In February, after a complex application process and the assistance of HCM’s legal team, Anthony* received approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for permanent residency without risking separation from his family. Because his wife, Carmen*, is a U.S. citizen, HCM could help Anthony qualify for a special waiver that allows him to attend his required immigration interview at the American embassy in Mexico and immediately return to his family in the United States. Without this waiver, Anthony would risk automatically being barred from reentry for as long as ten years.
The ability to remain together has been a tremendous blessing for this tight-knit family. Carmen and Anthony first met and fell in love while attending a concert in 2003. Soon they began spending all their time together. Anthony says he remembers feeling very fortunate to become part of a family – Carmen had been raising three children on her own. In 2014, the couple decided to marry. But soon after, Carmen was sadly diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo a complete colon resection.
Ever since Carmen’s diagnosis, the family has battled cancer together in the United States. Anthony cared for Carmen daily, driving her to medical appointments, tending her wounds and ensuring she took her medication. He also managed the household chores and cared for Carmen’s three children as his own.
When the family learned that Anthony’s applying for permanent residency could mean years of separation, they sought the advice of HCM’s legal team. HCM reviewed their options and successfully argued to the USCIS that a separation would be devastating for Anthony, Carmen and their children. This positive outcome and the ability to stay together has made a world of difference for the family during an incredibly difficult time.