My name is Ahmed, and my wife and I are asking for help during a difficult stretch as we work to secure our future in the United States. We both earned our medical degrees and have spent these years building our careers as scientists in cardiovascular research. We've worked hard, and between us we're working two jobs each, doing everything we can to stay ahead. We've always paid our way and tried to carry every challenge on our own. Right now we're facing one we can't carry alone.

Some of the hardest damage was already done: I went through nearly a year of unemployment and mounting debt while waiting for USCIS to approve my work authorization. We're still digging out from that, even working as much as we do. We're based in Boston, where the cost of living is steep, and rent alone takes a large share of what we earn. On top of that, the immigration process is far more expensive than most people realize. We've put a significant portion toward it ourselves through savings and long hours, but the remaining costs have added up beyond what we can manage. Our credit cards are maxed out, and we're stretched thin just covering rent and daily living while these fees come due.

Adding to the pressure, we have only one year left on our current visa, which means we have to file as soon as possible. Time is not on our side, and we can't afford to wait. Here's what we're still facing: USCIS filing fees, premium processing, legal and attorney costs.

Our goal is simple: to complete our green card filing and build a stable future here, where we can keep doing the research we care about. Any support, whether a donation or simply sharing this page, would mean the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your kindness.