I migrated to the U.S. 6 years ago through DV lottery program. I didn’t know anybody, and I didn’t speak very much English at the time. I came here to help build a better life for myself and my family. From when my green card was granted up to the time I became a U.S. citizen, the laws would have allowed me to apply for my immediate family members as one of the benefits of being a citizen.

After almost a year of following the application process and paying many fees, I now know that my parents’ case is affected by the travel ban and that they will be denied due to the discrimination based on country of origin. My parents are old and retired and my mom has a very serious heart condition. Being able to have them near me where we can take care of each other is very important to me. I still haven’t told them they might never be able to visit me here where we can be a family. This ban is forcing me to choose between my family and the life I’ve tried to build here.