Success Story: Martin

Left to right: Ariath, Mary, Martin

At the heart of every refugee’s story is a deep well of courage, resilience, and hope. For Martin and his family, their journey toward safety and a new life in the United States was no different.

In June 2019, Martin (right) took a pivotal step toward his family’s future. He petitioned for his wife and stepson, Ariath (left), to join him in the United States. The family had been living in Uganda as refugees from South Sudan, awaiting the possibility of a new start. Once the petition was approved, they were faced with another challenge: scheduling an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Unfortunately, Uganda does not offer these types of interviews, which meant the family had to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, for this next critical step.

It wasn’t until November 1, 2022 — over three years after the initial petition — that Martin’s wife and Ariath finally had their interview. Martin’s wife received good news: her visa was approved and promptly issued. But for Ariath, then just 15 years old, the process was not as straightforward. He was placed in what’s known as “administrative processing,” a series of additional security checks by the U.S. government that can extend the visa approval timeline. With no clear indication of how long this would take, Martin’s wife faced an impossible decision: her visa was about to expire, and she had no choice but to leave her son in the care of relatives.

For nearly two agonizing years, Ariath remained separated from his family, waiting for the day when he, too, could reunite with his stepfather and mother in the United States. It was a period filled with uncertainty and fear for all involved. But through it all, Martin and his family held onto hope.

Finally, after almost five years of waiting, Ariath was released from administrative processing. His visa was issued, and he was able to join his family in the U.S., bringing an end to a painful chapter of separation.

The long road to this reunion was made possible with the help of CLIA. We are committed to assisting refugees and their families through every hurdle and challenge in the journey toward legal immigration. Martin and Ariath have expressed their deepest gratitude for the help they received, with Ariath saying, “I do not know how to thank [CLIA] enough.”

Their story is a powerful reminder of the immense challenges that many refugees face in their pursuit of safety, security, and family reunification. It is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the critical importance of organizations like CLIA, which stand by refugees in their most complicated and darkest moments.

As we continue our work, let Martin and Ariath’s journey inspire us to push forward, knowing that even the longest and most difficult paths can lead to hope and renewal. Together, we can help more families reunite and build a brighter future.