Hi, my name is Rachael, and I’m writing this with a broken heart, but a hopeful spirit. My husband, Alexander Bukhteev, is currently in ICE detention, facing removal proceedings after being detained for the last few months.

At the end of August, Alexander will stand before an immigration judge in Arizona. That day will decide everything — whether he will be deported from the only country he truly knows, or be allowed to come home to us with a green card and finally have the chance to live without fear.

We need at least $3,000 to cover legal fees, filing costs, and potential travel. I’m working two jobs, seven days a week, just to keep up with basic bills and take care of our daughter, Annalisa. But no matter how hard I work, there’s just not enough left to give him the fighting chance he deserves.

Who Alexander Is

Alex came to the U.S. when he was just 10 years old and was part of the DACA program for many years. This country is his home. We met in high school, grew up together, and built a life over the last 7 years of marriage. We just passed our anniversary — while he was locked away in detention.

He’s not just my husband — he’s my best friend, my partner, my daughter's whole world. He was the primary provider for our family and a constant, loving presence in Annalisa’s life.

How This Has Affected Us

Since his detention, life has been turned completely upside down. Our daughter cries for him. She asks why daddy isn’t home, and it breaks me to not have answers that make sense to a child.

We’re struggling financially, yes — but we’re also hurting emotionally and mentally every single day. The weight of not knowing what will happen, and the impact of recent changes in immigration policy, especially under Trump’s new wave of harsh measures, have left me anxious and terrified.

I’m trying to stay strong — for Annalisa, for Alex, and for our future. But the truth is, we can’t do this alone.

How You Can Help

We’re asking for your help to raise $3,000 to cover:

-Immigration attorney representation

-Court and filing fees

-Travel costs, if needed, to be present for court in Arizona

If you’re not able to donate, please share this page. Every dollar, every repost, every prayer brings us one step closer to reuniting our family.

Please help us fight to bring Alex back home. Help a father return to his daughter. Help a husband be there for his wife. Help keep our family together.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading and caring.

– Rachael, Alexander & Annalisa ♥️