THIS Sunday on “Citizen Pinoy,” witness the moving story of a mother’s persistence and a sister’s sacrifice in the face of immigration challenges. Lolita, a devoted mother, petitioned both her children, Cristy and Julian, to join her in the United States.
Cristy’s green card was processed first, and she arrived in the U.S. in 2009. But only six months later, she made the painful decision to return to the Philippines to care for her younger brother, Julian, who had been hospitalized. Without filing a re-entry permit, Cristy stayed too long abroad, and the U.S. Embassy deemed her green card abandoned.
In 2010, Julian’s immigration was finally processed, and he was able to fly to the U.S. But Cristy, despite wanting to return with him, had her green card revoked. Her mother Lolita immediately filed a new petition for Cristy that same year. By 2021, the National Visa Center confirmed that Cristy’s case was documentarily complete, but the family waited years with no word on an interview. Meanwhile, Lolita became legally blind, and Julian’s heart condition worsened – both desperately needing Cristy’s help and presence.
After being told by another attorney that nothing could be done, the family turned to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. In May 2024, he took on the case and successfully requested the U.S. Embassy to expedite Cristy’s long-delayed visa. The request was approved, and in March 2025 – more than 15 years after she first arrived – Cristy was finally reunited with her family in America.
Now restarting her American Dream from the beginning, Cristy has no regrets. Giving up her green card in 2009 to care for her sick brother was, in her heart, the right thing to do. Her story of compassion, perseverance, and a mother’s unwavering determination is one that will inspire and move many on this brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, May 11 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 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.
CITIZEN PINOY SHOWS HOW A SISTER’S SACRIFICE AND A MOTHER’S HOPE LED TO A JOURNEY BACK TO THE AMERICAN DREAM. This Sunday on “Citizen Pinoy,” follow the emotional story of Cristy (2nd from left), who gave up her green card in 2009 to return to the Philippines and care for her ailing brother Julian (left). Though she had just arrived in the U.S., she chose family over her American Dream. Her green card was later revoked for staying abroad too long without a re-entry permit. Cristy’s mother, Lolita (3rd from left), filed a new petition in 2010. Years passed, and by 2021, her case was ready – but no interview was scheduled. As Lolita became legally blind and Julian’s heart condition worsened, the family turned to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) for help. Cristy finally arrived in the U.S. in March 2025. Starting over after 15 years, she says she has no regrets. Her selfless decision to care for her brother remains her proudest choice. Watch this inspiring family story on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 11 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.
