An Engaging Conversation

During the celebration, my wife’s uncle, Uncle Nes—a witty and wise pastor—engaged me in a conversation about our family's future, particularly regarding US citizenship. As a US citizen himself, he inquired about my plans.

I explained that I didn’t feel a strong call to move to the US at the moment, but I remained open to possibilities for my children in the future. I mentioned considering applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for them, but I had found out that I needed additional residency after turning fourteen, making it less feasible to pursue the application.

Uncle Nes encouraged me to file for the sake of documentation, suggesting that if something were to happen to me, it would be beneficial for my children to have proof that I attempted to secure their US citizenship.

Finding the Drive

With the current news about gun violence, escalating living costs, and homelessness, I wasn’t particularly motivated to travel to the US, aside from visiting my sister in New York or friends in California. Yet, I wrestled with the thought of providing my children opportunities that I felt were slipping away.

I imagined restarting my career in the US and realized it would be a daunting shift since I already enjoy a fulfilling life here. While I’m not wealthy, I appreciate a lifestyle that allows me to balance work and family, which might not be possible elsewhere.

I contemplated the advantages of my children being able to enter other countries without needing visas, especially for college. This led me to explore budget-friendly colleges for international students, such as the University of Florida and Purdue University.

Investing Emotions

I found myself gathering all necessary documents, with my wife being incredibly supportive. Together, we reminisced about our love story and our children’s early years to prove our parental rights, even sifting through sentimental letters and photos.

I was also pleased to find my old US baby passport, which my father had kept since the 80s.

The Day of Reckoning

After organizing and uploading the required documents online, we contacted the US embassy. After a few days, we received an interview date, November 22, which felt like a pivotal moment.

On that day, I woke up at 4:30 AM, prepared myself, and then woke my wife and kids, hoping for a miracle. We arrived at the embassy area by 7 AM, allowing us time for breakfast and some last-minute practice for the kids.

Carrying a heavy bag filled with documents, we walked to the US embassy, undeterred by the heat. We queued for about 15 minutes before entering the immigration office, which had a shorter line than those applying for US visas.

Misunderstandings or Misconceptions?

As we waited, I observed a Filipino couple struggling with missing documents and saw seniors in wheelchairs taking their oaths, making me wish for a similar future for my kids.

Finally, our names were called, and we submitted our documents, which we had meticulously prepared. I felt confident as the consul asked about my residency, noting states and dates. After signing forms to verify our information, I sensed everything was on track.

We were asked if we had completed the DS11 forms for US passports, and I felt reassured when we were instructed to pay the fees, which seemed like an indication of approval.

The Heartbreaking Moment

However, we were later called for a private interview, which added to the tension. My daughter was anxious, while my son remained playful. Just after a quick bathroom break, we were ushered into a serious second interview.

The consul reviewed our documents and requested prenatal photos. He reiterated three requirements, confirming two were fine but expressing concern about my residency, which I anticipated was lacking.

Feeling defeated, I turned to my wife and child, who was tearing up. Despite the consul's empathy, he had to follow the law, leaving us with the suggestion of pursuing educational visas for our children in the future.

The Painful Reality

While I had expected a negative outcome, hearing the denial from the consul was devastating. I had come with hope, influenced by stories that the embassy sometimes makes decisions with discretion.

Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling of being misled. Why did they allow me to pay fees knowing I might not qualify for my children's citizenship? It felt deceptive to collect nonrefundable fees upfront without clear guidance.

I was left feeling betrayed by the US government, questioning the transparency of the process and our shared values of honesty. The emotional toll of seeing $470 wasted felt akin to mourning a loss while facing financial burdens afterward.

# Final Thoughts

In today's world, everything seems to revolve around finances. Will America regain its former glory, as envisioned by my elders? While my dreams for my family aren’t entirely dashed, the urgency to fight for them has waned.

We still wish to visit the US to connect with loved ones and explore educational opportunities. I believe this may still be an answered prayer. Although the outcome was disappointing, perhaps it was a form of divine protection.

For now, we will set aside our plans for North American visits, keeping our sights on other nations, especially the United States.