Celebrating a New Future
Artwork by Maximino Cerezo Barredo
Patricia*, originally from Brazil, came to the U.S. with her family when she was 17-years-old. She enrolled at a local community college. Through her involvement in various student groups on campus, Patricia met Bert*. A few years later, they got married. Patricia and Bert reached out to Jubilee shortly after their wedding. As a U.S. citizen, Bert could help his undocumented spouse apply for a green card. With the assistance of Jubilee attorney Alexandra Wong, they submitted their applications this past summer.
Unfortunately, two weeks later, USCIS issued a new draconian enforcement policy that significantly heightened Patricia’s risk of being arrested by ICE. This new policy gave immigration service officers new, unprecedented enforcement authority to carry firearms and arrest immigrants at their green card and naturalization interviews. Alexandra met with Patricia and Bert to discuss the now-elevated risk that Patricia could be arrested and deported at their immigration interview. Despite the uncertainty, Patricia and Bert courageously decided to proceed with their case.
In November, Alexandra accompanied the couple to their immigration interview. Patricia was fortunately not arrested at their interview. In fact, USCIS approved their applications and she is now a legal permanent resident. We are grateful that Patricia and Bert can dream of their new future together, in the U.S., where they call home.
The pathway through which Patricia was able to receive a green card is just one of many immigration pathways facing increased scrutiny and heightened risk of detention under this Administration. Many in our immigrant communities face similar, and sometimes even more challenging immigration situations, often without legal representation. As we celebrate Patricia and Bert’s new way forward, please partner with Jubilee as we help families navigate this increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape.
* Names and details changed for confidentiality reasons.
