The Present...

Obviously, with my recent postings, it is clear I have not been writing about immigration recently. For the last few months I have been reluctant to delve into immigration politics simply because I have decided that it does not define the entire essence of my identity. Other issues and activities are important to me and since the title of this blog is "Diary of an immigrants wife" it is acceptable--even natural--that I should write about other events taking place in my life. I will never abadon my goals for immigration reform, but I may be more successful in my efforts if I alter my focus slightly.

I will explain this shortly. However, I imagine some readers are curious to know where my husband's immigration status stands. We did receive a rejection of his adjustment of status petition. Although this sounds disastorous, there is still some hope for a positive outcome.

It is not surprising that his adjustment of status petition was denied. Based on the 2nd circuit court judgement there was no other choice. We both knew this--but it was still a shock to receive the denial notice. We reserved a small amount of faith that some miracle would happen and it would be approved. So much for magical thinking. However, since it was denied, that means that the waivers--both the hardship and excludibility waivers can now be evaluated. This process was begun in Novemeber, and can take another 6 months to complete. So far, there has been no determination.

We went to a Homeland Security appointment in October and were told no new developments had been forthcoming. Status quo--again. They did not want to see us for six months! Which likely indicates that India has refused to issue the travel documents--either because Khalid is Muslim or because he has been away from India for too many years. There is only one other, remote possibility: that they are waiting for the completion of the adjustment of status petition and its rejection to deport him. This is a remote possibility because travel documents are only good for a certain amount of time and if the U.S. government had the travel documents in hand they would not hesitate in deporting my husband! So, we basically have one more anxiety-ridden trip to Homeland Security and then if it's status quo again--we are out of the woods. If they don't procure the travel documents by March--it is unlikely that they ever will.

It has come to my attention that my spiritual beleifs have a lot to do with my passion for immigration reform. Maybe it is time to investigate my spirituality and join a local group. Within this group I can hone my teaching skills and perhaps do some good.