“I sent an email to Rep. Esty, and within a day we were already working on the process to make my sister's trip happen. At the end, my sister got her tourist visa granted and was able to visit and meet her nephews. I cannot express what this meant to me,

March 22, 2016

 This week, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) shared a “Constituent Corner” story from Ms. Jimena Dolzadelli of Burlington, whose family Esty helped to reunite after ten years of separation.

Jimena is a naturalized United States citizen from Argentina who came to the United States in 1996. Her sister, Dionisia Florit, remained in Argentina with their mother and serves as their mother’s primary caretaker. Dionisia had traveled to the United States before for some of Jimena’s major life events, like Jimena’s wedding to John Dolzadelli in 2001.

Despite never overstaying any of her visas, Jimena’s sister applied for another tourist visa ten years ago but was denied without an explanation. Now, ten years later, Dionisia was anxious to visit Jimena but fearful of once again being turned away by federal authorities. This trip would grant Dionisia the opportunity to finally spend time with Jimena’s twin eight-year-old boys, whom she had never met before.

Jimena and Dionisia decided to reach out to Esty’s office for assistance. In December, Esty wrote a letter of support on their behalf to the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina in Buenos Aires. In January, Dionisia’s visa application was approved, and she has just returned home to Argentina after spending three weeks with Jimena and her sons here in Connecticut.
 

“I am so pleased to have played a role in Dionisia reuniting with her sister and meeting her nephews for the first time,” Esty said. “Nobody should have to go more than a decade without seeing their loved ones just because of bureaucracy and red tape. Dionisia’s trip to Connecticut was a long time coming. I’m glad they made the most of it, and I hope the entire family is able to get together again soon.”

Jimena and Dionisia enjoyed their three weeks together by spending quality time throughout central and northwest Connecticut. They were able to take bike rides, go hiking, and attend a UCONN Women’s Basketball game.

“I sent an email to Rep. Esty, and within a day we were already working on the process to make my sister's trip happen. At the end, my sister got her tourist visa granted and was able to visit and meet her nephews. I cannot express what this meant to me, my kids and everyone in our family.”

Jimena Dolzadelli, Burlington