Help Alicia Return Home Without Risk

Hey everyone

I'm reaching out with a heartfelt request for support in covering the cost of premium processing for my visa renewal.

If you don’t recognize me by my last name (Yes, I’m Profe Vaca), I'm the Social Studies teacher in the Spanish immersion program at a wonderful public high school in a place I first discovered back in 2017—Richfield! I fell in love with this amazing community and committed to support my team and my students!

In the past, visa renewal processing times averaged around five months, but due to recent political context, they now take between 8-9 months. Unfortunately, my current visa expires in August, and I had planned to visit my hometown in Spain before that date to spend the summer with my parents, family, and friends who I miss every day.

While my travel would be entirely legal, my immigration lawyers have warned me that re-entering the U.S. could be complicated at this time. With increased border security measures, including extensive checks of phones and social media, travelers with a pending visa renewal may face additional scrutiny. Border agents often do not fully understand the nuances of visa renewals, and without an official approval notice, there is a risk that I could be denied entry.

To prevent this uncertainty, I can request premium processing, which expedites my renewal and ensures I receive an approval notice within 15 days. However, this service costs $2,805—an amount I currently cannot afford.

Being able to return home for the summer is essential for my mental health. I love Minnesota, and I know how beautiful it is in the summer, but after spending ten months away from my loved ones each year, these visits are crucial for my mental health. Without the premium processing, I likely won't be able to leave the country until next summer (2026), which would be incredibly difficult for me and my family.

Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to me because you would help me reunite with my family without jeopardizing my job, my home, or my legal status in the U.S.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any help!

I truly appreciate it.

With gratitude,

Alicia Vaca Alonso and family