My name is Kelly, an American woman whose heart has been breaking for too long. I'm married to my husband who lives in Tehran; I call him "Lion" because he is brave, funny, and has kept me emotionally alive across oceans, time zones, and fear.

Our love story should have been simple: meeting, committing, getting married, and building a life. Instead, it turned into a crisis I never imagined. Despite our best efforts — saving money, traveling to meet in person, getting engaged in Abu Dhabi, and filing a K-1 fiancé visa — we were blindsided. We learned that citizens of Iran could no qualify after we submitted our application.

Determined to stay together, we legally married, even though we were forced to do it remotely. We saved again to reunite in Dubai, striving to protect our marriage as real, documented, and undeniable. I lost my vehicle because I’d rather have my husband than a I lost my vehicle because I’d rather have my husband than a car. I’ve reduced my food intake Because he wasn’t able to help pay as much as he could before because their economy has crashed I’ve missed time from work. I’ve stayed awake two and three days at a time with worry and fear. We finally saved enough to pay the fee for the spouse visa but once again the goal post was moved, a new ban was enforced And our once bright and exciting future now looks hopeless. 

I know thousands of families have been affected by these policies, leaving loved ones stranded across borders despite their legal marriages and established commitments. I know that together our heart break every night for the loved ones we cannot be with Because we are paying the price for a few bad actors. Mr. President I have emailed you directly, And now I am asking other to sign a petition. Please allow my husband to join me in America. Please review my 150 page application that I paid for with my blood sweat and tears and approve my husband‘s visa. Please sir 🙏🏻🧎‍♂️‍➡️📿