My lawyer changed my life after being undocumented for 25 years
“My name is Ana Hirang (assumed for confidentiality) I want to express my sincere gratitude to Atty. Crispin Caday Lozano for helping me obtain an approval of my self-petition as battered spouse of a lawful permanent resident. Before, I was so desperate because I was undocumented and I have no money to pay for attorneys fees. I was introduced to Atty. Lozano by my neighbor who told me he can help me.
We went to Atty. Lozano office wherein I told him what happened to me. He listened attentively to my story and ask me some documents. He analyzed my case and at that moment he gave me a hint of hope about my case.
I entered the United States on May 30, 1986 on a visitor’s visa. I was married three times. I married my first US citizen spouse in 1986 but our marriage was terminated after 3 months through divorce. During 1986 to 2006 or about 20 years, I lived underground because I have no legal documents.
I re-married another US citizen in 2006 but again after 11 months of being together our marriage ended through divorce. He did not file a petition for my green card with the USCIS. In May 2008, I married my third spouse, a lawful permanent resident.
I met Ed, my third husband in September 05, 2007 through my neighbor and landlord. At the time we met, I was living in one bedroom duplex and was working as a caregiver. I have two jobs then as a caregiver while Ed works as a live-in caregiver. I referred Ed to an employment agency when he decided to change job because he preferred to work only 12 hours a day. He was later hired. Ed moved with me so I have someone to share my house and food expenses. Sometime January 2008, Ed surprisingly proposed marriage because according to him it is not right to live together under one roof without the blessings of marriage. I readily said yes because I love him dearly. Besides, he said he has no wife and kids. Ed and I were married on May 12, 2008. After our wedding celebration with some friends, Ed was drunk and confessed that he has four kids in the Philippines but was never married to the mother of the kids. I encouraged him to worker harder so he may financially support his children in the Philippines.
On January 2009, Ed landed a permanent job as a caregiver in a facility with four disabled adult kids. He works night shift while I work regular hours from 8 am to 8 pm. We hardly see each other. I see him 2-3 hours at night before he goes to work.
During the day, Ed spent most his time with friends. I later found out that he was hooked on drugs when I went home early one day and found some drugs and paraphernalia on our coffee table. His drug addiction was on and off.
On January 2010, Ed and I had heated argument. And during this argument, Ed used his 20 inch samurai, severely injuring my left arm wrist, neck, shoulder and different body parts. I sustained multiple stab wounds and lacerations. The police came and brought me to the nearest hospital They also filed charges of attempted murder and spousal assault on my behalf. I was hospitalized at UCLA Medical Center. Later on, I was admitted to Family Crisis Shelter for Battered Women and Their Children to provide for my safety.
While residing at the center, I consulted with Atty. Crispin Lozano who did not hesitate to help me despite the fact that I have no money at that time. He advised me that we could file a self-petition as a battered spouse of a lawful permanent resident and with this filing I can avail of work authorization documents. Atty. Lozano diligently worked on with my case. Shortly after 8 months, my filed self-petition was approved as well as my work authorization.
Today, my priority date is current and again, with the help of Atty. Crispin Lozano, I have filed my adjustment of status.
Atty. Crispin Lozano cared so much about my case and safety. My hope of achieving my dream is realized through Atty. Crispin Lozano’s honest guidance and very efficient effort.”
With my sincere gratitude,
Ana Hirang