If I can do it, anyone can do it!

[Kazulie 132]

My case is a difficult case. My husband came here on a 6 month visitor's visa in 2006. He has been here ever since. He is currently in removal proceedings and will have his interview with the immigration judge in July - hopefully sooner. But today wasn't about my husband, it was about my step-kids.

A year ago, I spoke to 5 lawyers about my case. Not one of the lawyers would take my case. They would not even touch it. They said there was no way I would even get an I-130 approved, let alone a visa, until my husband (their dad) got his green card. I even asked questions on VisaJourney and a few veteran members, whom are well respected by not only me, but many people on this website, even said that it wasn't going to happen. I even contacted Marc Ellis...he wouldn't touch it.

I read the instructions for a USC to petition for a step-child and the only requirements were that I was married to their father and that their father was their actual biological father. I read and read and read some more about this immigration process. I was confused as to why none of the lawyers would help me, and why people were so discouraged by my case, as everything I've read was cut and dry....I had to be married to the kids' father and the kids' father needed to be their biological father. Well, that fits our situation to a T, so what's the problem?

I decided to go against everyone's advice and petition for the kids in April 2012. We got sent to California and at that point, California was approving petitions in 3 months (sorry to those at California now... ). 3 months to the day rolled around and when everyone else got approved, we got thrown into Additional Processing. I was devestated and cried for a good 2 days. I was second guessing myself and just knew that I wasted money and should have just listened to the lawyers. We got a letter in the mail stating that if we hadn't heard anything in six months ( ) that we could feel free to call them. Wow. What a depressing 4 months that was!!! I was finally called into my local immigration office for an interview. I passed with flying colors and my IO approved the boys on the spot. Their cases were passed on to NVC the next day!!! WHAT A RELIEF!!! We pretty much flew through NVC (23 days or so) and was assigned an interview date of March 20, 2013.

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions! I would go from being excited one minute, to nervous for the boys the next minute, to extremely scared that those 5 lawyers were right, and that this was an impossible task and they were going to get us at the interview.

My step-kids had their interview today. The IO said if they had pictures they would have been approved on the spot which really is UNHEARD OF for Nigeria. Since they didn't have any pics, they got sent for a DNA test with approval of visa upon receipt of a positive DNA match. THANK YOU BABY JESUS!!!

The point of my story is... Trust your instincts, reasearch on your own, and have faith that all will be well! Had I given up after those 5 lawyers shot me down, I wouldn't even have a petition in for the kids today. I would be no closer to getting the kids here than I was 11 months ago. Our children will be here in America and be green card holders before their Dad even is. No thanks to a lawyer!

Good luck to all who are still going through this process. You will get through it!

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

[AZRG <3 13]

Wow! Very inspiring!

I agree, when you have faith, everything is possible.

Thank you for sharing.

[Cathi 5,610]

WOW!!! Big HUGE congratulations!!!!!! Good for you for never giving up even when you were told to not even try...just WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

How old are the kids? How lucky are they to have a step mom who never gave up!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited March 21, 2013 by mimolicious

[Kazulie 132]

Thank you AZRG and mimolicious! What an emotional journey this is, right?!?!

mimo, the boys are 15 and 11.

[Jawaree 717]

Congrats

[samename 28]

All i can say is wow, thank you so much for sharing your story.you don't even know how your story just pepped me up and i'm sure it will help others as well. You are right on so many counts ,follow your instincts ! you are being led to that thought for a reason.I am more than happy for you and your family.

[Cathi 5,610]

Thank you AZRG and mimolicious! What an emotional journey this is, right?!?!

mimo, the boys are 15 and 11.

Emotional doesn't even begin to describe it. I am in awe of what you have done for those boys. I have 2 teenage boys of my own, just makes me want to cry for you, and them....

[Boiler 43,430]

The only issue I could see would have been the children's age when you married.

And of course the Mother's approval.

Wil the children stay if their Father is deported?

[Kazulie 132]

Emotional doesn't even begin to describe it. I am in awe of what you have done for those boys. I have 2 teenage boys of my own, just makes me want to cry for you, and them....

I did it for the family. In a few weeks it will be 7 years since my husband has seen his kids. That's almost half of one of the boys' life and OVER half of the other boys' life. omg, could you imagine? That scene at the airport, when the boys finally get here, is going to be a hot mess! LOL I picture lots of tears and rolling around on the floor and craziness! NIGERIANS DOWN! NIGERIANS DOWN! Clean up on aisle 7!!!

[Kazulie 132]

The only issue I could see would have been the children's age when you married.

And of course the Mother's approval.

Wil the children stay if their Father is deported?

Yes, the kids would stay with me if hubby is deported (not an option, though, he's stayin!!! :yes: ) but we would go visit in the summers and holidays.

[Cathi 5,610]

I did it for the family. In a few weeks it will be 7 years since my husband has seen his kids. That's almost half of one of the boys' life and OVER half of the other boys' life. omg, could you imagine? That scene at the airport, when the boys finally get here, is going to be a hot mess! LOL I picture lots of tears and rolling around on the floor and craziness! NIGERIANS DOWN! NIGERIANS DOWN! Clean up on aisle 7!!!

hahahaha!!!

[Vicki&Nanuka 12]

Congrats Kazulie! Your heart is open and pure, may God continue to Bless you and your family.

[winnie george 67]

Congrats dear, when God is with you, no one can be against you.....

[beejay 123]

Kazulie!!!!

You have been such a strong mama during this whole process, I'm so glad you finally have the payoff! DNA won't be any big deal after all you have worked through. It's only a matter of time now. So happy for you and your family!

BIG congratulations!

[Faithful2012 34]

Congratulations on your amazing triumph......You need to pat yourself on the back for a job well done and trusting your instincts. A lot of lessons to be learned.