Fleeing violence and poverty in her rural town in Guatemala, Santos came to the United States in search of a better life for her family.
In Oakland, California, Santos sought the help of the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA). IIBA’s Legal Staff helped her apply for humanitarian relief, and she was granted a U Visa due to the abuse she had endured at the hands of her ex-partner.
With the help of IIBA, Santos petitioned for her children to reunite with her in the United States. It took over twelve years, but she and all five of her children are finally safe together in Oakland.
“I’m just happy to be living a peaceful life all together again,” Santos said.
