jessicaelgin69
05-21-2008, 02:09 AM
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HEALTH
Medical Concerns for Jessica Garcia/U.S.C
The fact is that I Jessica Garcia/ U.S.C. Suffer from Bipolar II Disorder and Depression. (See Exhibit 1). I am currently taking Geodon 40 mg, twice a day, I also take Budeprion XL 300 mg (generic for wellbutrin xl) in morning I also take Lamictal 150 mg twice a day and Sertraline100 mg (generic for Zoloft) twice a day. (See Exhibit __) I also am receiving therapy services bi weekly to help with my bipolar and depression.(See Exhibit 2). The fact of the matter is that I need to stay consistent with my services so that I do not have a break down. These services listed above if not received would be detrimental to my emotional, mental and physical wellbeing .I have received services with this physiatrist for almost 11 years it is important to me that I continue seeing her as she knows me well and I know her and she knows what I need. I also have seen the same counselor since September of 2007 it is pertinent to me that I stay consistent to move forward with my life and for the future of my family.
I also have asthma and allergies and am currently taking the following medication for this Singular 10mg and Nasacort .(See Exhibit ___and Exhibit____). I currently am also being treated for my weight as I am over weight. (See Exhibit___). It is very important to my health that I continue taking this medication as my weight effects all parts of my life.
I also need the above services due to the fact I have Four children with disabilities, So it is very important I stay consistent with my medication so I am able to provide the care my children need.
MEDICAL CONCERNS TO OUR CHILDREN
Our daughter Niqitia 10 suffers from Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, Bipolar disorder and Mood Disorder and Mixed Developmental Delay with Speech Impairment . Niqitia is currently taking the following medication Abilify 15 mg and Adderall XR 30 mg and Amphetamine Salt Combo 20 mg twice a day and Amphetamine salt combo 10 mg noon (Generic for adderall) she also takes Risperdal 2 mg and Clonidine 1 mg two at bed time. She receives medication services and counseling at Streamwood Behavioral Health Facility (See Exhibits 3 and 4and ).
Our daughter Rebecca 8 suffers from Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, Bipolar disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder , She is currently taking the following medication Adderall XR 30 mg and Amphetamine Salt Combo 20 mg twice a day and Amphetamine salt combo 10 mg noon (Generic for adderall) she also is taking Risperdal 1mg morning ½ at non and 2 at night and Clonidine 1 mg two at bed for sleep. She also receives medication and counseling at Streamwood Behavioral Health Facility (See Exhibits 3 and 5and ).
Rebecca also has a borderline cardiac condition called Prolonged QT Syndrome or Long Qt Syndrome(See Exhibit __and__)
Rebecca also suffers from severe Asthma and Allergies.(See Exhibit__) Rebecca is taking the following medications for this Flovent Inhaler for constant cough from asthma, and allergies. Nasacort, Loratadine , Ventolin Inhaler, Albuterol Solutions for breathing treatment machine, and Singular 5mg. (See Exhibit __ and __)
Our son Brandon 6 suffers from Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder mixed with Psychotic Features and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, he is currently taking the following medication Adderall 20 mg in morning and Amphetamine Salt Combo 10 mg 1 in morning and noon , Strattera 18 mg in morning, Risperdal 1 mg in morning and 1 at night for and clonidine 1 mg 2 at bed for sleep. He She also receives medication and counseling at Streamwood Behavioral Health Facility (See Exhibits 3 and 6 and 7 and ). My son has severe emotional and behavioral problems he has auditory hallucinations “Hears Voices” he has tried to commit suicide and tried burning down our house due to these voices, Was hospitalized in 2006.
Our son Adan 2 is currently receiving services through the Early Intervention Program for Developmental Delays. He currently receives Physical Therapy and Developmental Therapy and Speech Therapy and Social Work Services that all come to our house once a week for an hour to one and half hours. (See Exhibit 8 ) He is currently on waiting list for Diagnostic testing to see if his High tone is from a Slight Case of Cerebral Palsy and on waiting list for Orthopedic Doctor , for braces for his legs. Adan will also be starting School in June 2008 when transportation is available to help with his Developmental Delays.
Adan also suffers from Asthma and Allergies and is taking Albuterol Solutions for breathing treatment machine and Cetirizine for allergies, (See Exhibit___)
Medical Concerns to my mother
This would also affect my mother Rebecca Salazar due to the fact she has Bipolar , Depression, Diabetes, Seizures, Fibormyalgia, Panic disorder and others And she counts on Oscar and I for a lot of help.(See Exhibit ____ and ____and ____ and _____ and ________).
This would also affect by grandmother Judy Miles as she needs Oscar and I to help care for my mother and to help my grandma as she is getting older and can not do this alone and to help her around the house as Oscar is the only adult male left on that side of family.(See Exhibit_____).
If my husband Oscar Garcia is not granted his Visa immediately this would affect me significantly as I would not be able to continue with my physiatrist services to receive my meds and my therapy services that I need badly because I do not have any one to watch our children I have no friends and the nearest family lives 2 ½ hours away in Dubuque Iowa. Oscar is the one who takes care of our children so I can attend these services that I need to maintain a stable life for me and our marriage and our children and other family. The affects this would have on our children would be detrimental to any progress they are making in therapy and school. This in return would be harmful to me as I would have to handle all of the repercussions alone . It is important that my husband return to United States ASAP to help in raising and caring for our four children and other family.
Financial
The financial hardship to me if my husband, Oscar Garcia, was not granted visa immediately would be, I do not work and have not worked since I was 17 years old due to my Bipolar II disorder as well as depression and anxiety disorder. I also do not work because I stay home to care for our four children each of whom have disabilities. ( As Stated Above) For these reasons I need my husband to return to United States of America Immediately as I could not pay for our financial obligations.
The financial obligations we have are as follows: we are currently renting a duplex which we have a lease agreement that we are legally bound (See Exhibit _______) thus I need the income he brings in so our children and I have a place to live. I also count on my husband to pay for food, bills and other house hold items. We currently have a car payment for $438.49 a month that is due on the 11th of each month. (See Exhibit: ________)This is a loan that we got from GMAC with the help of my Grandmother, Judith Miles, (See Exhibit: ________) because Oscar and I could not get a loan our selves as Oscar does not have a social security number. The loan is our responsibility under the agreement with my grandmother. She agreed to cosign for us but we had to agree to make all payments on time and have them directly withdrawn from our bank account. (See Exhibit:________ )
If Oscar was not allowed to come back in a timely manner we would not be able to fulfill this agreement made with my grandmother, and if the car was repossessed it would make my grandmother’s and my credit bad. Without a car I would not be able to get my children to the therapy services and psychiatrist services they need, would not be able to get two of my children to school and I also would not be able to get to my therapy appointments and psychiatrist appointments.
Financially we could not live in Mexico due to the fact they have poor work wages and little opportunity for advancement as stated in the CIA WORLD FACT BOOK. (See Exhibit_____ page___ .) My husband could not support six people on the low wages in Mexico.
In Mexico we would have to pay for private school as our children do not speak Spanish. (See Exhibit ______)As stated from solutionsabroud.com this is the only option for children who’s mother language is not Spanish. The cost of tuition for 4 children in private schools would be ______ opposed to the yearly fee in United States _____. (See Exhibits___ and ____.).
So that would mean that tuition, books, meals, uniforms, transportation, would come from what he would make and also rent, food bills and other house hold cost. It would be impossible to survive. Tuition is very expensive .
Another financial responsibility in Mexico would be to pay for all of our medications for all of our medical problems. There are currently about 30 to 34 different prescriptions.(See exhibit _______ ) The cost with no insurance here in the United States comes to $ 4.200.00 US Dollars sometimes more. Even though medication is cheaper in Mexico it would still be an extreme amount of money to have to pay.
These prescriptions are covered by Medicaid due to the fact we all have medical conditions that require medication and are disabled so in U.S we do not pay unless there is a co pay of $3.00 dollars.
The cost for these prescriptions without Medicaid would be 4,200.00 in U. S dollars.
In Mexico Medicare will not for pay our prescriptions. (See Exhibit______ and Exhibit______) as stated on TravelState.Gov website and SocialSecurityAdminastration.Gov website . So my husband would have to pay the cost out of pocket. Oscar could not pay these prescriptions and tuition and rent on low wages of Mexico and we need these medications for maintenance of are mental health conditions an every day life so there is no choice of stopping them as it would be detrimental to our health and progression.
Personal prescription information with cost if not paid by Medicaid is highlighted for all medications (See exhibit____)
In the USA my husband has opportunities for advancement due to the fact he has been at his current job for almost seven years in September of 2008. (See Exhibit ________) Letter from husbands employer He also speaks English and Spanish which is an advantage in the United State
Education
Education is a huge issue for me due to the fact my children do not speak Spanish and I have 2 children with learning and 3 children with behavioral problems, due to these issues they receive Special Education Services (See Exhibit___ for Niqitia and___ for Rebecca and ____ for Brandon..
Public schools in Mexico only teach schooling in Spanish and have very poor quality of education and my children would not receive the special educations services needed for progress of future education and it would not be at the same standards of U.S Education. (See exhibit___)
In fact as stated on Solutionsabroud.com the only way for a child who’s mother language is not Spanish, the only option for them is to attend a private school for the best in terms of bilingual education. They also state that there are only five or six in the 3 most largest cities of Mexico, Also stated that there are only 2 schools that offer almost complete education in English they are -(American School and Green Gates).
It also states to be wary of bus transportation especially in Mexico city. Also states that you have to get an official apostle from the relevant public office before children moved to Mexico, to certify that they can continue to study at an equivalent school and grade level in Mexico.
Also states that we have to pay monthly tuition, enrollment fee and transportation and many books texts and clothes (all schools require uniforms). (See Exhibit___).
One we could not afford tuition for 4 children and apart from this it states on one of the school websites you have to pay an extra fee to receive special education services. The fees are as follows
1. One time enrolment fee for 4 kids is_$_________
2. Registration fee 2 times a year, Total for 4 $_____
3.Annual activity fee for 4 children $_________
4.Mandatory bus service for 4 children is____________ per month
5. Tuition fee for 4 children is $ __________ per month
Cost for academic success (Special Education) is as follows 1 hour of service $_________, 2 hours of service $_________, 3 hours of service $__________.
(See Exhibit_______)
In the United States my children receive more than 3 hours of special education , I have one that spends her whole day in special education that’s 7 hours, So for the facts stated above it is in my children’s best interest to continue there education in the United States, Where they do not have to adjust to the language or be put farther back if they do not test at there current grade level in Mexico. It is pertinent to keep there schooling consistent so they can make progress not fall behind due to the fact they have learning disabilities and mental health issues.
It is important that my husband Oscar be granted a visa immediately to return to U.S.A with me and our children , If not I am concerned to the affect it will have on our children’s education because they will be depressed from missing there father as I will also be.
Family Ties to the United States:
See Exhibits____ ________ _______ ______) Letters from Jessica’s family in support of waiver.
I would like to start by saying the my whole family lives in the United States about 2 1/2 hours to 6 hours at the most . My whole family and I are a very close knit family, especially my mother’s side as it is only my grandmother, my mother and my two younger sisters. My husband and I and our children spend at least two weekends out of every month with my mother and grandmother helping them with things around the house and getting the things done that they can’t, as well as just spending time with them. On the other weekends we usually have my dad’s family at our house or we go to theirs. We are very family orientated. We always have some reason to be together even when there is not a real reason except that we enjoy family. We are always going to the park, cooking out, going to the zoo, museum, plays, live performances on ice and puppet shows. Whatever it is - just being together and being with family is important to us. That shows our children good family values. If I were forced to move to Mexico to be with my husband I would because I could not live with out him. But if my children and I had to move to Mexico I probably would go into a severe depression because I would never get to see my family as they could not afford to travel to Mexico. Many have children and grandchildren they are supporting, and several have fixed incomes. So the cost of their travel would be too high and out of the question. My mother is on a fixed income because she is disabled, (See Exhibit___ ) disability letter S.S.A )so we would never see each other and this would kill me. I live only 2 1/2 hours away and see her every other weekend almost and still have to talk to her 3-4 times a day sometimes more. My mother and I have an incredible bond. I am her biggest supporter and she can confide in me about anything. If I was to live in Mexico she could not call me nor could I call her because phone lines are not good and cost a lot of money and due to her fixed income this would be impossible. I could not be in Mexico it is way too far from my family the only family I have. Apart from this my children love going to see my grandmother and my mother. They spend most of the summer doing activities at their homes due to the fact that activities are cheaper up there. They take part in swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, t-ball, and activities at the library, bible camp at 2 different times during the summer. Moving to Mexico would take these wonderful opportunities from them that they look forward to and enjoy so much. Due to my children’s mental health this would cause more stress to them and make it worse and this in return would be horrible on me as I would have all the repercussions of these action. It would destroy me as my kids and husband are my world and I could not choose between them. We have to stay together as a whole family – mother, father and children.
This would not only affect my life it would effect the life of my mother and grandmother as it helps them having my children around. It keeps my mom a little saner because she has something to look forward and it keeps my grandma busy so she just doesn't sit around and get depressed. (See Exhibit _____ ) I personally feel my children helped cope with the death of my grandpa by going there and showing mom and grandma that they needed to be strong for the children. I think you could ask any one who knows my grandmother and mother what my children mean to them and they would tell you the world. They talk about my children my husband and me all of the time. I constantly hear from my grandmother and mother’s friends how lucky they are to have Oscar and me and our children and how much we are appreciated by them.
Also I have my dad’s family. We are also very family orientated and close. We spend as much time as possible with them also. We usually spend 4th of July with them at my dad’s because this is when my whole family from my dad’s side of the family comes and spends the whole weekend together. We cook out every day, play in my dad’s giant pool, go to the fire works and play games in the yard. It's these family bonds and spending time that keep our family so close.
If I were to have to move to Mexico with my children so we could be with my husband I would in a heart beat but it would effect my life extremely because we would have none of this in Mexico. My children would forget who my family was here in the United States and it would destroy our family bond.
If my husband Oscar is not granted a visa immediately this will affect all of my family and friends as they all love him and support him .
Please (See Exhibits ____ _____ _____ ______ ________ _______ _______).
Special Factors and Concerns
For the following facts it is important that my husband be granted a visa to return to united states with me and our children as I could not put the lives of my children and me and my husband in jeopardy by moving and living in Mexico or our health and wellbeing .
Fact # 1. There has been a huge increase in violence and drug trafficking and murder . (See Exhibit ____ )
Fact # 2. There is a huge rise in kidnappings both to Mexicans and Foreigners, and children are the most targeted group, and due to the fact there is lack of quality police there is no sign of decline. Drugs and the increase in violence are huge factors in kidnappings. Also stated that Mexico has a public safety problem growing at an alarming rate. (See Exhibit ____ )
Fact # 3. Adjusting to Mexico due to the fact my husband would be working , I would not nowhere anything is , have no family , language barrier for my children to make friends, we would constantly be missing our family in U.S.. there complete structure would be broken and the consistency that the are used to we be lost.
Fact # 4. As stated on the travel state.gov website concerning behavior modification facilities , It states that a number of facilities have opened in Mexico, but the standards applied by the Government of Mexico and Local Government where they exists may not meet the standards for the same type of facilities in the United States. Also stated that since 2004 Mexican officials closed six of these behavior modification facilities due to health code and other violations. This took place on short notice and caused serious in convince to U.S. citizens and there families. (See Exhibit ____)
Due to this fact alone I could not possibly move to Mexico with my children because 3 of them receive services from this type of facility. This would be harmful to them and there well being if this would occur. I would worry constantly about something like this happening.
Fact # 5. As stated on the SSA.gov website and travel state.gov website the social security Medicaid program does not provide coverage for hospitals or medical cost outside United State. And due to the fact that me and my children are provided coverage under this program because we are disabled, It is pertinent we stay in the United States to receive our care. (See exhibit ____and__________.)
Fact # 6 . Also stated on the travel state.gov website is that U.S law enforcement believe that as much as 25 % of medications available in Mexico are counterfeit and substandard . Such counterfeit medication may be difficult to distinguish from the real medications and could pose serious health risk to consumers. (See exhibit___)
Due to the facts stated above I could not risk the health or life of my children as we receive between 30-36 prescriptions a month (See exhibit____)
In the U.S. we receive our medication from reputable pharmacies Walgreen’s and CVS. (See Exhibit___)
Conclusion
Me and my husband have been together almost 11 years , we have never been apart from each other like we will be while he is in Mexico. We have for beautiful children who look up to there father , and who really need him here in the U.S. for support and structure and for there mental ,emotional ,and physical well being . I need my husband here with me in the us due to my bipolar , He is my rock , my only immediate support in our area, the whole time he is in Mexico will be very hard and depressing to me as I love him so much. I count on Oscar for so many things, especially just getting through the day. I need my husband to return immediately to U.S.A do to the fact I need his help in raising our four children, I need him for mental and emotional support for me and our kids and the structure and consistency that we all need for our well being.
I would like to thank you for reading my letter !
And when making your decision on the future of my family that you take into consideration all the facts listed above but especially that if my husband was not granted his visa immediately it would be extremely hard for me to raise our four children alone due to my mental condition and theirs. Please take into consideration the letters from our family and friends in support of my husbands Oscar Garcia’s waiver .
I thank you and I will await your decision.
HEALTH
Medical Concerns for Jessica Garcia/U.S.C
The fact is that I Jessica Garcia/ U.S.C. Suffer from Bipolar II Disorder and Depression. (See Exhibit 1). I am currently taking Geodon 40 mg, twice a day, I also take Budeprion XL 300 mg (generic for wellbutrin xl) in morning I also take Lamictal 150 mg twice a day and Sertraline100 mg (generic for Zoloft) twice a day. (See Exhibit __) I also am receiving therapy services bi weekly to help with my bipolar and depression.(See Exhibit 2). The fact of the matter is that I need to stay consistent with my services so that I do not have a break down. These services listed above if not received would be detrimental to my emotional, mental and physical wellbeing .I have received services with this physiatrist for almost 11 years it is important to me that I continue seeing her as she knows me well and I know her and she knows what I need. I also have seen the same counselor since September of 2007 it is pertinent to me that I stay consistent to move forward with my life and for the future of my family.
I also have asthma and allergies and am currently taking the following medication for this Singular 10mg and Nasacort .(See Exhibit ___and Exhibit____). I currently am also being treated for my weight as I am over weight. (See Exhibit___). It is very important to my health that I continue taking this medication as my weight effects all parts of my life.
I also need the above services due to the fact I have Four children with disabilities, So it is very important I stay consistent with my medication so I am able to provide the care my children need.
MEDICAL CONCERNS TO OUR CHILDREN
Our daughter Niqitia 10 suffers from Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, Bipolar disorder and Mood Disorder and Mixed Developmental Delay with Speech Impairment . Niqitia is currently taking the following medication Abilify 15 mg and Adderall XR 30 mg and Amphetamine Salt Combo 20 mg twice a day and Amphetamine salt combo 10 mg noon (Generic for adderall) she also takes Risperdal 2 mg and Clonidine 1 mg two at bed time. She receives medication services and counseling at Streamwood Behavioral Health Facility (See Exhibits 3 and 4and ).
Our daughter Rebecca 8 suffers from Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, Bipolar disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder , She is currently taking the following medication Adderall XR 30 mg and Amphetamine Salt Combo 20 mg twice a day and Amphetamine salt combo 10 mg noon (Generic for adderall) she also is taking Risperdal 1mg morning ½ at non and 2 at night and Clonidine 1 mg two at bed for sleep. She also receives medication and counseling at Streamwood Behavioral Health Facility (See Exhibits 3 and 5and ).
Rebecca also has a borderline cardiac condition called Prolonged QT Syndrome or Long Qt Syndrome(See Exhibit __and__)
Rebecca also suffers from severe Asthma and Allergies.(See Exhibit__) Rebecca is taking the following medications for this Flovent Inhaler for constant cough from asthma, and allergies. Nasacort, Loratadine , Ventolin Inhaler, Albuterol Solutions for breathing treatment machine, and Singular 5mg. (See Exhibit __ and __)
Our son Brandon 6 suffers from Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder mixed with Psychotic Features and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, he is currently taking the following medication Adderall 20 mg in morning and Amphetamine Salt Combo 10 mg 1 in morning and noon , Strattera 18 mg in morning, Risperdal 1 mg in morning and 1 at night for and clonidine 1 mg 2 at bed for sleep. He She also receives medication and counseling at Streamwood Behavioral Health Facility (See Exhibits 3 and 6 and 7 and ). My son has severe emotional and behavioral problems he has auditory hallucinations “Hears Voices” he has tried to commit suicide and tried burning down our house due to these voices, Was hospitalized in 2006.
Our son Adan 2 is currently receiving services through the Early Intervention Program for Developmental Delays. He currently receives Physical Therapy and Developmental Therapy and Speech Therapy and Social Work Services that all come to our house once a week for an hour to one and half hours. (See Exhibit 8 ) He is currently on waiting list for Diagnostic testing to see if his High tone is from a Slight Case of Cerebral Palsy and on waiting list for Orthopedic Doctor , for braces for his legs. Adan will also be starting School in June 2008 when transportation is available to help with his Developmental Delays.
Adan also suffers from Asthma and Allergies and is taking Albuterol Solutions for breathing treatment machine and Cetirizine for allergies, (See Exhibit___)
Medical Concerns to my mother
This would also affect my mother Rebecca Salazar due to the fact she has Bipolar , Depression, Diabetes, Seizures, Fibormyalgia, Panic disorder and others And she counts on Oscar and I for a lot of help.(See Exhibit ____ and ____and ____ and _____ and ________).
This would also affect by grandmother Judy Miles as she needs Oscar and I to help care for my mother and to help my grandma as she is getting older and can not do this alone and to help her around the house as Oscar is the only adult male left on that side of family.(See Exhibit_____).
If my husband Oscar Garcia is not granted his Visa immediately this would affect me significantly as I would not be able to continue with my physiatrist services to receive my meds and my therapy services that I need badly because I do not have any one to watch our children I have no friends and the nearest family lives 2 ½ hours away in Dubuque Iowa. Oscar is the one who takes care of our children so I can attend these services that I need to maintain a stable life for me and our marriage and our children and other family. The affects this would have on our children would be detrimental to any progress they are making in therapy and school. This in return would be harmful to me as I would have to handle all of the repercussions alone . It is important that my husband return to United States ASAP to help in raising and caring for our four children and other family.
Financial
The financial hardship to me if my husband, Oscar Garcia, was not granted visa immediately would be, I do not work and have not worked since I was 17 years old due to my Bipolar II disorder as well as depression and anxiety disorder. I also do not work because I stay home to care for our four children each of whom have disabilities. ( As Stated Above) For these reasons I need my husband to return to United States of America Immediately as I could not pay for our financial obligations.
The financial obligations we have are as follows: we are currently renting a duplex which we have a lease agreement that we are legally bound (See Exhibit _______) thus I need the income he brings in so our children and I have a place to live. I also count on my husband to pay for food, bills and other house hold items. We currently have a car payment for $438.49 a month that is due on the 11th of each month. (See Exhibit: ________)This is a loan that we got from GMAC with the help of my Grandmother, Judith Miles, (See Exhibit: ________) because Oscar and I could not get a loan our selves as Oscar does not have a social security number. The loan is our responsibility under the agreement with my grandmother. She agreed to cosign for us but we had to agree to make all payments on time and have them directly withdrawn from our bank account. (See Exhibit:________ )
If Oscar was not allowed to come back in a timely manner we would not be able to fulfill this agreement made with my grandmother, and if the car was repossessed it would make my grandmother’s and my credit bad. Without a car I would not be able to get my children to the therapy services and psychiatrist services they need, would not be able to get two of my children to school and I also would not be able to get to my therapy appointments and psychiatrist appointments.
Financially we could not live in Mexico due to the fact they have poor work wages and little opportunity for advancement as stated in the CIA WORLD FACT BOOK. (See Exhibit_____ page___ .) My husband could not support six people on the low wages in Mexico.
In Mexico we would have to pay for private school as our children do not speak Spanish. (See Exhibit ______)As stated from solutionsabroud.com this is the only option for children who’s mother language is not Spanish. The cost of tuition for 4 children in private schools would be ______ opposed to the yearly fee in United States _____. (See Exhibits___ and ____.).
So that would mean that tuition, books, meals, uniforms, transportation, would come from what he would make and also rent, food bills and other house hold cost. It would be impossible to survive. Tuition is very expensive .
Another financial responsibility in Mexico would be to pay for all of our medications for all of our medical problems. There are currently about 30 to 34 different prescriptions.(See exhibit _______ ) The cost with no insurance here in the United States comes to $ 4.200.00 US Dollars sometimes more. Even though medication is cheaper in Mexico it would still be an extreme amount of money to have to pay.
These prescriptions are covered by Medicaid due to the fact we all have medical conditions that require medication and are disabled so in U.S we do not pay unless there is a co pay of $3.00 dollars.
The cost for these prescriptions without Medicaid would be 4,200.00 in U. S dollars.
In Mexico Medicare will not for pay our prescriptions. (See Exhibit______ and Exhibit______) as stated on TravelState.Gov website and SocialSecurityAdminastration.Gov website . So my husband would have to pay the cost out of pocket. Oscar could not pay these prescriptions and tuition and rent on low wages of Mexico and we need these medications for maintenance of are mental health conditions an every day life so there is no choice of stopping them as it would be detrimental to our health and progression.
Personal prescription information with cost if not paid by Medicaid is highlighted for all medications (See exhibit____)
In the USA my husband has opportunities for advancement due to the fact he has been at his current job for almost seven years in September of 2008. (See Exhibit ________) Letter from husbands employer He also speaks English and Spanish which is an advantage in the United State
Education
Education is a huge issue for me due to the fact my children do not speak Spanish and I have 2 children with learning and 3 children with behavioral problems, due to these issues they receive Special Education Services (See Exhibit___ for Niqitia and___ for Rebecca and ____ for Brandon..
Public schools in Mexico only teach schooling in Spanish and have very poor quality of education and my children would not receive the special educations services needed for progress of future education and it would not be at the same standards of U.S Education. (See exhibit___)
In fact as stated on Solutionsabroud.com the only way for a child who’s mother language is not Spanish, the only option for them is to attend a private school for the best in terms of bilingual education. They also state that there are only five or six in the 3 most largest cities of Mexico, Also stated that there are only 2 schools that offer almost complete education in English they are -(American School and Green Gates).
It also states to be wary of bus transportation especially in Mexico city. Also states that you have to get an official apostle from the relevant public office before children moved to Mexico, to certify that they can continue to study at an equivalent school and grade level in Mexico.
Also states that we have to pay monthly tuition, enrollment fee and transportation and many books texts and clothes (all schools require uniforms). (See Exhibit___).
One we could not afford tuition for 4 children and apart from this it states on one of the school websites you have to pay an extra fee to receive special education services. The fees are as follows
1. One time enrolment fee for 4 kids is_$_________
2. Registration fee 2 times a year, Total for 4 $_____
3.Annual activity fee for 4 children $_________
4.Mandatory bus service for 4 children is____________ per month
5. Tuition fee for 4 children is $ __________ per month
Cost for academic success (Special Education) is as follows 1 hour of service $_________, 2 hours of service $_________, 3 hours of service $__________.
(See Exhibit_______)
In the United States my children receive more than 3 hours of special education , I have one that spends her whole day in special education that’s 7 hours, So for the facts stated above it is in my children’s best interest to continue there education in the United States, Where they do not have to adjust to the language or be put farther back if they do not test at there current grade level in Mexico. It is pertinent to keep there schooling consistent so they can make progress not fall behind due to the fact they have learning disabilities and mental health issues.
It is important that my husband Oscar be granted a visa immediately to return to U.S.A with me and our children , If not I am concerned to the affect it will have on our children’s education because they will be depressed from missing there father as I will also be.
Family Ties to the United States:
See Exhibits____ ________ _______ ______) Letters from Jessica’s family in support of waiver.
I would like to start by saying the my whole family lives in the United States about 2 1/2 hours to 6 hours at the most . My whole family and I are a very close knit family, especially my mother’s side as it is only my grandmother, my mother and my two younger sisters. My husband and I and our children spend at least two weekends out of every month with my mother and grandmother helping them with things around the house and getting the things done that they can’t, as well as just spending time with them. On the other weekends we usually have my dad’s family at our house or we go to theirs. We are very family orientated. We always have some reason to be together even when there is not a real reason except that we enjoy family. We are always going to the park, cooking out, going to the zoo, museum, plays, live performances on ice and puppet shows. Whatever it is - just being together and being with family is important to us. That shows our children good family values. If I were forced to move to Mexico to be with my husband I would because I could not live with out him. But if my children and I had to move to Mexico I probably would go into a severe depression because I would never get to see my family as they could not afford to travel to Mexico. Many have children and grandchildren they are supporting, and several have fixed incomes. So the cost of their travel would be too high and out of the question. My mother is on a fixed income because she is disabled, (See Exhibit___ ) disability letter S.S.A )so we would never see each other and this would kill me. I live only 2 1/2 hours away and see her every other weekend almost and still have to talk to her 3-4 times a day sometimes more. My mother and I have an incredible bond. I am her biggest supporter and she can confide in me about anything. If I was to live in Mexico she could not call me nor could I call her because phone lines are not good and cost a lot of money and due to her fixed income this would be impossible. I could not be in Mexico it is way too far from my family the only family I have. Apart from this my children love going to see my grandmother and my mother. They spend most of the summer doing activities at their homes due to the fact that activities are cheaper up there. They take part in swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, t-ball, and activities at the library, bible camp at 2 different times during the summer. Moving to Mexico would take these wonderful opportunities from them that they look forward to and enjoy so much. Due to my children’s mental health this would cause more stress to them and make it worse and this in return would be horrible on me as I would have all the repercussions of these action. It would destroy me as my kids and husband are my world and I could not choose between them. We have to stay together as a whole family – mother, father and children.
This would not only affect my life it would effect the life of my mother and grandmother as it helps them having my children around. It keeps my mom a little saner because she has something to look forward and it keeps my grandma busy so she just doesn't sit around and get depressed. (See Exhibit _____ ) I personally feel my children helped cope with the death of my grandpa by going there and showing mom and grandma that they needed to be strong for the children. I think you could ask any one who knows my grandmother and mother what my children mean to them and they would tell you the world. They talk about my children my husband and me all of the time. I constantly hear from my grandmother and mother’s friends how lucky they are to have Oscar and me and our children and how much we are appreciated by them.
Also I have my dad’s family. We are also very family orientated and close. We spend as much time as possible with them also. We usually spend 4th of July with them at my dad’s because this is when my whole family from my dad’s side of the family comes and spends the whole weekend together. We cook out every day, play in my dad’s giant pool, go to the fire works and play games in the yard. It's these family bonds and spending time that keep our family so close.
If I were to have to move to Mexico with my children so we could be with my husband I would in a heart beat but it would effect my life extremely because we would have none of this in Mexico. My children would forget who my family was here in the United States and it would destroy our family bond.
If my husband Oscar is not granted a visa immediately this will affect all of my family and friends as they all love him and support him .
Please (See Exhibits ____ _____ _____ ______ ________ _______ _______).
Special Factors and Concerns
For the following facts it is important that my husband be granted a visa to return to united states with me and our children as I could not put the lives of my children and me and my husband in jeopardy by moving and living in Mexico or our health and wellbeing .
Fact # 1. There has been a huge increase in violence and drug trafficking and murder . (See Exhibit ____ )
Fact # 2. There is a huge rise in kidnappings both to Mexicans and Foreigners, and children are the most targeted group, and due to the fact there is lack of quality police there is no sign of decline. Drugs and the increase in violence are huge factors in kidnappings. Also stated that Mexico has a public safety problem growing at an alarming rate. (See Exhibit ____ )
Fact # 3. Adjusting to Mexico due to the fact my husband would be working , I would not nowhere anything is , have no family , language barrier for my children to make friends, we would constantly be missing our family in U.S.. there complete structure would be broken and the consistency that the are used to we be lost.
Fact # 4. As stated on the travel state.gov website concerning behavior modification facilities , It states that a number of facilities have opened in Mexico, but the standards applied by the Government of Mexico and Local Government where they exists may not meet the standards for the same type of facilities in the United States. Also stated that since 2004 Mexican officials closed six of these behavior modification facilities due to health code and other violations. This took place on short notice and caused serious in convince to U.S. citizens and there families. (See Exhibit ____)
Due to this fact alone I could not possibly move to Mexico with my children because 3 of them receive services from this type of facility. This would be harmful to them and there well being if this would occur. I would worry constantly about something like this happening.
Fact # 5. As stated on the SSA.gov website and travel state.gov website the social security Medicaid program does not provide coverage for hospitals or medical cost outside United State. And due to the fact that me and my children are provided coverage under this program because we are disabled, It is pertinent we stay in the United States to receive our care. (See exhibit ____and__________.)
Fact # 6 . Also stated on the travel state.gov website is that U.S law enforcement believe that as much as 25 % of medications available in Mexico are counterfeit and substandard . Such counterfeit medication may be difficult to distinguish from the real medications and could pose serious health risk to consumers. (See exhibit___)
Due to the facts stated above I could not risk the health or life of my children as we receive between 30-36 prescriptions a month (See exhibit____)
In the U.S. we receive our medication from reputable pharmacies Walgreen’s and CVS. (See Exhibit___)
Conclusion
Me and my husband have been together almost 11 years , we have never been apart from each other like we will be while he is in Mexico. We have for beautiful children who look up to there father , and who really need him here in the U.S. for support and structure and for there mental ,emotional ,and physical well being . I need my husband here with me in the us due to my bipolar , He is my rock , my only immediate support in our area, the whole time he is in Mexico will be very hard and depressing to me as I love him so much. I count on Oscar for so many things, especially just getting through the day. I need my husband to return immediately to U.S.A do to the fact I need his help in raising our four children, I need him for mental and emotional support for me and our kids and the structure and consistency that we all need for our well being.
I would like to thank you for reading my letter !
And when making your decision on the future of my family that you take into consideration all the facts listed above but especially that if my husband was not granted his visa immediately it would be extremely hard for me to raise our four children alone due to my mental condition and theirs. Please take into consideration the letters from our family and friends in support of my husbands Oscar Garcia’s waiver .
I thank you and I will await your decision.