Milenko Faria anxiously awaited word on his wife, Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar, who had been detained by immigration authorities just moments before they were to attend their joint asylum interview. Bolivar, a physician from Venezuela, found herself taken into custody on Saturday at McAllen International Airport, Texas.
Despite plans to finally undergo the asylum interview they had pursued for over a decade, Bolivar was arrested with their American-born daughter as she prepared for her journey to meet her husband in California.
Faria, who had already completed his portion of the asylum process, described the family's latest ordeal as devastating. Dr. Bolivar spent her time working in South Texas, serving in a medically underserved area.
In four days since her arrest, she had no explainable response from authorities on why she was held. Reports indicate that she may have overstayed her visa after arriving in the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2016.
The couple faced significant challenges when President Trump’s administration ended Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, which had safeguarded many immigrants from deportation in the U.S.
Faria and Bolivar had previously applied for a green card through employment sponsorship by Faria's employer, highlighting their commitment to contributing positively to their community.
As they navigate this tumultuous path through immigration, they hold hope for Bolivar's release and a brighter future.
