Success Story: After 13-Year Battle, Visa Finally Issued to “40-Year-Old Child” in Brand-New Citizen Pinoy Episode

This week’s episode of “Citizen Pinoy” features U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who demonstrates that persistence and determination can overcome obstacles and help achieve one’s goals.

The story centers on Myk Latayan, a derivative beneficiary under his father’s employment-based petition. Unfortunately, due to his company’s lawyer failing to seek to acquire within the required one-year window, the US Embassy denied his visa, citing ineligibility under the Child Status Protection Act.

Atty. Gurfinkel tirelessly appealed to the U.S. Embassy and the State Department over several years, emphasizing that Myk’s case involved extraordinary circumstances resulting from his previous attorney’s negligence in filing on time.

After many years of constant denials, most people would’ve lost hope and given up.  But Atty. Gurfinkel remained committed and kept fighting.  “Myk wasn’t just a name on a file,” he says. “I know that he and his family here in America desperately want to be together.”

Thanks to Atty. Gurfinkel’s perseverance, Myk was finally granted his green card this year, fulfilling his parents’ dream of not only reuniting in the U.S. but also providing Myk’s own family their chance at the American Dream.

Don’t miss this inspiring success story on a new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) on select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

When Raymond and Gail left their children in the Philippines in 1995, they hoped and prayed that their kids would soon follow and that the whole family would be reunited in America.  A negligent lawyer’s oversight, however, triggered their son Myk’s many years of separation from his loved ones, declaring him ineligible under the Child Status Protection Act.

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel believed Myk was indeed eligible under extraordinary circumstances and fought to attain Myk’s visa.  Despite the many frustrating denials from the U.S. Embassy and the State Department, he remained committed and passionate about bringing Myk to America.

After 13 years of pounding on their doors, the U.S. Embassy and State Department finally had a change of heart and granted the “40-Year-Old Child” his visa.  Not only was Myk reunited with his parents, but now, his own family has the chance to pursue the American Dream.

Don’t miss this inspiring success story on a new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) on select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.