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Petition for a Humanitarian Visa for Awa Russell

Petition for a Humanitarian Visa for Awa Russell

1,648 signatures 852 to reach 2,500
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Started by Anonymous 18 years, 5 months ago
Request for a humanitarian visa for Awa Russell. While serving as U.S. Peace Corps volunteers in Togo, Lori and Michael Russell formed a unique relationship with Awa, a neglected child in their assigned village. Awa lived with the Russells, solely under their care and guidance for over a year and has become an integral part of their family. The Russells were granted legal custody by Togo in March 2007. The adoption was finalized in June 2007. Awa\'s birth parents wholeheartedly ceded all parental rights in front of Togolese judges on two separate occasions, and Awa has not been in their physical custody since October 2006. Her father is very old and very ill and her mother cannot care for her. The United States recognized the adoption as full and final in October, 2007. However, USCIS has said that Awa does not qualify for an orphan visa. We all know that the best thing for Awa would be to come to the United States where she and the Russells will have a stable, loving home with numerous people who love and support them. That is why I support the issuance of a humanitarian visa for this child. As a fellow citizen, I ask you to please encourage USCIS to see this as so many of us do

Updates

Reached 1,000 supporters

February 25, 2008

February 24, 2008

We just hit 100 signatures. Thank you for helping Awa.

Reached 100 supporters

February 21, 2008

6 Comments

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Tom Morales
18 years ago Featured

RED TAPE IS DESTROYING A LITTLE GIRLS LIFE. FIX THIS NOW.

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Mark Snyder
18 years ago Featured

Common sense needs to prevail here. The government should be helping these people not making their lives a living nightmare. Let her come home.

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Sarah Walton
18 years ago Featured

This is just evil. How can you tear a family apart like this? She has been with them for years she is their daughter period.

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Linda Stone
18 years ago Featured

Im so confused why this is even a debate. She already has parents waiting for her right here. USCIS do the right thing for once.

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David Gray
18 years ago Featured

Keep families together. The law should work for people not against them.

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Jessica Fisher
18 years ago Featured

Unbelievable. My heart breaks for Awa. She needs to be with her family.

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