I’m starting this fundraiser on behalf of my brother, Paul, and his family, who are going through an incredibly difficult time.

For four years, Paul has been working hard to sponsor his wife, Erika, for a green card. But during her last immigration interview in Mexico, her application was denied and she was banned from returning to the U.S. at this time. The decision was based on something that happened when Erika was just a child—something she had no control over. We are devastated.

Since September, Erika has been forced to stay in Mexico with their youngest child, Hector, while Paul remains in the U.S. with their other children, Lorena, Santi, and Melody, trying to finish out the school year and sell their home. Now, in order to keep their family together, Paul is planning to move the family to Mexico. They are currently trying to figure out which city will be the safest place to start over.

This transition is overwhelming—emotionally and financially. I’m raising funds to help them with moving expenses, including flights, gas, food, and other essentials. Most importantly, this will help reunite the kids with their mother and baby brother, who they miss terribly.

Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to them. Overall we ask for your prayers! Please pray this is a smooth transition and God opens all the doors for them. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for helping bring this family back together.

~Irene