In 2011, violence and conflict in South Asia separated Sankar from his family. Forced to flee, he spent six years in a neighboring country, unable to reunite with his loved ones. His children, Ganesh and Parmita, were just eight and ten years old.
In 2017, Sankar arrived in the U.S. through the refugee resettlement program. World Relief Chicagoland helped him find housing, a job, and English classes. He also began the legal process to bring his family to the U.S. with support from our Immigrant Legal Services team.
For eight years, the process was slow and full of setbacks—immigration hurdles, procedural delays, and COVID-19 disruptions.
“I was waiting, waiting, waiting,” Ganesh said. “Sometimes I got so fed up with the process. I said ‘there is no way I will ever get to go and join my father.’”
In 2023, the family was finally scheduled for a government interview. Sankar’s World Relief attorney, Sara Oh, guided them through the process—photos, fingerprinting, health checks, and DNA tests. After approval, another delay: Sankar’s wife, Amani, faced health issues that prevented her from traveling. Thankfully, they secured a new date.
In January 2025, after 14 years of separation, the family reunited at O’Hare Airport.
“Over the years, we had seen our dad and talked to him on the phone,” said Parmita. “But seeing him in person was so different. I can’t even explain in words what it was like to see him that day.”
“My son Ganesh was 10 years old when our family got separated, “ said Sankar. “I didn’t see him for 14 years. Now when we go shopping together for groceries together, people look at us and they say ‘is that your brother?’”
Today, the family is adjusting to life together. Sankar continues working as a machine operator–the same company where World Relief helped him get a job eight years ago– and drives Uber part-time. Ganesh is preparing to start work, and Parmita is deciding between a job and further education.
According to Sara, the family arrived in the nick of time. Their case would have likely faced further delays under the second Trump administration.
“I feel so indebted to Sara. She kept giving me motivation and support through the whole process,” said Sankar. “Otherwise I might have given up. I am thankful for her. I took my application for my family to so many places. But Sara and World Relief managed to actually bring my family here. She’s been with us through the whole journey.”
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Stories like Sankar’s show the power of community support. Your generosity helps us continue welcoming and assisting refugees and immigrants in vulnerable situations. Consider making a donation today.
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