Legal Immigrants Caught in Quagmire
Meridian, Miss.
Reporter: Lindsey Brown
Email Address: lindsey.brown@wtok.com

Immigration Snafu

Most would say Alex and Joi Lynn Hynes are living the American dream. They own a successful business in Meridian, boarding horses. The only problem is that the Hynes' aren't American citizens, though it's not from a lack of trying.

"There is no path for us to become American citizens at all," said Alex Hynes.

When Newscenter 11 met with the couple, they were joined at their Lauderdale County home by some friends. The Hynes live in Mississippi under a work visa issued through Canada. It has to be renewed every five years for a total cost of just over $6,000 each time.

Alex had thought, once he worked hard to build up his business and began paying taxes, that would easily transition into American citizenship. Right? Wrong.

"Immigration in Jackson has told us there is no path for us to go," said Alex.

The couple is even more frustrated now with the immigration reform bill that is being debated in Washington.

Critics of the bill, and Alex and Joi Lyn, say they believe it grants millions of illegal immigrants a path to legal status, but not those working in America legally.

"At this point, we can't vote legally and that's one thing I would like to do as an American citizen," said Joi Lyn Hynes. "And we had talked about having children. We talked about adopting but being here in America we can't adopt.
This is our home now. Mississippi is our home."

For now, the two continue their evening routine they love so much. And in the meantime, Alex joined his local volunteer fire department and soon they plan to contact state officials to see what else can be done.

http://www.wtok.com/news/headlines/8017687.html