Waiver Allows Undocumented Spouses To Stay
By: Grace White
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Tomorrow, Fox San Antonio is hosting a live town hall discussion on immigration reform.

All week we've been looking at the issues that are shaping the debate.

Tonight, we're looking at new visa policies that take effect this month.

"It was just kinda the perfect relationship," said Clarissa Hernandez, a wife of an undocumented immigrant.

When Clarissa and Fransico Hernandez first met, she had no idea he was not a U.S. Citizen.

"When I met him, I realized what a hardworker he is and how determined he is," said Hernandez.

It was her mom who introduced them.

"I believe in this boy, I really do, I really do. I've very very proud of him, he has made a good husband and a good father," said Rosa Flores, Clarissa's mother.

Now, after getting married and having a baby, the Hernandez's are ready to take the next step so fransico can become an American citizenship.

"It's just a little bit more motivating to make sure we have everything together and just to make sure she has a better life," said Hernandez.

Under a new rule, the Obama Administration is allowing undocumented spouses of u-s citizens to apply for hardship waivers from inside the U.S. Once the waiver is approved it still has to be picked up in the applicant's home country, but for families this assures them their loved ones will be able to come back.

"It wasn't a change in the law, it's a change in how the procedure was done," said Lance Curtright, an immigration attorney.

Curtright is helping Fransico apply for the new status.

"The greatest thing this achieves is family unity. It keeps families together for a longer period of time," said Curtright.

"It really means a lot for me so I don't have to go to Mexico and stay for a long time, so I can provide for my family," said Franciso Hernandez.

"Since I am in school full time and a mother, he is the main provider in our family," said Clarissa.

A support system this young mom can't imagine living without.

"I don't want us to be separated, I can't even think what kind of toll that would take on our marriage and for my daughter's sake, she absolutely loves him," said Clarissa.

Now, because of the rule change the Hernandezs, are able to stay together and focus on life's other challenges, like raising a child.

For more information on Fox San Antonio's Town Hall Meeting, click here.Waiver Allows Undocumented Spouses To Stay