These are the people whose strength and determination to succeed as U.S. Special Immigrants became the pillars of life for their loved ones. You can read about them in my book What We Know for Sure.
"I took the plunge and pursued the American Dream. My daughter is the ultimate reason I applied for SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) to give her better career options, more benefits, and an array of experience... We gave our daughter not just an option but the decision to have a better future. Now she enjoys a great job with the County Of Santa Clara in California." --- Fe Sacro, 32 years as a Legal Instrument Examiner at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Manila, Philippines.
"We are thankful that after four long years of being separated, our family is whole again... My 29 years of working for the USDVA in the Philippines was a rewarding career... I now work for the State Veterans Service Organization and continue to serve them." - Dinah San Juan (29 years as a Decision Review Officer, USDVA Manila)
"Immigrating is taking a risk, with the ups and downs of life. But the best part of the journey is the many happy and exciting escapades. Our best advice to future special visa immigrants: Enjoy the ride, be grateful, and as our former boss said: 'Don't look back.'" - Rousel Paran, 23 years as a Shipment Assistant at the Transportation Unit, General Services Office of the U.S. Embassy Manila
"Looking back, I believe we made the right decision to pursue the SIV. Our children are now successful in their chosen careers... We were once strangers in America. Opening the door of our home to our colleagues and friends who needed a temporary shelter to stay was a joyful and rewarding experience. You can do it, too." - Arnel Caras, 29 years as Operations Supervisor at the Social Security Administration, U.S. Embassy Manila
"We have different motives and approaches to achieve our dreams... We have crossed the bridge of uncertainties and were able to show our children the importance of family and true value of hard work. Rudy and I are both confident that we made the right decision to leave our comfort zone and pursue the American dream for us and our boys." - Belindan Limlingan, Public Affairs Program Assistant for 23 years at the U.S. Embassy in Manila