Hello,
My name is Elise and I am raising money for a dear friend who I will call "Maha." For purposes of sensitivity to the subject matter I can't give her real name, but I will share her story. Maha is very concerned about her children who have medical difficulties which brought her to the United States on a Medical Visa 2014. The children were 9 and 19 years when they came here to the US and while they were here Maha lost her husband and her children's needs caused her to start a green card application process. She obtained her work visa and found an apartment and her son who was then a senior ( he had been out for more than a year) tried to catch up on school he had missed. He worked hard and graduated. The kids were able to improve despite huge obstacles they faced as immigrants and overcoming medical difficulties.
Immigration can be one of the biggest obstacles one can face...I know because I worked 4 years to bring my husband to the United States (I was born here in the US) and we are still working on "settling in" after 5 years here together. There are language challenges, job challenges, social challenges, economic challenges when living in a strangely different nation. Everything you do in your native country that is a simple task can become unbearable in a new country. Think "The Terminal." A great movie....but it can't even compare to the life my friend has struggled to live all these years.
Somehow, though, my friend has managed with a little help here and a little help there, doing most things and carrying much of the heavy lifting on her own. She doesn't like to ask for hand outs...normally. Her kids have been waiting for their green cards for years now. Last year when I asked, they had no clue what had happened in the process and felt frustrated. Her eldest wanted to be a doctor and is very compassionate and responsible. He is unable to do that due to fees and this never ending green card process (international fees for college are expensive here). He has been working still despite his own difficulties and has wanted to find a different life for himself and his family.
Recently, Maha had been working with a shipping company that wanted to send her to another state. All at the same time one of her kids fell ill and needed major surgery. Then she received a letter from our government (who has been issuing work visas all these years) that they have no record of her and she is to appear before court for a decision on whether or not her and her boys are to be deported. Due to all the difficulties, Maha lost all income and is currently looking for another job. She has no income to fight for her children but has over 7,000 in lawyer fees with nearly 1,500 in fees due in just one week or she will be forced to deal with a lawyer that is inexperienced or doesn't know her case. If she is deported that could be the death of her and her children.
Maha is from the Middle East and became a Christian here in the US. Not only is it dangerous for her kids to go back to her country where the medical care would be unsuitable for their needs but also it is dangerous for her to return after converting. I just talked to my friend today. She is struggling to have strength left in her voice. She feels ashamed to be in this position. A few months ago I asked her if she wanted to do a small go fund me for some help she needed....and she refused. But she is tired of fighting now. She needs some wind under her wings. She can't do any of this without others. She has no funds to protect herself or her children. If you can't support her financially...please pray for her. The weight she has had to carry is heavy. If you can, please remember her financially. She needs to know right now she doesn't have to stand alone in this fight. Its been so hard to watch this circumstance unfold. Please help me turn her tears of mourning into tears of joy.
A breakdown of funds needed and their specific purposes: $1,500.00 for immediate payment to her lawyer (needed by 07/21), $5,500 more for full payment to the lawyer, $1,500 to temporarily sustain the family while Maha looks for a job to support her children, for just a start.....not mentioning her medical expenses and all the rest. If we reach the goal please don't stop considering help...she has been suffering so long and they need a fresh start. They are all hard workers and will contribute to society with all they are.
**My friend's name was changed to protect her identity from harm due to the sensitive nature of her situation and fear for her wellbeing. We have held back some details about the children to protect their own anonymity and provide for their safety.
Thanks for reading this. God bless you.