BETH was petitioned as “single” by her U.S. citizen father in 1988. At her Embassy interview, visas were already available for “married” children. The consul advised her to marry Benjamin, her live-in partner, so she could add him to her petition and bring him and their children along with her.
She followed the consul’s advice and married Benjamin. Unfortunately, the Embassy made a mistake and issued her visa as “single” (F-1), instead of married (F-3), preventing her husband from immigrating, and her naturalization application being denied.
Beth retained leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who was able to finally bring Benjamin to the U.S.
Atty. Gurfinkel even met with the consuls at the Embassy, who agreed they issued Beth’s visa in the wrong category but could no longer withdraw it since the visa was already issued. They did agree, however, to issue a visa to her child.
Benjamin was eventually able to get a green card through their U.S. citizen child’s petition.
Watch this success story of a family reunion that was 32 years in the making on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 29 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.
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