Green Card for Elderly Parent: Mercedes’ Immigration Journey
[Please note: The Client’s name and case key details may have been altered to preserve the identity of the client. This Success Story about Green card for elderly parent is not intended to be an offer of service or case plan. Every case is unique. The Success Story is presented for information purposes only.]
From early 2020 to December, our Cleveland team worked with the Contreras family, who immigrated from Venezuela years ago. All members had U.S. citizenship—except Mercedes, the beloved mother, grandmother, and heart of the family.
Mercedes, in her late 70s, often visited her family in Ohio. They urged her to settle permanently, but she hesitated to leave her homeland. However, during her 2019–2020 visit, worsening political and economic turmoil in Venezuela convinced her it was time to move. The family was thrilled, and Cris, her devoted granddaughter, suggested consulting our team to ensure proper immigration protocols.
Starting the Process
We began by addressing USCIS requirements to show Mercedes would not become a public charge. Because she planned to live with Gabriel and Charyl, her son and daughter-in-law, their household income strengthened her case. Still, they needed to provide detailed financial documentation and secure health insurance for Mercedes—a costly challenge due to her age. Thankfully, Cris managed the paperwork and researched insurance options thoroughly.
Filing the Applications
By June, we had prepared and submitted the necessary petitions and residency applications. Gabriel sponsored his mother, and we included supporting documents to demonstrate family ties and financial stability. We also requested work authorization because Mercedes hoped to contribute by sewing and even dreamed of selling Venezuelan coffee at festivals once COVID-19 subsided.
Overcoming Obstacles
Soon after filing, USCIS requested police records from Venezuela. Mercedes feared delays due to bureaucracy and her past human rights advocacy. Nevertheless, guided by Cris, she contacted a church dignitary who expedited the paperwork. By November, all documents arrived, and we completed the filings.
A month later, Mercedes’ green card for elderly parent was approved without an interview, thanks to COVID-19 precautions and her age. Overjoyed, she visited our office, brewed Venezuelan coffee for the team, and gifted handmade scarves.
A White Christmas
On December 25th, Mercedes woke to snow—a true white Christmas she had long dreamed of. She spent the day listening to Bing Crosby and celebrating her new life in Ohio. If you or someone you know needs help with an immigration matter, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help.