Family-Based Immigration Success Story: Martin’s Journey
[Disclaimer: The client’s name and case details have been altered to protect privacy. This family-based immigration success story is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique.]
Meeting Karen and Starting a Family
This success story begins in 2002 when Martin entered the United States from Mexico without inspection and settled in northern Georgia, working various jobs to support himself.
In 2005, Martin met Karen, a freelance writer, and they married in late 2006. A few years later, they welcomed their daughter, Amy. Unfortunately, Amy was born with a heart defect and kidney issues, requiring ongoing medical care even after successful treatment.
Challenges and the Need for Legal Help
For years, Martin and Karen did nothing to adjust Martin’s immigration status. But in September 2017, concerned about stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration, they sought help from Margaret W. Wong’s Atlanta immigration team, experts in family-based immigration, Karen feared the consequences if Martin were deported. Amy’s ongoing health needs and Karen’s auditory disability—which made learning another language nearly impossible—meant moving to Mexico would be overwhelming. She also depended on her U.S.-based family for financial and emotional support. The Wong team immediately filed an I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), which was approved in July 2018. Next came the critical step: preparing an I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. This required extensive evidence showing that Karen and Amy would suffer extreme hardship if Martin were removed or if they had to move to Mexico. The team compiled medical and psychological documentation, and the waiver was filed in September 2019.
After months of waiting, USCIS approved the waiver in February 2021—a major victory. But the process wasn’t over. The team still needed to submit the DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application), obtain a police certificate from Mexico, and provide certified court dispositions for Martin’s minor traffic infractions in the U.S.
For the I-864 Affidavit of Support, Karen wanted to be the sole sponsor since her income had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to strengthen the case, her brother Sam agreed to co-sponsor.
Looking Ahead: A Positive Outcome
By May 2021, all documentation was complete and accepted. The final step was scheduling Martin’s interview at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. After the interview, Martin would likely return to the U.S. to await his green card.
Although the case is not officially closed, Martin, Karen, and Amy feel optimistic about the outcome—as does the Margaret W. Wong team.