It’s rare that one sees jubilant effects of a single law in someone’s life. So often, laws seem obscure – the effect of what the federal Congress does so often seems not so personal, but instead some seemingly mundane detail buried under so many layers of legal, financial, or bureaucratic sediment.
Just lately, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing blatant joy at the result of an act of Congress. It has restored a bit of my faith in our nation.
Meet my friend Miguel (not his real name, for confidentiality purposes). He’s about 40 years old, an intelligent, well-educated man, and is originally from Mexico. He immigrated to the United States over a decade ago for work, and was granted a residency visa and eventually a job at a respected technology company which is a worldwide name.
In the succeeding years, his paperwork and residency status somehow fell through the cracks. I don’t know how, but it did. Though he was still employed at the same company (and remains in the same job), his residency status ended.
And then, unexpectedly, he discovered he was infected with HIV.
In 1993, Congress passed a law which made HIV the only infection explicitly singled out as a reason for rejection of an application for visa or residency in the USA. This law, more than a decade later, trapped my friend Miguel.
While he was making a good income, and paid his taxes, he was constantly depressed and under a great deal of stress. He didn’t dare travel to see family in Canada or Mexico, because he wouldn’t be able to return to his adopted home. As if adjusting to living with HIV wasn’t enough, HIV made Miguel a man without a country, perpetually in fear of what would happen if his status were discovered. He was told by an immigration lawyer that there was nothing he could do. So, he waited, living in limbo and fear.
Early this year, President Obama signed an act of Congress lifting that ban. This was only a couple of months ago. Since that time, Miguel has been granted permanent residency. He has made plans to travel to see family he has not seen in nearly a decade. He has even signed a contract to purchase a home. Released from fear and immigration purgatory, he lives with a joy I have not seen in years.
This single piece of legislation is changing a life right before my eyes. I am in awe...and in a few years, Miguel will be a proud and grateful citizen of the United States. I hope I have the honor of witnessing the ceremony.