My name is Twyla, and I was brought to the United States from Canada as an infant. My mother, a U.S. citizen, was visiting Canada at the age of 17 when I was born. My father is a Canadian citizen who was from the Lower Kootenay Band Indian Reservation. I have spent my entire life in the U.S.—I went to school here, married my soulmate, and raised three wonderful children. Today, I help to raise my two amazing grandchildren, and this country is truly my home.

As a child, I was given a social security card and have worked and paid taxes for more than 30 years. In 2006, I was shocked to learn that I was not considered a U.S. citizen. I lost my job and my driver's license because of this, which began a long and difficult journey to resolve my status. Over the years, I have spent every last penny filing form after form with immigration, only to have the door slammed in my face each time. My most recent application for permanent residency under registry—which is for people who have been in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972—was wrongly denied, and now I am being told I must leave the country by January 6, 2026.

I am currently working with an attorney to fight for my right to stay, so I can continue caring for my grandchildren and finally get back to work and regain my independence. Every dollar raised will go directly toward legal fees, filing paperwork, transportation to hearings, and basic living expenses, as I have lost my income during this process. Your support will make a real difference in my ability to stay with my family and community.

I have never been someone to ask for help, but I am in a position of desperation. Any help at all would be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly challenging chapter of my life.