An Indiana National Guard member says expanded federal travel restrictions could prevent him from being present for the birth of his first child, even though he and his wife followed the legal immigration process.
Walter Moyoh, who serves in the Indiana National Guard and works full-time as a nurse, married his wife five months ago and began the process to bring her to the United States. But a federal proclamation issued this month expanded travel restrictions to dozens of African countries, halting her visa application midstream and leaving her overseas as her due date approaches.
“It’s emotionally challenging to know that I will not be permitted, basically, to be there for the birth of my child,” Moyoh said.
The administration says the expanded restrictions target countries with high visa overstay rates and are intended to strengthen immigration enforcement. The policy notes those restrictions are not based on concerns related to violence or terrorism. Immigration advocates argue the broad approach can still disrupt families who have followed the law.
Moyoh also says the situation raises health concerns. His wife is pregnant and has already faced medical complications overseas, and he worries her care options are limited. While he remains proud of his service, Moyoh is asking federal officials to consider exemptions for military families.
“I’m very proud when I wear my uniform,” Moyoh said. “But I would just kindly ask the Department of Homeland Security if they have a way of providing special exemptions for the bans for families of U.S. service members.”
With his wife’s due date approaching, Moyoh says he has received no response from immigration officials and still has no clear timeline for when his family might be reunited.
