Hi, we’re Punipuao and Chandler Ross!

Our love story began in New Zealand, and after years of distance, faith, and miracles, we were married in March 2022. For the past three years, we’ve been building our life together in the U.S. while working toward one big goal: completing my green card. We are so close to the finish line, and we’re reaching out for help with this last hurdle.

Chandler first came to New Zealand in 2017 to serve a religious mission, where he became close to my family. After his mission ended in 2019, we reconnected, and soon our friendship turned into something deeper. Following my cultural traditions, I told him I couldn’t pursue the relationship unless he personally asked my parents for permission to date me and was willing to support my desire to serve a mission. Just a month after returning home, Chandler saved up, flew back to New Zealand, asked my parents for permission, and encouraged me to follow through with my mission. From 2019 through the end of 2021, we navigated a long-distance relationship - staying connected through phone calls and video chats, seeing each other only a handful of times before getting engaged on New Year’s Eve 2021.

We were married on March 19, 2022, in Laie, Hawai‘i, a halfway point for both of our families. That wedding was its own miracle. Because of New Zealand’s strict COVID quarantine policy, my family called to tell me they likely couldn’t attend - traveling would mean missing weeks of work due to quarantine. We prayed and fasted for comfort, and the very next day, the New Zealand government announced that the policy would be lifted the week of our wedding date, allowing my family to attend and celebrate with us.

Since then, we’ve worked hard to build a life together in Idaho. I began studying at BYU–Idaho on a student visa, and together we adopted a dog, supported each other through new jobs, relocations, car accidents, and the ups and downs of marriage. All along, we’ve been working on the green card process bit by bit. With the help of SimpleCitizen, we’ve gathered and organized all of our documents, and now we are finally ready for the last step: submitting everything to the government.

The only thing left standing in our way is the cost. Government filing fees alone add up quickly - $675 for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), $1,440 for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), $260 for Form I-765 (Employment Authorization), and $630 for Form I-131 (Advance Parole travel document). On top of that, there is the required medical exam and vaccinations ($300–$500), as well as photos, mailing, and other smaller costs ($50–$100). Altogether, this final step costs more than $3,300–$3,600.

We’ve covered what we can over the years, but with upcoming visa policy changes, the timing is crucial, and we are hoping to submit soon. And with a baby on the way, having this approved means safety, stability, and peace of mind for all three of us.

As Christmas approaches, we know this season can stretch anyone’s budget. But if you’re able to help in any way, even the smallest amount would feel like a Christmas miracle for our little family. Any contribution, big or small, or even sharing our story, brings us one step closer to the finish line. Thank you for helping us take this last step and for being part of our journey.

With love,

Punipuao & Chandler