Joey Y Ana

Covid-19 has impacted every single person that I know. Unfortunately, most impacts have been negative. I submitted my I-130 petitions for my wife and daughter in August 2019. Simultaneously, my wife initiated legal steps to obtain a passport for our daughter. I'm not her biological father and that person has never been in the picture and is not willing to cooperate. So, we've taken him to court.

The Monday after Easter Sunday 2020, I received both I-797 from the USCIS stating that my petitions have been approved. With complete joy I gave thanks to God. Just so happens that the next day (Tuesday) was our court date and it's my understanding that we could have continued to take the next steps toward getting our daughter a passport. However, our forward progress was halted. The week before, the courts in Mexico had closed leading to a long and dreadful stalemate.

It's been 4 months now with no progress. As our economy is holding on by a thread, my anxiety gains ground. I'm still working from home and my wife is still working as normal in Mexico. With this second wave that we are experiencing I am concerned about what to expect and how to plan. Our governments keep moving the goal post. Before, it was about slowing the spread. Now, some states are saying they are not willing to open until there is a vaccine. I'm not willing to accept this as the new normal considering the mortality rate as compared to so many causes of death. I keep forgetting my mask and I'm asked to leave. (Which I willingly due. I support businesses rights to refuse service.) I'm also not afraid to shake someones hand or invite them into my home.

What if this is just like the flu? What if as soon as they develop a vaccine and force it upon us the virus mutates and the vaccine is less than effective? Will we crash our global economies? Will I be the one moving to another country?