For more than two years, Houston resident Zoila Reyes Novoa has faced a deeply frustrating predicament: despite being a U.S. citizen since 2021 and working full-time while operating a dog rescue for two decades, the visa application she submitted for her elderly mother remains stuck in the starting blocks. The tourist visa process has yet to move forward beyond the initial stages.
A Family Waiting, A Life on Hold
Reyes Novoa’s mother lives in Lima, Peru, and the mother-and-daughter pair has not been reunited in over two years. Reyes Novoa describes her mother as her “biggest treasure” — a cancer survivor whose age and vulnerability heighten the urgency of the case. Although she filed the required I-130 petition to confirm her U.S. citizenship status and her mother-daughter relationship, the application remains “in the beginning stage,” according to an immigration attorney.
Systemic Pressure on Visa Processing
Immigration attorney Aaron Moyse says the backlog reflects a broader trend of delays in visa adjudications. He explains that the current holdup is tied to a combination of resource shortages, enforcement priorities, and administrative bottlenecks. The persistent delay means there is currently no reliable timeline for when the case will advance, leaving families like Reyes Novoa’s in limbo.
Why the Delay Matters
For families seeking to reunite around significant life events — be they celebrations, health crises or simply aging parents — extended processing times carry emotional as well as practical consequences. In this case, the mother’s advancing age and medical history make the delay particularly acute. Meanwhile, the petitioner continues to navigate bureaucratic uncertainty alongside her regular responsibilities.
Options and Realities
While the standard lawful path involves the I-130 petition followed by consular processing, many applicants find themselves stalled for long periods. Some alternatives, such as humanitarian parole or expedited review, are limited and not guaranteed. Attorney Moyse emphasized that the delay is officially the “beginning stage” of processing but could stretch significantly, even as other visa categories move ahead more rapidly.
A Crossroads of Policy and Humanity
The case also shines light on larger policy questions around immigration system capacity, fairness in family-based petitions and the often invisible toll on those waiting. For Reyes Novoa, the aim is simple yet profound: to have her mother with her in America once more. The question now is how long the system will allow families to wait.
FAQ
What type of visa is being sought?
A tourist visa following an I-130 petition filed by the U.S. citizen daughter for her mother.
Why is the process taking so long?
Backlogs due to staffing, enforcement shifts and resource constraints are slowing cases across family-based categories.
Can the process be expedited?
In rare cases, yes — but typically only for urgent humanitarian or medical reasons, and approval is not guaranteed.
What are the risks of waiting?
Older parents can face health decline, diminished quality of life or missed opportunities for reunification while waiting.
What can applicants do?
Keep contact information updated, monitor case status with USCIS or the consulate, and consult with a qualified immigration attorney about possible request for expedited processing.
