They Want to Say "No"

August 8, 2025

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Dear Friend,

This week we received an answer from the US Customs and Immigration Service regarding our application for US citizenship for our grandgirls on the basis of Section 322 of the INA (Immigration and Naturalization Act). We were notified that, “it appears that you may not qualify for a Certificate of Citizenship at this time. This letter is notification of our intent to deny your application. However, prior to denial, you have the opportunity to respond in writing.”

The issue at hand is the fact that Josiah is unable to appear in the United States due to his incarceration. The law makes an exception for the death of the American citizen parent, but not for their incarceration. On that basis they are intending to deny their application.

We have two primary reasons for desiring US citizenship for our granddaughters:

• We had worked on this with Dasha and promised her that we would seek to give the girls the opportunity that being US citizenship would provide. We would love for them to have this privilege as well as the ability to fulfill our promise to Dasha.

• The grandgirls’ extended family lives in the United States and we would wish that they would have the freedom to visit and be with their family whenever and however often they might wish. While we anticipate that Heidi and I as well as these grandchildren will continue to reside in Israel, the relationships with family in the US are significant, especially in light of the grandgirls’ loss of their mother.

Our lawyers intend to respond to this letter, but we recognize that the Lord will ultimately work to either see our desires granted or to close this door for the grandgirls. Our prayer is that:

• Our legal team would have wisdom in how they address the legal situation;

• Someone with significant authority in the Department of Homeland Security and with the ability to set precedent in applying the law will review and make a judgment on the case;

• Those making the final decision will be moved with compassion for our girls to grant them citizenship.

We are coming to the end of our time here in the US. The girls have had a summer to remember. Each place we visit, they want to stay and they desire to return each trip they hope to make! Though the partings have been hard for them emotionally, yet they seem to be learning good things about these separations as well. They have met many of those who love and pray for them and that are learning that you are there and desire good for them: God’s arms of loving care.

We so much appreciate the loving prayer and support that you give. Your intercession is what brings the healing that these grandgirls are experiencing as the Lord faithfully answers your prayers. We are so grateful for your partnership with us!

Yours in the Messiah,

Phil and Heidi