I am sharing my story with humility, faith, and hope never imagining I would be in this position.

What was meant to be a joyful and hopeful day my green card interview turned into one of the most painful and frightening experiences of my life. Instead of going home, I was unexpectedly arrested by ICE and detained for 20 days at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. I have no criminal record, neither in the United States nor in the Philippines yet I found myself separated from my family, afraid, and uncertain of what the next day would bring.

During detention, my body and spirit were deeply affected. I lost 11 pounds, endured sleepless nights, constant fear, and emotional trauma that I am still healing from. The experience was traumatizing in ways that are hard to put into words. There were moments when I felt completely powerless, but I held on to my faith praying every day and trusting that God had not abandoned me even in that place.

This trial has not only tested my faith but has also placed a heavy financial burden on our family. We have already spent approximately $15,000 on legal fees to fight for my freedom and my future. As I continue through my court hearings, I now need an additional $6,500 to see this process through.

I believe God uses the kindness of others as His hands and feet. Asking for help is not easy, but I am stepping out in faith, trusting that He will provide in ways I cannot do alone. Any donation big or small will go directly toward legal and court expenses. If you are unable to give financially, sharing my story and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers means the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this for your compassion, and for walking with us through this valley. I believe God is still working even when the path is unclear, and I trust that this testimony will one day reflect His faithfulness.

1st UPDATE!!

I wanted to share a small but meaningful update on my immigration journey.

I am grateful to share that USCIS has approved the permanent residency of my two children, and they have received 10-year green cards. This is a huge blessing and a relief for me as a mother.

However, my own case is still pending in immigration court, and I am still continuing to fight for my residency. Although I have already been granted a work permit and Social Security number, I do not yet have my green card, and my journey is not over.

I will be attending my Master Calendar Hearing next Tuesday, February 10, and I humbly ask for your continued prayers, support, and positive thoughts as I face this next step.

To everyone who has donated, shared my story, prayed for me, or sent words of encouragement, thank you from the bottom of my heart. No words can fully express how grateful I am. Your kindness, generosity, and support have carried me through some of the most difficult moments of my life.

Thank you for standing with me and my family. I will continue to update as I move forward with faith and hope.

2nd UPDATE!!

Today February 10, 2026 I had my first Master Court hearing after my detention.

My attorney filed a Motion for Termination so that my case can be sent back to USCIS for them to adjudicate my green card application. During the hearing, the judge carefully reviewed my case and was visibly surprised. She questioned how it was possible that my two children were already approved for their green cards while I am still in removal proceedings.

She openly said she did not understand why I was arrested at my interview when I have no criminal record or any issues in my background. She asked the DHS attorney if he would agree to terminate my case so it could return to USCIS. Unfortunately, he opposed the motion.

However, the judge continued pressing DHS with questions. She pointed out the inconsistency of my children being lawful permanent residents while I am facing removal. She even said it “doesn’t make any sense.” DHS could not clearly explain the situation.

Before ending the hearing, the judge requested my sealed medical records from USCIS and said she will make a decision next week after reviewing everything. This gives me hope.

But there is another challenge.

USCIS is not releasing my sealed medical records because they say it should already be in my A-file. I went back to my civil surgeon to request a copy, but the court does not accept copies they require an original sealed medical exam. Because of this, I now have to redo my entire medical exam again so I can submit a new sealed original to the court next week.

The cost for the new medical exam is $600, on top of additional legal fees I must pay to my attorney next week.

This is an unexpected financial burden, especially after everything that has already happened. I am doing everything I can looking for work, staying strong for my kids, and continuing to fight this case but the timing is very tight.

To everyone who has donated and supported me before, I am humbly coming to you again. I am so close. One more step. I just need to cover the medical exam and the remaining legal fees so I can fully comply with the court’s request next week.

Any amount, small or big, truly makes a difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story and keeping us in your prayers means just as much.

This next hearing could finally bring resolution. I am almost there. I just need a little more help to get through this final hurdle.

Thank you for standing with me and my children during the hardest season of our lives. Your support reminds me that we are not alone.