Written by Staff, Xiao Ma
When I called Xiomara this evening, her voice trembled with emotion, bursting with excitement as she exclaimed, “After thirteen years! Thirteen years! Finally, I get to see my husband!”
For over a decade, Denis has been trapped in Honduras, while Xiomara remains in the United States, separated by an ocean. Denis, a Honduran national, was deported twice, leaving his family with a grueling ten-year waiting period. But today, December 17, 2024, Denis received an official date for his visa interview.
Xiomara met Denis when she was 16, the two quickly fell in love. When Denis came back to the United States in the early 2000s seeking work and opportunities, they got married and welcomed two children together. Just as life seemed to be settling, Denis was obtaining work authorization and travel documents…Complications arose during an immigration interview at the Federal Plaza; prior records and illegitimate lawyers led to his deportation.
Reflecting on that experience, Xiomara sighed, “My husband is a hardworking man. He came here to find work and pay his taxes. But at the Federal Plaza, they treated us like criminals. I love this country, but the system is messy…”
After Denis was deported, Xiomara’s life changed dramatically. She had to shoulder the responsibility of caring for their son, daughter, and her mother, all while working seven days a week to make ends meet. She recalls those years as overwhelming, describing how she had to navigate the unknown while keeping her family afloat.
During that difficult time, Xiomara began working with Mr. TJ, the lawyer who had initially advised her before Denis’ first deportation. She admitted she hadn’t taken his guidance seriously back then, a decision she deeply regrets. Determined to move forward, she placed her trust entirely in Mr. TJ’s expertise.
When speaking about Mr. TJ, Xiomara cannot praise him enough. “HE IS THE BEST,” she said emphatically, expressing immense gratitude for his unwavering support over the past decade, even through the challenges of the pandemic.
When speaking about Mr. TJ, Xiomara’s voice is filled with awe and admiration, as if describing someone who worked magic. She shared that earlier this year, Denis’ case was denied yet again, but Mr. TJ refused to give up. With unwavering determination, he meticulously reorganized files, submitted additional documentation, and fought tirelessly until they finally received today’s long-awaited interview notice.
Xiomara is particularly moved by Mr. TJ’s approach as a lawyer. “He is so communicative,” she explained, emphasizing how he not only keeps her informed but also maintains regular contact with Denis, who has been in Honduras throughout the process. Hearing her story, I couldn’t help but agree, reflecting on how rare it is to find such communicative lawyers—something I’ve come to understand personally as I navigate my own immigration process. I sympathized deeply with her sentiment. “We’ve never met a lawyer like him. You will learn from the best,” her voice filled with trust and certainty. And I wholeheartedly believe her.