Immigration Waiver for Unlawful Presence: Diego’s Path to a Green Card
[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 Immigration waiver for unlawful presence 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.]
An enterprising young man named Diego came to the United States in 2005 from Colombia as an undocumented immigrant. He first settled in Florida, where he met and married Adriana, a U.S. citizen of Hispanic heritage whose family mostly lived in Pittsburgh. Encouraged by Adriana, Diego accepted her family’s offer to manage a growing restaurant in Pittsburgh. Over the years, Diego and Adriana had two children, and under his supervision, the restaurant became a major success.
A Turning Point
In early 2017, Diego suffered a spinal injury and reduced his working hours. This challenge created an opportunity to address his undocumented status, which he had delayed due to family and business responsibilities. Adriana had filed an I-130 petition for Diego in 2015, but the couple never followed up. In April 2017, they booked an appointment with the Wong team in Cleveland to resolve the issue.
Why an Immigration Waiver Was Critical
The family feared deportation after Donald Trump’s election. Returning to Colombia was not an option because Diego’s relatives faced cartel threats. Our team decided to pursue an immigration wavier for unlawful presence based on Diego’s marriage to a U.S. citizen and his strong community ties.
Steps Toward Permanent Residency
We arranged a travel document so Diego could leave and legally re-enter the U.S. Then we filed an I-485 application for permanent residency. Unfortunately, the original I-130 had been destroyed by the NVC due to inactivity, so we filed new petitions.
Approval
In August 2020, Diego attended a USCIS interview while Adriana gave birth to their third child. Despite his nervousness, the officer approved Diego for permanent residency, noting his bona fide marriage. Diego left the interview relieved and excited to reunite with his family. Thanks to an immigration waiver for unlawful presence, Diego secured his green card and returned to work full-time. His story shows how persistence and proper legal guidance can change lives. Contact us for personalized guidance and start your path toward legal residency now.