Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 14, 1991 TAG: 9102140476
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MELANIE S. HATTER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It had been 10 years since they all were together, and soon they would reunite in the country they now call home.
Her husband, Najuge, and friend Verna Alexis had flown to Miami to meet the rest of their families: Joseph's three children and Alexis' wife and three children. Any time now they would arrive.
The reunions had been delayed numerous times as Alexis and Joseph, who originally are from Haiti, tried to comply with U.S. immigration regulations and provide proper documentation and applications to bring their families to the United States. Luciana Joseph, who has yet to learn English, was reunited with her husband when she came to America for the first time three weeks ago.
On her lap was her 8-month-old daughter, Rosemary, who was allowed to come because of heart problems. But three of their children were caught in the immigration bureaucracy and had to wait until Wednesday before joining their parents.
A small crowd of friends gathered to greet the newcomers with American flags, balloons and welcome signs. Luciana Joseph looked at the flags and smiled.
As her husband and Alexis brought their families into the waiting area, Luciana Joseph almost ran to meet them.
The Josephs' 17-year-old son, Figaro, twined a balloon's ribbon around his fingers. "It feels good" to be in the United States, he said, grinning. He had learned some English in Haiti. He smiled and laughed as people around him asked questions he could barely understand.
He had no doubt he eventually would come to the United States, despite the delays. "Every day I pray for that," Figaro said. He wants to go to college and study English, he said.
"I said I'd never believe it until I see them," said Donald Forrest, a member of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church who had helped Joseph settle in Roanoke. "We've been trying so long to get them here."
Alexis stood for a moment watching everyone hug and kiss. "I am very happy. It's a dream come true," he said, looking at his family. Alexis visited his family in Haiti eight months ago but was relieved to finally have them in America, he said.
Missing from the festivities, however, was Souvenance Syrilien, another Haitian in Roanoke who expected a reunion, but whose 22-month-old daughter was unable to accompany the group.
Both Najuge Joseph and Alexis own land in Haiti and will return for occasional visits, they said, but the United States now is their home.
They had bought houses in Roanoke for the day their families would be together.
"I am very proud of this country," Alexis said.
His first night with his family will be spent quietly at home, he said. "Tonight I will talk with my wife and pray," he said.
Najuge Joseph had similar sentiments. "I'll just pray to God, `Thank you.' It's been almost 11 years," he said shaking his head. Then he shouted, "Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!" He was ready to go home.
by CNB