by Luis A. Bermúdez
Christell and Jonerith Hernandez.
photo by Luis A. Bermúdez
When Christell and Jonerith Hernandez received their green cards, it wasn’t just a legal milestone—it was a birthday gift wrapped in relief and a testament to years of perseverance.
“We felt relieved,” Christell recalls. “The first thing I thought was, I can travel again. I can continue my studies.”
“It was so unexpected,” adds Jonerith. “Almost like a birthday gift.”
The sisters, now 20 and 18, had traveled a long road from Guatemala to the United States, driven by a singular dream: to reunite with their mother. Their story, supported by Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR), is one of resilience, faith, and the quiet power of family—a narrative that speaks to Focus Magazine’s readers, who know the courage it takes to carve out a place where you belong.
A Childhood Fractured, a Family Reunited
Christell and Jonerith grew up in Guatemala, where their father left, and their mother raised them alone.
“Our family broke,” Christell says.
Eventually, threats in their homeland forced their mother to flee to the U.S., leaving the sisters with their grandmother. After their grandmother passed away, they moved in with an aunt. But the ache for their mother never faded.
“We were missing our mother,” Jonerith says.
The sisters crossed borders—both literal and emotional—to join her in the U.S., launching a daunting immigration case the moment they arrived.
“We had to find a way to continue our case,” Christell says. “The costs were so high, and no one gave us security to win.”
A number they found in a detention center led them to AIR—a beacon of hope in a sea of doubt.
Navigating the System with AIR’s Support
“There was doubt of what could happen,” Christell admits. “The goal was to be with my mom, but the doubt was, what’s next?”
The waiting was the hardest part. AIR stepped in, offering clarity and compassion.
“We met with an attorney named Stephanie,” Christell says. “We felt sure, we felt a connection. We trusted AIR.”
AIR’s affordable fees and reassuring guidance stood in stark contrast to other firms.
“I remember Casey helping my mom when she obtained guardianship,” Christell says. “She explained everything patiently.”
Casey launched the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) process—a pathway for young immigrants like Christell and Jonerith.
“They provided clarity,” Christell says. Jonerith appreciated AIR’s translation support. “I didn’t know how to communicate,” she says. “Here, you always have that support.”
AIR didn’t just offer legal aid—it offered a sense of home.
“It doesn’t feel like we’re unknowns,” Christell says. “It’s like family warmth combined with professionalism.”
A New World, A New Struggle
Life in the U.S. brought new challenges.
“It was a shock,” Christell says. “Everything is different—the culture, the language.”
Jonerith struggled her first day of high school.
“I didn’t understand anything,” she recalls. “I would cry.”
She often heard, “Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.” Worse, she was bullied and called “illegal.” In ninth grade, a boy threatened her with weapons in his car. She reported him and switched schools, eventually thriving with the help of a supportive teacher.
Now a high school senior, she’s applying for scholarships to study health sciences.
Christell, too, leaned on her faith and determination.
“Each day has its obstacles,” she says, “but we show ourselves what we’re capable of.”
Both sisters credit their Guatemalan values—humility, kindness, perseverance—for keeping them grounded.
Triumphs and Dreams Unlocked
Receiving their green cards was a turning point.
“My sister got hers first,” Christell says. “It was like a birthday gift.”
Social Security cards followed, unlocking new opportunities. “I had applied to college as an international student. Now, I can apply for aid,” Christell says.
Jonerith agrees: “Now, doors open.”
Christell is studying international studies with a minor in real estate, inspired by her parents’ journey. “God has allowed this path.”
Jonerith plans to join the army to fund her medical studies. “I want to pursue health sciences.”
Their achievements are deeply personal.
“I’m proud of overcoming traumas and fears,” Christell says.
Jonerith adds, “I want to show what I’m capable of.”
A Message of Hope and Unity
Reflecting on their journey, Christell tells her younger self “Yes, it can be done. Never give up.”
To others navigating the green card process, she urges: “Never stop trusting. God’s timing is perfect.”
Jonerith adds: “Let your experiences motivate you to fight for your goals.”
The sisters’ view of the American Dream is realistic.
“People think they’ll arrive and life will be good,” Christell says. “It’s not that easy. It’s day-to-day discipline.” Yet they remain hopeful. “I hope negative stereotypes are overcome, and we unite as a community.”
Jonerith’s message to young immigrants is clear:
“The road is hard, but fight for a better future.”
Supporting AIR’s Mission
Christell and Jonerith’s story is a testament to AIR’s impact.
“We didn’t just find legal help,” Christell says. “We found warmth, trust, a home.”
AIR’s translation services, accessible fees, and compassionate attorneys made the difference.
Support AIR’s mission by donating at their website, subscribing to the newsletter, or attending Happy Hour at Bar Keough on the last Friday of each month.
Each act helps families like Christell and Jonerith’s find stability and hope.
“Your voice matters,” Christell says. “You can make a difference.”
For these sisters, AIR didn’t just help them stay—it helped them thrive.
