Abstract: The poignant saga of a Venezuelan family reunited after five years, thanks to successful asylum applications, symbolizes the plight and hope of over seven million fellow Venezuelans. The story of Frank Sandoval, Carolina Alemán, and their daughter, Massiel, sheds light on their arduous journey, the challenges they faced, and their gratitude towards the United States for granting them a new lease on life.
Asylum’s Promise: A Venezuelan Family’s Reunion
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Frank Sandoval, once a nervous soul waiting at O’Hare Airport in the early hours of the morning, now rejoices in the euphoria of reunion. After five long years, his wife Carolina Alemán and daughter Massiel Sandoval have finally joined him in Chicago, a moment that Massiel describes as the «best thing» in all these years.
The emotional reunion, marked by a bouquet of roses and star-shaped balloons, was a heart-warming end to a long journey. From South America to the United States, this family had traveled for 24 grueling hours, enduring the strain of long-haul flights and anticipation of reunion.
The Fight for Asylum and the Pain of Separation
This family’s reunion marks the end of a tumultuous period that began when Frank Sandoval, a former lawyer in Venezuela and supporter of the opposition party, fled his homeland in 2018. Threats following a political demonstration led him to seek asylum in the U.S., leaving his wife and daughter behind. The decision was not easy, but it was necessary for their safety.
Massiel Sandoval describes the separation as challenging both emotionally and physically. Despite the hardships, she held onto a plush rabbit, a family keepsake from her childhood, symbolizing her hope and resilience.
The Venezuelan Exodus and the Chicago Asylum Seekers
Their story is a single thread in a larger narrative – the mass exodus from Venezuela, driven by political and economic instability. Over seven million Venezuelans have fled their homeland in the past decade, with thousands finding their way to Illinois, seeking asylum. These immigrants, despite their arduous journeys, remain hopeful and optimistic about their futures.
Frank’s Asylum Success and Advocacy
Frank Sandoval was granted asylum in 2022 and has since petitioned for family reunification. His successful application has paved the way for Carolina and Massiel to enter the U.S., bringing them one step closer to permanent residency.
However, asylum success stories like Frank’s are not commonplace. The harsh reality of asylum cases is a bitter pill to swallow, with nearly 36% of cases denied in Chicago’s immigration court over the past year. Frank now works as a paralegal, assisting hundreds of asylum-seekers and advocating for «Temporary Protected Status» for new Venezuelan arrivals.
The Promise of a Bright Future
Despite the hardships they’ve endured, the Sandoval family remains hopeful. Carolina Alemán is optimistic about her future and is considering enrolling in college. She appreciates the opportunities their new home provides, stating, «This country is giving us the opportunity to start over again.» As they leave O’Hare Airport, their joy is encapsulated in Frank’s words, «We made it».