given a translator. Later that same border patrol officer said that I falsely identified myself as an American Citizen which is an offense punishable by a lifetime ban for re-entry. The problem is I never made such claim.
All interviews at the border patrol office are recorded and documented. I went to court a few years after my entry to the United States to fight this claim and the border agent said that there was no recording or record of my interview, only the signed documents that were written entirely in English.When the border officer questioned , he said that I said in my speech that I was an American citizen, and a little later denied this when he was asked if he spoke English Dragan Paunovic his answer is NON, do you speak Serbian NO, did Dragan had interpreters NO, is a translation by Dragan papers that he signed the NO, do you usually shoot your interview that is done YES all of them , do you have a video interview with Dragan NO.How is this possible.
The judge at that time said there was no evidence to support the claim of the border patrol agent. I never said I was an American citizen. The judge threw the case out and I thought I would not have to worry about this lie ever again.
I came to America and played by all the rules I did not broke the law, didn’t ask for welfare i work like personal trainer,i didn’t ask for social security,I didn’t ask for food stamps,I pay for my health insurance,I didn’t came to America to take advantage of the system,I came to be a part of the system,I have not crossed the border illegally I asked if I could get into the country and seek asylum I got a white card and let me in.
I’m just looking for justice.
The worst part about all of this is that my initial court date to get my citizenship shortly after I arrived in the states was scheduled for September 12, 2001. After America suffered that horrendous attack on U.S. soil all court dates were postponed. When they resumed, everything had changed. Everybody was much more scared and strict when it came to immigration. I understand why, I do, but I think this unfortunate circumstance is one of the reasons why my case has taken the turn that it has and why I am not allowed to come home to my American wife and daughters. When I went to my re-scheduled court date on September 22, 2001 the judge revoked all the motions and, in anger, did not want to listen to the presentation of my case by my lawyer. He briefly read what the prosecutor suggested, and my request for asylum was rejected very unfairly. I had the right to appeal, which I did, and the case continued for years until 2007.
In 2004 I married my wife, Jamie Rush. In 2005 we had twin girls, Anastacia and Isabella. In 2007 my application was finally rejected and at the urging of our lawyer my wife, kids and I self deported to Serbia. We left in October of 2008. It wasn’t until later, somewhat recently, that I found out that because of the false statements made by the border officer, I am denied entry into the USA for my entire life.
In 2008 my wife and twin daughters moved to Serbia with me. After a year and a half, however, they needed to go home to America. My wife had become very depressed and we had no way to make any money. My children were getting older and deserved to have all the opportunities afforded to them as Americans. While my wife was still here we conceived our 3rd child, Isidora. She was born in America on October 5, 2010. My wife brought her to Serbia when she was 3 months old so that I could see her. I saw her for only 3 weeks. She is now 22 months old and that was the only time I got to spend with her.
I am unable to see my children or be with my family. You can’t imagine something like that. I can only dream about their smiles, about what they are doing. I just want to be near them while they are growing up. I want them to know me and I want to know them. All my life I wanted to go to the USA because of my passion for democracy and because of human rights. And now I am fighting a losing battle. This is a case of an American family that grows up without a father just because of false statements. Nobody seems to care. There is no mercy and my case is being handled so poorly. All 8 years I spent in America I lived as a normal citizen, respecting all laws and regulations of the U.S. I am not a criminal; I’m not someone who has done something wrong. I’m just an ordinary man who just wants, needs, someone to take my file, look at my case and you will see that this is one big mistake. That is all. Do I ask for too much?
PLEASE tell me what are my options PLEASE my life without kids has no meaning.
· THANK YOU !
Policy Center
January 2, 2013 at 9:32 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hey Dragan-
We’re not able to give legal advice. However, if you need an immigration lawyer, this website — see http://www.ailalawyer.com — could be helpful to you.
In addition, there are a few other resources that could be of assistance to you:
→Pro Bono website through the Department of Justice lists free legal services providers in various areas: http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/probono/states.htm;
→This website — http://www.lawhelp.org — might have some helpful information;
→American Bar Association has an Immigration Legal Service Providers Directory:
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_services/immigration/resources/immigration_legal_service_providers_directory.html;
→ACLU Foundation Immigrants’ Rights Project has an Immigrant Services Directory: A National Guide of Service Providers: http://www.aclu.org/files/assets/ImServDir_20101229.pdf.
Hopefully some of this helps!
Nina
March 4, 2013 at 4:07 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
All I have to say is that I am praying for you. My husband and I are in a very similar situation, and I feel your pain, aguish, and suffering. The only thing that gets us by is Skype, and that’s it. We travel 2 times a year to see each other in person, we to also have a young child of 2 years, and she kisses and hugs the computer to hold her daddy. He has also been banned for 10 years for overstaying his Visa Waiver for 42 days. He was deported ( which made no sense cause he self deported, but the government wouldn’t allow me to pay for his flight) August 2010. So we are going through the motions with the 130 and uscis, hoping that he can come home someday. Hang in there maybe there is another country you can go to that suits both your wife and children and you. We have to go to Canada to meet in the middle every 6 months, to spend a week or 2 together. As I said I will pray for your family, and Isidora is a Beautiful Name!! We named our Daughter (Pronounced Mo-ray-na. ) spelled ” Morena” .. I wish you well.