1 Chantale sighed and squirmed slightly on the gray metal folding chair. No matter how she sat, there was no way to get comfortable. Her legs were practically numb from sitting for nearly two hours in the uncomfortable seats.
3 Chantale slouched again, trying to get comfortable. Just then, the heavy door at the corner of the waiting room opened and a woman with a tired face called “Jean-Louis? Violine Jean-Louis?” She mispronounced the last name, but Chantale hurriedly stood up and nudged her mother.
4 Sitting inside the small, cramped office, Chantale and Mrs. Jean-Louis waited patiently for Ms. Washington to sort through some paperwork on her desk and type for a moment at her computer. Finally, she faced them. “Tell me what I can do for you today,” she said, smiling unexpectedly. “You want to bring your son . . . Edgard, I believe . . . to the United States from Haiti. Is that correct?” she asked.
5 Mrs. Jean Louis looked at Chantale and nodded. She understood English and actually could speak it fairly well, too, but her confidence, especially in official circumstances, was lacking. She turned to Chantale and spoke in rapid French, her hand resting on her daughter’s arm.
6 “My mom wants me to tell you that Edgard is all alone. He was married but lost his wife and son in the earthquake in 2010. He has never recovered from his losses and needs to be with his family. He needs a fresh start, a new beginning. She says that Edgard is a quick learner and a hard worker, that he will be an asset to America.”
7 “I’m so sorry for your losses,” said Ms. Washington. “I remember hearing about the horrors that accompanied that earthquake.” She turned to her computer screen. “Mrs. Jean-Louis, is it correct that you immigrated to the United States in 2008, along with your husband, Georges and daughter, Chantale?” Chantale’s mother nodded, and Ms. Washington continued. “And all three of you have green cards?” she asked. Mrs. Jean-Louis nodded again, reaching for her purse.
8 Ms. Washington put up a hand. “I don’t need to see it right now,” she said kindly, “I’m just checking to see that the information I have is correct. As a green card holder, you may petition to have an unmarried son or daughter of any age immigrate to the United States and become a permanent resident. We’ll need to start by having you fill out Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative. We’ll need proof of your status as a permanent resident, as well as evidence of your relationship with Edgard Jean-Louis.”
9 Ms. Washington continued to go over the requirements and necessary documents needed for Edgard’s immigration. Chantale translated when necessary, but she was distracted by the look on her mother’s face. It was hope, and it was something Chantale had stopped associating with her mom years ago. When Chantale and Mrs. Jean-Louis stepped out into the sunshine half an hour later, the same look of peace was still on her face.
