Chapital
06-09-2008, 09:49 PM
I am getting ready to send in a new version of my hardship letter. While there are a few additional pieces of evidence I will be submitting with this letter, the guts of the hardships remain the same as my original (we were backlogged for DHS/FBI, likely due to my husbands DUI or the name match issue). Rather than just sending the new evidence, I have chosen to send in a new letter that summarizes in bullet format the HSL I already submitted. It was much longer and more narrative in nature. AND, I would love your thoughts....Here goes....feels kind of strange sharing all this....
On Nov 5, 2007, my husband, CHAPITAL submitted the I-601 waiver application and my evidence of hardship to me, his USC wife. Below is a summary of those hardships, with additional supporting evidence. The previously submitted packet is still applicable, but the attached is meant to reconfirm and supplement those materials.
Summary of Hardships
Significant Risk to Personal Health
Allergies
o I suffer from sinusitis related to allergies to dust mites and indoor/outdoor molds (medical records).
o I have antibiotic resistant sinus infections multiple times every year (see allergist records, walk in center, prescription info)
o Diagnosis, treating and maintaining my health with these allergies and infections has required and continues to require the care of an ear nose and throat specialist, allergist and most recently a chiropractor/acupuncturist (see medical records).
o I take 2 daily allergy prescription medicines and suffer from frequent sinus infections that require multiple rounds of antibiotics (see prescription records).
o The ongoing maintenance of this chronic and incurable condition requires that I am able to communicate with and have access to allergy specialists and access to prescription medications
o I do not speak Spanish and would not be able to communicate with physicians in Mexico
o If I moved to Mexico I would lose my job and excellent health insurance (see insurance documents) and would not be able to afford adequate medical care and prescription medication (see insurance information for Mexico)
Risk of cancer
o My mother died of Carsinosarcoma in Nov 2006 (see death certificate). This type of reproductive cancer is difficult to diagnose and has a high mortality rate (see attached stats).
o Because of the hereditary factors associated with this type of cancer, my risk of developing this or other cancers is increased (see attached).
o It is critical for me to have regular access to preventative screenings for cancer.
o If I were to live in Mexico, with no insurance I would not be able to afford the needed preventative screenings.
o Reproductive cancers have higher incidence and mortality in Mexico despite screening initiatives (see attached article)
o I would be jeopardizing my long term health by residing in Mexico
Total Loss of Career
o I have worked hard to receive both my Bachelors and most recently my Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) (refer to degree certificates and transcripts) and have more than 10 years US work experience in my area of expertise, Corporate HR (see employment verification).
o I work for a Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical company in a management track position (see promotion notice)
o My education and experience are all based on US laws and regulations and do not qualify me for global corporate Human Resources positions (see HR certification evidence)
o I do not speak, read or write Spanish and am not qualified for bi-lingual jobs in Mexico (see job search data for Mexico City)
o If I were required to move to Mexico I would have to abandon my career and the satisfaction and achievement I have gained through 6 years of education and more than 10 years of work experience. This would be personally and financially devastating.
o If I tried to re-enter my career at a later date I would not be qualified for the same level or type of position because my knowledge and skills would be outdated.
o I would not be able to obtain an FMT work visa in Mexico (see Mexico work requirements)
o I have worked my entire adult life pursuing education and career experience and cannot imagine having to abandon it.
o Before returning to Mexico my husband provided stay-at-home care for our children.
o If he is not able to return to the US, I will have to pay more than $2600 month for full-time child care for my 3 children (see day care cost sheet)
o I would not be able to meet the demands of my career and function as a single parent for our three children.
Significant Risk to Health of my Children
o My husband and I have 3 USC children
o My 4 year old daughter is allergic to peanuts and cashews (see medical records)
o My 2 year old daughter is allergic to peanuts, all tree nuts, fish, eggs, milk, and dust mites.(see medical records)
o Because of the hereditary nature of food and other allergies, our 11 month old son has a very elevated risk of also developing food or other allergies (see FAAN info).
o When exposed to these foods, they can have a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction (see NIH and FAAN info on reaction)
o The two oldest have each already had a moderate reaction to one of their food allergens (medical records)
o Future reactions can escalate without warning to anaphylaxis (see NIH and FAAN info).
o If they have an anaphylactic reaction, a prescription Epi-Pen epinephrine injection must be administered immediately and they must receive emergency medical care within 15 minutes (see Pediatrician letter)
o Our home in Indiana is less than 5 minutes from quality emergency room care to treat anaphylaxis (see Mapquest)
o Even in Mexico City, where my husband’s family resides, emergency medical care (ambulances, emergency rooms, protocols) are inadequate to care for such emergencies and inconsistent. (see attached article)
o Anaphylactic reactions are unpredictable and can occur with even the slightest exposure to the allergic substance (see NIH and FAAN info).
o Us laws require all packaged foods to have clear statements of allergens content (see attached law); Daycares and schools are trained in preventing allergen exposure and treating anaphylactic reactions
o No packaging laws exist in Mexico and due to the lower rate of food allergies, almost all schools have no training in dealing with childhood food allergies
o Requiring me to reside in Mexico for 10 years places my children in direct risk of death if they have an anaphylactic reaction. It would be absolutely devastating for me to lose one of my children.
o Their risk of having a fatal anaphylactic reaction increases with age (insert FAAN stats here)
o In addition, my 2 year old suffers from dust environmental allergies that require her to take two prescription medications on a daily basis (see medical records).
o Diagnosing and treating these health concerns requires multiple specialists in the US with whom I can communicate with in English. I would not be able to communicate with Spanish speaking physicians in Mexico.
o As a mother, not being able to provide for the health and physical safety of my children would be horrible.
o With the loss of my job and insurance I would have no insurance or income with which to pay for medical bills or prescription medications necessary for the safety of my children.
o Without an Epi Pen injection my children would die from an anaphylactic reaction; Even with an Epi-Pen injection, without adequate emergency care, they could die from an anaphylactic reaction
o Due to the high correlation between allergies and asthma, my children have an extreme risk of developing asthma
o Asthma would be aggravated by air pollution and air quality issues in Mexico City (see attached articles)
o I cannot subject my children to 10 years of life-risking exposure to allergens in a country that cannot adequately address significant food allergy reaction prevention or post-reaction medical care.
Significant Disadvantage in the Education of my Children
o As evidenced by my own achievement of advanced education, I am determined to provide my children with a quality education and the opportunity to pursue their career dreams.
o With the loss of my job and income I would not be able to afford private education in Mexico and my children would have to attend public schools.
o Add public school stats and compare with Indiana stats (still working on)
o It would be devastating to me to not be able to provide for the education of my children
Severing of Ties to Family & Community
o I have nine brothers and sisters and a tight and caring family (see multiple letters from siblings)
o My mother passed away in Nov 2006. After her death my family experienced significant trauma and is still trying to piece together our family relationship.
o My father has recently (April 2008) remarried and distanced himself from the family, causing significant rifts in our family dynamics.
o I cannot be further separated from my family by residing in Mexico as we try to rebuild family relationships after my mother’s death and father’s remarriage.
o My youngest sister is mentally retarded and under the guardianship of my father. He is in poor health (include med records). I would be involved in my sister’s care should something happen to my father (see letter from my father).
o Impact of children living without one parent (single parent statistics)
o I am extremely active in my church community and current hold and have always held positions within our congregation. As a life-long active member of my church, I consider my faith and religious worship as a defining element of who I am.
o Mexico is predominately Catholic; there are very few congregations for my faith and none of these congregations have services in English.
o I would not be able to worship in my language; My spiritual well-being, a defining part of who I am, would be lost if I moved to Mexico for 10 years.
Financial future
o Despite having a well paying job in the US, I have significant debt and financial obligations that I would not be able to fulfill if I abandoned my job to reside in Mexico with my husband (see budget exhibit).
o If I remained in the US, I would incur significant child care costs (more than $2600 month) to place my children in childcare while I work (see day care cost sheet)
o I would abandon the financial security I have worked hard to secure through retirement plans and social security and would not be able to continue to save for my retirement or college educations for my children (attach SS annual report)
o I would lose our home (refer to mtge info).
o I would be abandoning the financial future of myself and my children if I had to move to Mexico.
o I would have a significant likelihood of living in poverty in Mexico ( see stats).
Emotional
o I have NO family, friends or acquaintances in Mexico
o I do not speak Spanish
o The loss of my career, being torn from my family, friends and associations in the United States would be overwhelming if I were forced to move to Mexico
o I tried unsuccessfully to immerse myself in Hispanic culture and language while my husband was serving in church leadership for our local Spanish language congregation.
o I would lead an isolated, depressed and …life
o I have always been self-sufficient, independent in the US,,I would not be in Mexico
o I would not be able to function in a Spanish speaking environment. Accessing public transportation, securing basic supplies and food, interacting with medical care and educational providers would be almost impossible.
o If I remained in the US, I would not be able to emotionally survive being separated from my husband.
o I cannot subject my three children to the disadvantages in education and significant risks to their person health by residing in Mexico for 10 years and I cannot live without my husband.
On Nov 5, 2007, my husband, CHAPITAL submitted the I-601 waiver application and my evidence of hardship to me, his USC wife. Below is a summary of those hardships, with additional supporting evidence. The previously submitted packet is still applicable, but the attached is meant to reconfirm and supplement those materials.
Summary of Hardships
Significant Risk to Personal Health
Allergies
o I suffer from sinusitis related to allergies to dust mites and indoor/outdoor molds (medical records).
o I have antibiotic resistant sinus infections multiple times every year (see allergist records, walk in center, prescription info)
o Diagnosis, treating and maintaining my health with these allergies and infections has required and continues to require the care of an ear nose and throat specialist, allergist and most recently a chiropractor/acupuncturist (see medical records).
o I take 2 daily allergy prescription medicines and suffer from frequent sinus infections that require multiple rounds of antibiotics (see prescription records).
o The ongoing maintenance of this chronic and incurable condition requires that I am able to communicate with and have access to allergy specialists and access to prescription medications
o I do not speak Spanish and would not be able to communicate with physicians in Mexico
o If I moved to Mexico I would lose my job and excellent health insurance (see insurance documents) and would not be able to afford adequate medical care and prescription medication (see insurance information for Mexico)
Risk of cancer
o My mother died of Carsinosarcoma in Nov 2006 (see death certificate). This type of reproductive cancer is difficult to diagnose and has a high mortality rate (see attached stats).
o Because of the hereditary factors associated with this type of cancer, my risk of developing this or other cancers is increased (see attached).
o It is critical for me to have regular access to preventative screenings for cancer.
o If I were to live in Mexico, with no insurance I would not be able to afford the needed preventative screenings.
o Reproductive cancers have higher incidence and mortality in Mexico despite screening initiatives (see attached article)
o I would be jeopardizing my long term health by residing in Mexico
Total Loss of Career
o I have worked hard to receive both my Bachelors and most recently my Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) (refer to degree certificates and transcripts) and have more than 10 years US work experience in my area of expertise, Corporate HR (see employment verification).
o I work for a Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical company in a management track position (see promotion notice)
o My education and experience are all based on US laws and regulations and do not qualify me for global corporate Human Resources positions (see HR certification evidence)
o I do not speak, read or write Spanish and am not qualified for bi-lingual jobs in Mexico (see job search data for Mexico City)
o If I were required to move to Mexico I would have to abandon my career and the satisfaction and achievement I have gained through 6 years of education and more than 10 years of work experience. This would be personally and financially devastating.
o If I tried to re-enter my career at a later date I would not be qualified for the same level or type of position because my knowledge and skills would be outdated.
o I would not be able to obtain an FMT work visa in Mexico (see Mexico work requirements)
o I have worked my entire adult life pursuing education and career experience and cannot imagine having to abandon it.
o Before returning to Mexico my husband provided stay-at-home care for our children.
o If he is not able to return to the US, I will have to pay more than $2600 month for full-time child care for my 3 children (see day care cost sheet)
o I would not be able to meet the demands of my career and function as a single parent for our three children.
Significant Risk to Health of my Children
o My husband and I have 3 USC children
o My 4 year old daughter is allergic to peanuts and cashews (see medical records)
o My 2 year old daughter is allergic to peanuts, all tree nuts, fish, eggs, milk, and dust mites.(see medical records)
o Because of the hereditary nature of food and other allergies, our 11 month old son has a very elevated risk of also developing food or other allergies (see FAAN info).
o When exposed to these foods, they can have a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction (see NIH and FAAN info on reaction)
o The two oldest have each already had a moderate reaction to one of their food allergens (medical records)
o Future reactions can escalate without warning to anaphylaxis (see NIH and FAAN info).
o If they have an anaphylactic reaction, a prescription Epi-Pen epinephrine injection must be administered immediately and they must receive emergency medical care within 15 minutes (see Pediatrician letter)
o Our home in Indiana is less than 5 minutes from quality emergency room care to treat anaphylaxis (see Mapquest)
o Even in Mexico City, where my husband’s family resides, emergency medical care (ambulances, emergency rooms, protocols) are inadequate to care for such emergencies and inconsistent. (see attached article)
o Anaphylactic reactions are unpredictable and can occur with even the slightest exposure to the allergic substance (see NIH and FAAN info).
o Us laws require all packaged foods to have clear statements of allergens content (see attached law); Daycares and schools are trained in preventing allergen exposure and treating anaphylactic reactions
o No packaging laws exist in Mexico and due to the lower rate of food allergies, almost all schools have no training in dealing with childhood food allergies
o Requiring me to reside in Mexico for 10 years places my children in direct risk of death if they have an anaphylactic reaction. It would be absolutely devastating for me to lose one of my children.
o Their risk of having a fatal anaphylactic reaction increases with age (insert FAAN stats here)
o In addition, my 2 year old suffers from dust environmental allergies that require her to take two prescription medications on a daily basis (see medical records).
o Diagnosing and treating these health concerns requires multiple specialists in the US with whom I can communicate with in English. I would not be able to communicate with Spanish speaking physicians in Mexico.
o As a mother, not being able to provide for the health and physical safety of my children would be horrible.
o With the loss of my job and insurance I would have no insurance or income with which to pay for medical bills or prescription medications necessary for the safety of my children.
o Without an Epi Pen injection my children would die from an anaphylactic reaction; Even with an Epi-Pen injection, without adequate emergency care, they could die from an anaphylactic reaction
o Due to the high correlation between allergies and asthma, my children have an extreme risk of developing asthma
o Asthma would be aggravated by air pollution and air quality issues in Mexico City (see attached articles)
o I cannot subject my children to 10 years of life-risking exposure to allergens in a country that cannot adequately address significant food allergy reaction prevention or post-reaction medical care.
Significant Disadvantage in the Education of my Children
o As evidenced by my own achievement of advanced education, I am determined to provide my children with a quality education and the opportunity to pursue their career dreams.
o With the loss of my job and income I would not be able to afford private education in Mexico and my children would have to attend public schools.
o Add public school stats and compare with Indiana stats (still working on)
o It would be devastating to me to not be able to provide for the education of my children
Severing of Ties to Family & Community
o I have nine brothers and sisters and a tight and caring family (see multiple letters from siblings)
o My mother passed away in Nov 2006. After her death my family experienced significant trauma and is still trying to piece together our family relationship.
o My father has recently (April 2008) remarried and distanced himself from the family, causing significant rifts in our family dynamics.
o I cannot be further separated from my family by residing in Mexico as we try to rebuild family relationships after my mother’s death and father’s remarriage.
o My youngest sister is mentally retarded and under the guardianship of my father. He is in poor health (include med records). I would be involved in my sister’s care should something happen to my father (see letter from my father).
o Impact of children living without one parent (single parent statistics)
o I am extremely active in my church community and current hold and have always held positions within our congregation. As a life-long active member of my church, I consider my faith and religious worship as a defining element of who I am.
o Mexico is predominately Catholic; there are very few congregations for my faith and none of these congregations have services in English.
o I would not be able to worship in my language; My spiritual well-being, a defining part of who I am, would be lost if I moved to Mexico for 10 years.
Financial future
o Despite having a well paying job in the US, I have significant debt and financial obligations that I would not be able to fulfill if I abandoned my job to reside in Mexico with my husband (see budget exhibit).
o If I remained in the US, I would incur significant child care costs (more than $2600 month) to place my children in childcare while I work (see day care cost sheet)
o I would abandon the financial security I have worked hard to secure through retirement plans and social security and would not be able to continue to save for my retirement or college educations for my children (attach SS annual report)
o I would lose our home (refer to mtge info).
o I would be abandoning the financial future of myself and my children if I had to move to Mexico.
o I would have a significant likelihood of living in poverty in Mexico ( see stats).
Emotional
o I have NO family, friends or acquaintances in Mexico
o I do not speak Spanish
o The loss of my career, being torn from my family, friends and associations in the United States would be overwhelming if I were forced to move to Mexico
o I tried unsuccessfully to immerse myself in Hispanic culture and language while my husband was serving in church leadership for our local Spanish language congregation.
o I would lead an isolated, depressed and …life
o I have always been self-sufficient, independent in the US,,I would not be in Mexico
o I would not be able to function in a Spanish speaking environment. Accessing public transportation, securing basic supplies and food, interacting with medical care and educational providers would be almost impossible.
o If I remained in the US, I would not be able to emotionally survive being separated from my husband.
o I cannot subject my three children to the disadvantages in education and significant risks to their person health by residing in Mexico for 10 years and I cannot live without my husband.