To Have, to Hold, to Get a Green Card

Photographed two couples as part of the New York City News Service’s project, LOVE IN NYC. The story followed three couples of mixed immigration status and what that means for their relationship. Click for story here.

Chantal De Los Santos and David Nizar Giardina's story started in the library of the CUNY City College of New York when he passed her a flyer for a party. (Photo by Sandra Sadek)

“I, in my heart of hearts, never wanted to marry anybody for papers,” De Los Santos said. “It was terrible going through that — knowing that, yes, I do love this person, but then I was using them for something. It was very hard to wrap my head around — “I, in my heart of hearts, never wanted to marry anybody for papers,” De Los Santos said. “It was terrible going through that — knowing that, yes, I do love this person, but then I was using them for something. It was very hard to wrap my head around that.” (Photo by Sandra Sadek)

Photos documenting Camila Palacio and Brian Rosario's relationship helped them prove they were a real couple and get their application for Palacio's green card approved. (Photo by Sandra Sadek)

Chantal De Los Santos and her boyfriend David Nizar Giardina offered each other promise rings after agreeing to eventually get married, no longer under pressure from De Los Santos' lack of legal status. (Photo by Sandra Sadek)

Camila Palacio and Brian Rosario have lived together in NYC since 2021, when Rosario left Puerto Rico to be with Palacio. (Photo by Sandra Sadek)

Camila Palacio and Brian Rosario have lived together in NYC since 2021, when Rosario left Puerto Rico to be with Palacio. (Photo by Sandra Sadek)