Almost a year ago, in November, we introduced you to Frances McIntosh and her family. Originally from Scotland, she and her family moved to Broussard over 14 years ago after her husband was offered a job.
After getting a divorce, Frances and her three children struggled to make ends meet while also trying to keep their visas to stay in a place they considered home.
But Frances’ children are growing up and that means that two of them could no longer stay here under her visa.
Her eldest children are now back in Scotland and Frances has been left alone with her daughter. Both are doing all they can to get the family back together again.
Not much has changed in the year that has passed since our first meeting with Frances.
Glued to her computer and scouring the internet, Frances is still trying to find a way to help get her son, Kieran, back to the United States from Scotland.
Last year, Kieran’s visa expired. He tried to get another one, but after filling out the application incorrectly, took it upon himself to head back to his native Scotland before he could be deported. That’s where he remains today.
“He had his interview at the embassy in London in January,” says McIntosh. “Unfortunately, the visa was denied.”
That denial came as a shock to both Frances and Kieran. The two had spent the last year and over $15,000 working on getting him back to the states. McIntosh says it’s the only home he’s really ever known.
“It’s tough, as a parent, to see or hear your child so devastated.”
Now, both mother and son are contemplating what to do next. Spend more money? Continue the fight? Or simply give up?
“This year I’m applying for a new visa for me,” says Frances. “A lot of time and energy is going into that. I have to concentrate on staying here because I also have a younger child here, too.”
Frances says coming forward a year ago about her family’s struggles was not easy. The backlash she and her family faced afterward was even harder. But, she says, she did it to bring awareness and let others know that everyone has a story to tell if you stop and listen.
“If you share your story it allows other people to have compassion, gain knowledge, and reach out and help,” says McIntosh.
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