And the day arrived for our interview - December 3, 2011. It's been a while since the public rush to "Keep Oli and Jelena in the US," and it has been quiet. We went on about our business, left our home on the market (but it did not sell - so we're still here) and planned to get the girls back in public school. I think I just had enough of business, and needed rest. But, we prepared for this day for many years it seemed, and it was finally here.
We put together a binder of all documents needed, photos, letters many wrote on our behalf, copies of bills, tax records, and many other things necessary. Our lawyer and his son showed up, along with the news teams to show evidence of our approval. We went into the Immigration Office in Irving, TX and after a short interview we were granted permission to live here for ten years with our permanent residency, with hope to apply for citizenship in three years!!!!! It was nerve-wrecking at first, (I think my sister bit all of her nails and hair ends off) but it was awesome to spend the day with our husbands and our lawyer who worked so hard on our behalf.
The news media team captured the momentous time as we left the immigration building with the kids and lawyers beside us. I felt like the NASA team in the movie "Armageddon" coming off the shuttle. On a much smaller scale, I know, but to me it meant the world. I could not believe it was finally over, and honestly I still cannot get past the idea. Since the decision from the San Antonio official that removed us from the deportation preceding, the extreme push to make our case known significantly slowed down, and especially so after the decision in Virginia that approved our motion to reopen our case. When we for approved for green cards in December, our family and friends were sure it was a done deal and it was certainly no longer a what if - but no way any other way!
We celebrated this day and let our friends know of the great news which we could not wait to get out! The funny thing was, that our actual "green" cards, much like a drivers license card but indeed green, arrived in the mail like a credit card, in a plain white envelope. The amazing thing was that our green card arrived in the mail on Christmas Eve. It was a long awaited and anticipated present. I thank the LORD for the journey, the favor, and the many friends along the way. Although hard and extremely trying in so many ways, He gave us strength to persevere, and hope for good. I know I cannot explain all that went on personally between Best Friend and me, but all that matters is that we know. We both know Who was in charge beyond doubt. We both know He has good plans for us. We alone know the intimate conversations, prayers, and confessions throughout it all. It was a cleansing period, but a time of growth. Merry Merry Christmas to us!!!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Waiting on Board
I sit here and try to remember all the details again - but it seems so strange to me. I remember that once we saw the tide turn and things looking more hopeful, we gave ourselves time to be still and reminisce. I was so amazed by the support, I cannot express it enough. The money raised through the Paypal account my sister started helped pay the bills during this time so we didn't have to worry. Our friends Joe and Melissa gave us money to pay our mortgage so we don't lose our home in the midst of all this. People donated for a garage sale and our friends even ran it. The money helped us stay afloat during these months and I began looking at reorganizing my life and starting all over. Dan continued his job as a detention officer at the jail, and I began thinking about putting the kids back in school and stopping home-school. It was truly a new beginning for our family.
There were some hang-ups during this time, a lot of odds and end paperwork we had to fill out, a lot of processing and looking for lost documents, deadlines and rushing to comply with it all. The time in the midst waiting for the Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia was nerve-wrecking! We tried living the best we knew how, had out home ready to sell, and packed up our belongings just in case. There was no national coverage to my knowledge at the time, so we just prayed daily that our case would be approved and we would get a chance to reopen our case. If this happened, our lawyer would apply on our behalf as he did with our mom, and as it has been done with many foreigners, and we would fill out the needed paperwork and go through the necessary procedures and get our green cards. If Virginia denied our case again, as they have done in the past when my dad applied for our family, then we would not be able to apply for permanent residency, and would be in the same boat, probably having to go back to Serbia and wait up to or at least ten years (not sure which one because we have gotten both answers ) before we can return and try again. We were open to this by now, and knew whatever happened, it would be for our best. It was pretty scary to think about moving our entire family across the seas as my parents did, only to a place far less advanced, and without any plans.
We were told that it takes at least three months for the Board of Appeals to look at our case and decide our fate. We were told that it also depends in whose hands our case falls, and what kind of day they're having as well as their personal take on our background and case. It sounded like a gamble, but we put our trust in the LORD. Just like everything else worked out in our favor regardless of what we were told, so did this: only about a month after our case was sent to Virginia, we received the great news that they approved our appeal to reopen our case! It didn't take at least three months, and we had no complications! It was amazing and we were beyond thrilled!
There were some hang-ups during this time, a lot of odds and end paperwork we had to fill out, a lot of processing and looking for lost documents, deadlines and rushing to comply with it all. The time in the midst waiting for the Board of Immigration Appeals in Virginia was nerve-wrecking! We tried living the best we knew how, had out home ready to sell, and packed up our belongings just in case. There was no national coverage to my knowledge at the time, so we just prayed daily that our case would be approved and we would get a chance to reopen our case. If this happened, our lawyer would apply on our behalf as he did with our mom, and as it has been done with many foreigners, and we would fill out the needed paperwork and go through the necessary procedures and get our green cards. If Virginia denied our case again, as they have done in the past when my dad applied for our family, then we would not be able to apply for permanent residency, and would be in the same boat, probably having to go back to Serbia and wait up to or at least ten years (not sure which one because we have gotten both answers ) before we can return and try again. We were open to this by now, and knew whatever happened, it would be for our best. It was pretty scary to think about moving our entire family across the seas as my parents did, only to a place far less advanced, and without any plans.
We were told that it takes at least three months for the Board of Appeals to look at our case and decide our fate. We were told that it also depends in whose hands our case falls, and what kind of day they're having as well as their personal take on our background and case. It sounded like a gamble, but we put our trust in the LORD. Just like everything else worked out in our favor regardless of what we were told, so did this: only about a month after our case was sent to Virginia, we received the great news that they approved our appeal to reopen our case! It didn't take at least three months, and we had no complications! It was amazing and we were beyond thrilled!
We met with ICE following the news, and the officer said
he has NEVER seen the BIA in VA totally dismiss and close a case without having
to go through additional trials. He was shocked - I said God is for us! Our
case with the monitoring agency was closed. No more trips to check in and no more
phone calls. No more trips to the ICE office. Now we only work with our lawyer
and get all of our paperwork checked off and turned in! This is the news we
have been waiting to hear and our family was so happy! My mom said, "Of
course you stay, what - you think you be going back to Serbia - no way!"
We laugh and take a load off, but most of all relief was the word.
We had a few more hiccups because our tax returns from the prior year did not fit the recommended bracket because Dan had lost his job, and his new one did not provide sufficient funds. George and mom pledged as guardians over me and we filled out more paperwork and it looked like all was set up for our final interview!
I believe the news did some follow up stories and once again, we are beyond thankful for all of their support and help because they played a super significant role in changing the direction our case was headed. We are forever thankful for all of our family, friends, coworkers, supporters across the globe, and the media who helped us! We love you all and owe you never-ending gratitude!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
ICE ICE Baby to go
As more and more people became involved and the news of our situation spread, we received an amazing phone call from our lawyer stating that the government official who initially dismissed and denied our case in San Antonio, "changed his mind" and approved our papers to stay! It was truly a miracle because things like this just don't happen. Our lawyer took the next step in filling out paperwork and now it was up to the Board of Immigration Office in Virginia to approve the motion to reopen the case which would reverse our deportation status and make it allowed for us to submit the paperwork to apply for the permanent residency or green card. We updated our status on FB and asked for new prayers and help to reach the national news so that the officials in DC would hear of our case and somehow it would change their minds too - like hearing our case on the Texas news changed the mind of the gentleman in San Antonio. How many of you know it doesn't happen the same way twice? No matter how many people tried and tried to get our story to explode it just wouldn't. That's because we were leaning on our own understanding. This scared us, but by this time we knew if God brought us this far, He wasn't going to quit yet and not allow us to get to the end. We spoke to reporters on CNN even, our friends e-mailed the daily shows on each station, but as we prayed that only those doors which would be in our favor to open would, and none of the national news and shows came through, we knew there was a reason and it was to our benefit.
I remember going to the ICE office one Sunday afternoon, with our son in the stroller and walking around the building praying for our case, and praying for the hearts of the officers in charge. The security guard on duty came up to us asking what we were doing and when we told him, he looked at us like "I have no idea if I should let you do this or not, but I guess I will." Dan was all ready to state his rights and all, but he didn't need to, thankfully. We prayed for a meeting coming up that Congressman Michael Burgess helped set up with ICE officials. We were scared, yet peaceful in our spirit that this meeting would help and not harm our situation.
As many stories in the immigration arena came out in the media, we received endless e-mails, phone calls, FB messages and such. The News media kept resurfacing our story in different lights, and we spent most of our days speaking to others about our situation. This was okay for me, since any down-time gave me more opportunity to doubt and speculate deportation. I rebuked those thoughts as much as could and looked for opportunities to get involved and serve.
When we met with the top ICE officials, I finally realized fully how this entire situation had very little if anything to do with us. The officials were extremely polite and helpful, apologizing for the treatment we have received and assuring us that we would not get deported. I believed them, but just to be smart and not let my guard down, I continued my life as if anything could happen. I did not want to completely rely on someone's word, because as I have witnessed before, the individuals could lose their job, move away, or even change departments and the new personnel have no earthly idea about any verbal agreements, nor do they want to acknowledge or comply. So to eliminate any possible future let-downs, we kept our focus and continued working with our lawyer, the news media, and anyone who came into our path willing to help in any way. I realized that the ICE team was indeed - "just doing their job." They were instructed to apprehend the "bad guys" who weren't documented, and trained not to get personal. It was their 8-5. I saw again that America was not our enemy, that the officials (who even told us "We actually want people like you here!") were not our enemy. I saw each person as an individual and prayed for them and thought about what kind of life they live outside their job. I saw the ICE offices and different departments struggling to stay connected between themselves, and grasped at how much more difficult it was for them to stay connected with every person who lives in this country. What a job! I know we have the means to document each individual now and why we don't do proficiently is as good a question for any corporation as it is for ICE.
Recently one of the news team reporters asked me what I thought about the two-year bill to keep the "Dreamers" (or kids whose parents brought them here at a young age, and we have gone to school here and created a life here, but cannot get legal citizenship). I am copying and pasting my response here - but as you read it you will tell - it was written as a reaction and quickly, so it's a bit strong.
As for the immigration stuff... I read and read about it but bottom line- the 2-yr. act means nothing. It's just prolonging what was to happen anyway. We were in this situation for many, many years and know it does not guarantee work authorization - as we got denied before, not understanding why, and that at any given point your name could be picked for arrest. I understand that during the two years, the kids would be safe, but right after they would be in the same boat. The two year period does not allow for them to do anything to push their case forward. If I were in charge :)))
During the two years, the kids have the option to move forward with their case. They come to the immigration office and provide all necessary paperwork needed. If a lawyer is absolutely necessary as we always heard, make a clause of some sort that a specific sum is the cap, to avoid the kids (as we did) going for help from lawyer to lawyer and being denied, or asked to pay tens of thousands of dollars up front. The kids are looking forward and have hope that at the end of the two years, when all that was expected of them has been turned in, will receive permanent residency. The list could be paperwork, no felonies, knows English, can jump on one foot - whatever. But something achievable and written on paper as a sure step to the prize if the goal is reached. If they failed to comply, their case will be looked at on a case basis, and either they can restart the process or face deportation. Having worked for the citizenship will give them a sense of accomplishment, and erase the resentment many of us had. Instead of just handing out green cards (as many are against this anyway), steps a, b, and c must be taken during the two years and if one does them - he/she gets to stay. Many of the kids have families of their own who are citizens like in our case. It would make the most sense. This way, all the kids are documented, have complied, want to live here and make America their home permanently and on paper as it is in most of our hearts. The very small amount who does not comply would face the next steps.
I think the biggest issue with us was money. I held a grudge because this was not taken care for me, and my parents did not work harder to make sure we can stay legally (of course not knowing the details). I felt shame because America did not accept us. I felt a sense of entitlement, that I should be a citizen because I had no choice in the matter. We all know, entitlement kills joy in our lives. Shame kills purpose. It's been an inward prison for many years that took an act of God to bring into light and expose, and ultimately fix. I have noticed that many Americans live with a sense of entitlement just because they are Americans. They have pride to be Americans, yet it was their ancestors who fought through hell to get them there. They are just taking advantage of something inherited. We have forgotten what it means to work for the right to be called Americans. We have taken it for granted. Maybe that's why it's been so easy to pass America away to the highest bidder. I hope that if new laws pass - or something like my proposal happens :) - it unites a whole new generation of immigrants - who came here as children, who are willing to fight once again to take this land back along with current citizens and bring back the fight for this land who is being picked apart by foreigners from foreign lands, not the ones who want to live here. It's not the minimum wage jobs that people are working in rain or shine at 110 degree weather to build our roads, and buildings that's the problem. It's not the businesses we want to open and provide jobs and boost our economy. It's the millions of jobs outsourced, the six-seven figure incomes being paid to foreigners overseas instead of providing training for well capable and willing citizens or those of us who want to be citizens. I'll stop for now...
I remember going to the ICE office one Sunday afternoon, with our son in the stroller and walking around the building praying for our case, and praying for the hearts of the officers in charge. The security guard on duty came up to us asking what we were doing and when we told him, he looked at us like "I have no idea if I should let you do this or not, but I guess I will." Dan was all ready to state his rights and all, but he didn't need to, thankfully. We prayed for a meeting coming up that Congressman Michael Burgess helped set up with ICE officials. We were scared, yet peaceful in our spirit that this meeting would help and not harm our situation.
As many stories in the immigration arena came out in the media, we received endless e-mails, phone calls, FB messages and such. The News media kept resurfacing our story in different lights, and we spent most of our days speaking to others about our situation. This was okay for me, since any down-time gave me more opportunity to doubt and speculate deportation. I rebuked those thoughts as much as could and looked for opportunities to get involved and serve.
When we met with the top ICE officials, I finally realized fully how this entire situation had very little if anything to do with us. The officials were extremely polite and helpful, apologizing for the treatment we have received and assuring us that we would not get deported. I believed them, but just to be smart and not let my guard down, I continued my life as if anything could happen. I did not want to completely rely on someone's word, because as I have witnessed before, the individuals could lose their job, move away, or even change departments and the new personnel have no earthly idea about any verbal agreements, nor do they want to acknowledge or comply. So to eliminate any possible future let-downs, we kept our focus and continued working with our lawyer, the news media, and anyone who came into our path willing to help in any way. I realized that the ICE team was indeed - "just doing their job." They were instructed to apprehend the "bad guys" who weren't documented, and trained not to get personal. It was their 8-5. I saw again that America was not our enemy, that the officials (who even told us "We actually want people like you here!") were not our enemy. I saw each person as an individual and prayed for them and thought about what kind of life they live outside their job. I saw the ICE offices and different departments struggling to stay connected between themselves, and grasped at how much more difficult it was for them to stay connected with every person who lives in this country. What a job! I know we have the means to document each individual now and why we don't do proficiently is as good a question for any corporation as it is for ICE.
Recently one of the news team reporters asked me what I thought about the two-year bill to keep the "Dreamers" (or kids whose parents brought them here at a young age, and we have gone to school here and created a life here, but cannot get legal citizenship). I am copying and pasting my response here - but as you read it you will tell - it was written as a reaction and quickly, so it's a bit strong.
As for the immigration stuff... I read and read about it but bottom line- the 2-yr. act means nothing. It's just prolonging what was to happen anyway. We were in this situation for many, many years and know it does not guarantee work authorization - as we got denied before, not understanding why, and that at any given point your name could be picked for arrest. I understand that during the two years, the kids would be safe, but right after they would be in the same boat. The two year period does not allow for them to do anything to push their case forward. If I were in charge :)))
During the two years, the kids have the option to move forward with their case. They come to the immigration office and provide all necessary paperwork needed. If a lawyer is absolutely necessary as we always heard, make a clause of some sort that a specific sum is the cap, to avoid the kids (as we did) going for help from lawyer to lawyer and being denied, or asked to pay tens of thousands of dollars up front. The kids are looking forward and have hope that at the end of the two years, when all that was expected of them has been turned in, will receive permanent residency. The list could be paperwork, no felonies, knows English, can jump on one foot - whatever. But something achievable and written on paper as a sure step to the prize if the goal is reached. If they failed to comply, their case will be looked at on a case basis, and either they can restart the process or face deportation. Having worked for the citizenship will give them a sense of accomplishment, and erase the resentment many of us had. Instead of just handing out green cards (as many are against this anyway), steps a, b, and c must be taken during the two years and if one does them - he/she gets to stay. Many of the kids have families of their own who are citizens like in our case. It would make the most sense. This way, all the kids are documented, have complied, want to live here and make America their home permanently and on paper as it is in most of our hearts. The very small amount who does not comply would face the next steps.
I think the biggest issue with us was money. I held a grudge because this was not taken care for me, and my parents did not work harder to make sure we can stay legally (of course not knowing the details). I felt shame because America did not accept us. I felt a sense of entitlement, that I should be a citizen because I had no choice in the matter. We all know, entitlement kills joy in our lives. Shame kills purpose. It's been an inward prison for many years that took an act of God to bring into light and expose, and ultimately fix. I have noticed that many Americans live with a sense of entitlement just because they are Americans. They have pride to be Americans, yet it was their ancestors who fought through hell to get them there. They are just taking advantage of something inherited. We have forgotten what it means to work for the right to be called Americans. We have taken it for granted. Maybe that's why it's been so easy to pass America away to the highest bidder. I hope that if new laws pass - or something like my proposal happens :) - it unites a whole new generation of immigrants - who came here as children, who are willing to fight once again to take this land back along with current citizens and bring back the fight for this land who is being picked apart by foreigners from foreign lands, not the ones who want to live here. It's not the minimum wage jobs that people are working in rain or shine at 110 degree weather to build our roads, and buildings that's the problem. It's not the businesses we want to open and provide jobs and boost our economy. It's the millions of jobs outsourced, the six-seven figure incomes being paid to foreigners overseas instead of providing training for well capable and willing citizens or those of us who want to be citizens. I'll stop for now...
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