The daughter of reality television personality Jenny Slatten provided an update Wednesday on efforts to bring her stepfather to the United States as her mother battles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Christina announced in an Instagram video posted Wednesday, July 22, that the family has begun the visa application process for Sumit Singh, her mother's husband, to enable Slatten to return to the United States for medical care.
"I wanted to let you guys know that we have started the visa process for Sumit to come to the U.S. [and] to bring my mom so she can come here and get more treatment using her insurance," Christina said in the video, according to Us Weekly. "Because the doctors have told her she cannot travel alone because it's such a long flight."
Slatten disclosed her ALS diagnosis earlier this year after experiencing symptoms for more than a year. She received the diagnosis in May. Singh has since assumed the role of full-time caregiver for his wife while the couple continues to reside in India.
The family opted to pursue an emergency tourist spousal visa rather than a green card application due to the urgency of Slatten's medical condition and the complexity of current immigration procedures.
"We have applied for an emergency tourist spousal visa, not for a green card. Only for a tourist visa. It's a lot longer of a process to try to get a green card, especially right now," Christina told Us Weekly. "They're not making it easy for anyone. So we're going the tourist route."
Christina consulted with her senator's office regarding the application timeline. Officials informed her that processing could require considerable time if Singh receives approval to move forward with the visa request.
The family now awaits notification from the Indian consulate to schedule Singh's required appointment. Christina indicated no timeline has been provided for when that appointment might occur.
"So we've started it and we're waiting for the Indian consulate to give Sumit his appointment," she said, according to Us Weekly. "As of right now we're still waiting on the appointment and there has been no update when that will happen."
Medical documentation supporting the application includes a physician's note confirming Slatten's diagnosis and certifying that she cannot travel alone from India to the United States given her condition.
Christina requested support from followers as the family navigates the uncertain approval process.
"Please keep this process in your prayers. Put it out into the universe," she said, according to Us Weekly. "Send good juju, there is absolutely no guarantees that he will get approved. But we've done everything asked."
Slatten and Singh first appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way in 2019. The couple currently stars in the new season of 90 Day: The Last Resort, which premiered on TLC in June.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
