America's Immigtration Policy (a personal story)

[Fat Strat]

(Warning: This thread not intended to spark controversy or a political debate.)

I have a couple friends who came to America from Kosovo. They went through the legal process. They got green cards or Visas or whatever. They got good jobs. They're educated. They're baby girl is due next week. He works in IT. She was a translator for Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse non-profit. She helps bring kids and babies over from Kosovo who have heart problems. Our church hosts 4-6 families every year, flies them over, and Samaritan's Purse pays for the life-saving surgeries that they can't get in Kosovo.

They came to America because his family--radical Muslims--heavily objected to their marriage. She is a Christian. He was hiding his Christian faith from his family. They managed to escape from his family and came here as refugees. Since then his family has threatened to murder both of them if they ever return to Kosovo and have been trying to track them down. They came to Tulsa and our church because she had visited here once with Samaritan's Purse as a translator and they knew that we would take care of them.

I don't know all the technical terms here, but a month ago the government denied their request to allow them to remain in America. They filed a petition and were granted a six month extension while their case is reviewed, but it's not likely that the original ruling will be over turned. The government doesn't believe that they would be in any danger if they were sent back to Kosovo.


There's a lot about this that really bothers me, but mostly it's the immigration policy. This family has done everything asked of them. They've played by the rules. They haven't broken any laws and are more than productive members of our society. There's all this talk about amnesty for illegals, and yet, we're still incredibly tough on families who try to immigrate here legally and who would actually be in danger if they were forced home.

Anyway, this is on my mind this week. We're getting 4 new heart patients this week. The couple is having their baby. We're cleaning out our attic to give them clothes, toys, high-chairs, etc. that they can't afford to buy (and shouldn't buy, since they're likely going to get shipped back to Kosovo when the baby is just 4 months old)... It's frustrating. So many good things are happening with this family and their project and the government will end it with one stupid amnesty ruling.

[clement]

That's a very irritating story. But I don't understand, if they have green cards and jobs, why wouldn't they be allowed to stay?

I hope the appeals process works in their favor.

[jim]

Frustrating. Tough story, especially when you know the people personally involved.

[Simbagal23]

That's a very irritating story. But I don't understand, if they have green cards and jobs, why wouldn't they be allowed to stay?

I hope the appeals process works in their favor.

++ I don't understand either....there must be something more to the story. But I do wish them luck in the appeal.

[Fat Strat]

That's a very irritating story. But I don't understand, if they have green cards and jobs, why wouldn't they be allowed to stay?

I hope the appeals process works in their favor.

I don't really know the legal details. I'll ask them and let you know. Maybe they just got a temporary worker's permit or something like that.

[Hungary Jack]

This story speaks to the very principles upon which America was born. There is plenty of room in this country for these types of people who seek freedom and opportunity, and are willing to work very hard for it. IMO, accepting young, educated, opportunity-seeking individuals from strife-torn countries is like stealing brainpower from countries that really need it. In this situation, Kosovo's loss is America's gain. But our immigration politics have turned inward, fear-based and ignorant. We are forgetting the things that made this country great. It sucks.

[clement]

And this story is exactly why people come in illegally and try to bypass the system. You are probably highly likely to get away with being here illegally, and if you go the legal route, you're likely to be sent out. Good system, huh?

[Fat Strat]

This story speaks to the very principles upon which America was born. There is plenty of room in this country for these types of people who seek freedom and opportunity, and are willing to work very hard for it. IMO, accepting young, educated, opportunity-seeking individuals from strife-torn countries is like stealing brainpower from countries that really need it. In this situation, Kosovo's loss is America's gain. But our immigration politics have turned inward, fear-based and ignorant. We are forgetting the things that made this country great. It sucks.

++

Especially when we're talking about people who are legally trying to immigrate here. That used to be the core of american values.

We are very likely going to lose one of our staff because of this.

And mrs. pop's experience was the stuff of nightmares.

Too personal, or are you willing to share? My friends story really isn't that uncommon. The details of it are, I guess, but the general story line is the same for hundreds and thousands of potential immigrants.

[Fat Strat]

More details from my wife...

The couple has some kind of Visa or documents that allow them to stay in the country because they're claiming refugee status. (She doesn't know the legal name or the documents either.) That allowed them to stay here and work while they were applying for a permanent Visa. That permanent Visa application was the rejected, but it's now under appeal. They're temporary Visa/whatever has expired, but they received the 6 month extension because of the appeal.

What we don't understand is why their permanent Visa was rejected because the government thinks they won't be in danger if they go back to Kosovo. People immigrate here all the time who don't have any threat against them in a foreign country. It's all a little confusing.

[Hungary Jack]

IIRC, refugee status is granted in instances where their is an acknowledge civil war or the subject can provide strong proof of political or religious persecution. In this case, the groom's family being very upset with his choice of a spouse is probably a real tough sell, especially in the current environment.