One Year Lost

The Human Cost of the US/Canadian Border Closure

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At 11:59pm on March 20, 2020, the land border between the US and Canada “temporarily” closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 365 days later, the US government has made ZERO exemptions for families to cross the land border, and no plan is in place for an eventual re-opening of the border.

Thousands of families are in pain and have been ignored by their elected officials. One full year of missed birthdays, missed milestones, and missed memories that we’ll never be able to recover. Now they are sharing their stories in their own words.

Share your story

FAMILY EMERGENCIES

Everyone should be able to be together in times of need

Heather. Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, QuebecI’m originally from West Babylon, NY and now reside in the Greater Montreal area of Quebec, Canada. I am a US Citizen and a Permanent Resident of Canada. I live with my legal Canadian husband, as we were married i… — Heather. Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Quebec
I’m originally from West Babylon, NY and now reside in the Greater Montreal area of Quebec, Canada. I am a US Citizen and a Permanent Resident of Canada. I live with my legal Canadian husband, as we were married in NY of 2014, and we have a 4 year old dual citizen daughter together, Charlotte. My mother, who still lives in NY, was diagnosed with cancer just prior to Covid. She lives by herself because my father passed away from cancer over 20 years ago. The last time we as a family traveled to see my mother was December of 2019. In August of 2020, my daughter and I drove 10 hours each way to finally visit her. The US border was alright, as we have NEXUS but the border officer asked me twice if our daughter was in fact a US Citizen, which was unsettling because she's a child and secondly, she is. The US not allowing my husband and father of our child to be able to travel with us to visit my mother has taken a huge toll on our family and our well-being. It’s obviously not easy driving by myself with a 4 year old from Montreal, crossing an international border, all the way to Long Island totaling at least a 10 hour drive. We’re aware of the odd rule the US has, that my husband can enter the US by air. However, we don’t want my husband to fly for fear of transmitting Covid from the airport to my at-risk mother, or risk him being turned away at the land border which is what Senator Gillibrand's office suggested we attempt to do. We’re in our car, limit our stops and plan our trip according to our safety needs.

Since August, my mother received radiation treatments and is now receiving immunotherapy treatments. We recently found out that we are expecting our second child in October later this year. It's now become crucial that my husband is permitted to travel with us by car due to my pregnancy. Because of my age (I'm only 36) and my last pregnancy, I'm considered high-risk and we don't feel totally comfortable with me driving 10+ hours by myself with our 4 year old. It's imperative that the US creates family exemptions and have compassionate rulings so we can travel as a family in the safety of our own vehicle, to visit my mother before I have this baby. Everyone is going through their own difficulties with this virus, but for our family, it's physically and emotionally hurting ours. My husband used to work in New York City, we've had NEXUS for years, we've taken dozens of trips across the border and now sadly, he's not welcome. Even though our daughter was 3 at the time we traveled to NY in August, she knew something wasn't right when we pulled away from our house in Montreal as she asked me, “Why can’t papa come with us?”. If you’re human, you would understand that it’s taking a huge toll on our family.

Kristina. Chateaugay, NY.I am 34 year old American mother of two beautiful children a son who is 12 and a daughter who is 15 since this pandemic had arrived it's been very devastating to say the least on our family .my partner is Canadian he lives i… — Kristina. Chateaugay, NY.
I am 34 year old American mother of two beautiful children a son who is 12 and a daughter who is 15 since this pandemic had arrived it's been very devastating to say the least on our family .my partner is Canadian he lives in LaSalle Quebec and we’ve been in love and been a committed couple since 3 years now he is a father to my children a father of none they never had my son was shaken by his biological father and gave him serve brain injury and a lot complications from severe stroke, craniotomy, shunt, feeding tube, and 34 staples to his head. He has been through so much he is the definition of strong let put it that way recently we were blessed to see each other for 2 weeks after fighting for to be together a whole year when my child almost died 3 times and had major hip surgery and also has to have brain surgery march 4th this has been very very hard on me and on us to say the least it feels like my hearts being ripped outta my chest to have to deal with my son suffering so severely to not being a family and going threw this together my partner is considered a essential in my sons daily activity I have had doctors notes and also wrote to numerous people for help I was lucky for see him one time in a whole year threw all this I really feel we can do better we have to do better for families like mine my son needs his father it isn’t about blood I'm always asked by Canadian borders well is he biologically his what makes a child biologically yours? Is it almost killing him and giving him traumatic brain damages and making him bedridden or blind ? Or is it a man that stood by his side threw thick and thing and made him feel special and helped pick him up when he was down he made him live along with me and his sister without us he wouldn't have anything at all I tend to everyday meeds feeding tube bedsores hip in brace to brain surgery or seizures I feel people like my son children families like ours need be together during not only a pandemic but sometimes their is more going on as well that others don’t see that is to us emergencies and that what a family is and that why all families shouldn’t be told they cannot reunite be the one that makes Ethan smile again and do the right thing

Aletha. Sault Ste Marie, OntarioI am an American living in Ontario with my Canadian husband and our five kids. My family is 3,000 miles away in Washington State. Despite this distance we have always made it a priority to have a lengthy visit every s… — Aletha. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
I am an American living in Ontario with my Canadian husband and our five kids. My family is 3,000 miles away in Washington State. Despite this distance we have always made it a priority to have a lengthy visit every summer with Gramps and Nana (my parents) and with my children's aunts, uncles and cousins and their Great Granny, whom they love. Pre-Covid My Mom and Dad would come to visit us in Ontario 1-3 times a year. When the borders closed last year my Mom had to cancel her flights to visit us. I didn't realize the extent of that emotional toll until the day Canada announced family exemptions - I fell to the floor and uncontrollable sobs wracked my body as the bottled grief of being separated from my family broke loose. Her visit helped my mental health considerably for a time, but that same panic, grief and powerlessness has returned full force as we deal with the reality that there is no familial exemption for the US. My husband cannot cross by land to the United States, and while we live 20 minutes from the US border we are at least 8 hours from an airport he could fly from. I would not attempt a 3 day road trip with 5 kids without him, and until he can come with me, we are unable to go visit beloved Grandparents, best friends/cousins and my own brothers and sisters. It is unreasonable that he cannot go with me to visit family that he is, by law, related to!
And now, the worst has happened. My beautiful, perfect, niece Cora passed away and the burial and service is next month. We should be there. We most definitely would if we could drive. It is far too expensive for our family of 7 to fly internationally. I will go alone if I have to, but why should hearts be made to break even more than they already are in a situation like this? My children should be there to say goodbye to their cousin. Families should be together. Family is essential.

Cary. Silver Spring, MD.I live in Silver Spring, MD while my partner of 10+ years lives near Ottawa, ON in a house we own together, in a place I call “home.” We are unmarried, but she’s my partner, there is no other in my mind Prior to Covid 19, I v… — Cary. Silver Spring, MD.
I live in Silver Spring, MD while my partner of 10+ years lives near Ottawa, ON in a house we own together, in a place I call “home.” We are unmarried, but she’s my partner, there is no other in my mind Prior to Covid 19, I visited one a month, and often could take one of the 5 daily direct flights to Ottawa. Our home is a wonderfully chaotic blend of us, visiting adult children, foster children, 4 wonderful grandchildren and two dogs. We call it our “beautiful chaos.”

When the border closed, I was skeptical that any government would define “committed couple” in a way that allowed me to visit. However, on October 8th Canada added the “extended family” exemption to the immediate family exemption they enacted in June. Neither of these exemptions the U.S. reciprocated at the land border, despite its lax and uneven approach to controlling Covid. While in theory, my partner could fly to visit, she is at high risk to getting a severe case of Covid-19, so, flying is out of the question.

I was able to visit her during the month of November. But I wasn’t planning to visit home again until the restrictions lifted. On February 20, my partner went to the hospital for a severe, rapidly spreading bacterial infection. I decided to put my affairs in order and drive up to Canada to be with her. Almost two weeks and six surgeries later and her condition has stabilized, although the road ahead for her is a difficult one.

I am writing this on the second half of a two-week quarantine in Ottawa, ON. Next week, I plan to be by her side, first visiting her in the hospital, then cooking meals, and helping her back to full strength. I can give her the care she needs, because of Canada’s family exemptions to the closure. The U.S. Government has yet to reciprocate these exemptions, meaning Canadian nationals in similar circumstance cannot be with their loved ones in the hospital and help them return to health.

How incredibly irresponsible for an administration that takes great pride in its empathy has yet to take the steps that Canada took months ago. This could be done immediately, without any dialogue with Canada.

CHILDREN

Time already goes by too fast, and this time lost will never be recovered

Colleen. Sault Ste Marie, MI.The separation of my children from their grandparents has been overwhelmingly difficult for everyone. The grandparents that my children had seen every day since birth were torn from them with the border closure. A 10 min… — Colleen. Sault Ste Marie, MI.
The separation of my children from their grandparents has been overwhelmingly difficult for everyone. The grandparents that my children had seen every day since birth were torn from them with the border closure. A 10 minute drive door to door between Michigan and Ontario. Quarantine times make reuniting nearly impossible for our family. I was able to reunite on the Canadian side in November when my daughter’s class and I went virtual/online for school/work for a few weeks, making the quarantine feasible for our family. A ten minute drive for my parents would turn into 2-3 flights (one international), then several hours of driving for my parents to come to Michigan via air. How is this safer than crossing alone in a vehicle? The grandmother, who retired to watch her grandchildren full time, now left only with photos and video chats when possible. Missing the toddler transitioning to a preschooler. Missed milestones, major birthdays and anniversaries, the first Christmas without my family in 40 years, and end of life goodbyes for some family members. Sleepless nights, filled with anxiety and the unknown. Children crying at bedtime because I have no answers as to when they can see Nana and Papa again. It’s exhausting trying to stay positive for them all the time, when I myself am struggling with the very same feelings that I have to hide for their sakes. My whole family is in Canada. It’s been a year, with no end goal, no plan. Love is essential. Family is essential.

Helen. Windsor, Ontario.The last time I hugged my 4year old Granddaughter was March 15th, 2020. At that time I was in the hospital and she and my daughter had come to visit. From then on our visits turned to Skype. We went from visits every week fo… — Helen. Windsor, Ontario.
The last time I hugged my 4year old Granddaughter was March 15th, 2020. At that time I was in the hospital and she and my daughter had come to visit. From then on our visits turned to Skype. We went from visits every week for Two or three days to nothing. One day my Granddaughter asked her mother why I wasn’t visiting any more. She wondered if I didn’t love them any longer, her parents had to sit her down and explain about the border closure and the corona virus. Going forward she would comment that she hated the corona because I couldn’t be with them. During the year (2020) I missed my 70th birthday with them, my daughter’s birthday, Canadian thanksgiving, American thanksgiving and Christmas. This one really hurt the most all she wanted for the holiday was for her Nana to be with them.

It just continues. Here we are in 2021 and already I’ve missed her 5th birthday (feb. 28th) . On March the 4th she is having a surgery and because of the border closure I can’t be with her or her parents. My sanity with this situation is taking a beating. I’m now beginning to wonder if the day will ever come where we will be able to be a family and do family things again. It’s getting very difficult to keep a smile while talking to her.

My Granddaughter lives about 20 miles away on Warren, Michigan. It’s just a hop skip and a jump from me and because of the closure I cannot travel there. One day last summer my daughter and good friends of mine arranged for a time we could both attend the Detroit River at the same places but on different sides. With binoculars I could see them all and with my phone I could talk to them. It was an a most perfect day. We cannot let it get any longer. I’m a widow and I need my family!

Erin. Sault Ste Marie, MIMy mother missed the birth of my son who was born 11 weeks early and in the hospital for 3.5 months. During this time she was not able to be with us and support us as we lived away from home for 3.5 months while my son was u… — Erin. Sault Ste Marie, MI
My mother missed the birth of my son who was born 11 weeks early and in the hospital for 3.5 months. During this time she was not able to be with us and support us as we lived away from home for 3.5 months while my son was undergoing critical medical care. She has missed him learning to crawl and other important milestones. We used to see her multiple times a week and she and my father, who recently passed, were extremely involved with their only grandchildren. As we come up to the one year Mark of the border closure my mother will be missing my daughters 4th birthday in March. This will be devastating to her. The last time she was at my house was March 2020 for my daughters 3rd Birthday. This was days before the border closed. She has not be able to visit us since then. Missing my daughters 4th birthday is going to break her heart and ours as well.

Katie. Abbotsford, British ColumbiaMy husband, 4 kids and I have been separated from my parents and siblings (and families) for over a year. We are a middle/lower class family of 6 and can't afford multiple plane tickets to fly us all to visit my fa… — Katie. Abbotsford, British Columbia
My husband, 4 kids and I have been separated from my parents and siblings (and families) for over a year. We are a middle/lower class family of 6 and can't afford multiple plane tickets to fly us all to visit my family. Before Covid, we used most school vacations (Spring Break, Christmas, summer) to drive 23 hours down. (We make it an adventure.) Since my Canadian husband can only fly across the border now, and I can't handle the drive and the kids by myself, we haven't been able to see my family. My 8 year old cries regularly because she misses her Grandma. My 6 year old hasn't gotten to know his cousins at a crucial age. My 3 year old doesn't remember anybody in my family. I have a baby who was born in March of 2020 who has yet to meet them. I have a niece that was born in December that I also have been unable to meet. These are such important years that fly by so quickly. It has been heart breaking to not be able to share these irreplaceable moments with our loved ones!

Kristina. Windsor, OntarioI am an American citizen married to a Canadian living in Windsor. My entire immediate family lives 20-30 minutes away across the border in the suburbs of Detroit. Before March 2020, we saw my family almost once a week. I am… — Kristina. Windsor, Ontario
I am an American citizen married to a Canadian living in Windsor. My entire immediate family lives 20-30 minutes away across the border in the suburbs of Detroit. Before March 2020, we saw my family almost once a week. I am so close to my parents and our best friends are my brother and sister-in-law. Never in a million years did I think this would happen with the border. This has devastated our lives and put strain on our marriage. We had our first child in August of 2019. He is my parents first grandchild. They have only seen him once since March 2020 and it breaks my heart everyday. My brother had his first child and we haven’t even met her. I have gone from depressed to angry and back again. My parents came for one visit to Windsor in December because they still work and that’s all they could do. We need to be able to cross the land border and see them again.

Jaslyn. Tillsonburg, Ontario.My 2 year old daughter has spent a whole 26 days with her father and just 10 days with her grandparents this year because of our inability to cross the Land Border. We only live 3.5 hours apart but are a lower income fam… — Jaslyn. Tillsonburg, Ontario.
My 2 year old daughter has spent a whole 26 days with her father and just 10 days with her grandparents this year because of our inability to cross the Land Border. We only live 3.5 hours apart but are a lower income family who cannot afford to fly every other weekend or even once a month to have precious time together. When the border closed in March 2020, our daughter was just beginning to walk and was still so tiny. When we were finally able to afford a visit back to Ohio, they had missed 8 months of her life and there were some huge changes to not only her physically but also socially. She was no longer an early walker who could only say “Dada”, she was now a running toddler who could now speak in clear sentences and eat using utensils appropriately. They were forced to miss every special part of her year being a 1 year old and were now meeting a nearly 2 year old. It’s time and memories they will never get back. They won’t be able to talk about her finger food days or the first time she got herself dressed. They have had to watch her grow over a weekly video call, they have had to listen to her cry because she just wanted to touch them. They have been forced to deal with the emotional thoughts of feeling inadequate and non-important in her life. A bond between a child and their parent and grandparent is special, not something anybody should be forced to miss out on. Due to the lack of reciprocal Family Exemptions from the US Government, my Daughter, her Father and her Grandparents have been forced to endure this year apart, accept missed milestones and memories that will never get a chance to be created and continue on not knowing when they may have a chance to see each other again.

Jen. Setauket, NYWe moved to New York for work in 2017. While we found it very difficult being away from family in Ontario, our silver lining was how “close” we still were to home because we could drive 9 hours and be home whenever we wanted or our … — Jen. Setauket, NY
We moved to New York for work in 2017. While we found it very difficult being away from family in Ontario, our silver lining was how “close” we still were to home because we could drive 9 hours and be home whenever we wanted or our parents could drive to New York whenever possible as well.
This has been a complete nightmare not being able to see them and watching my kids grow up without them. My daughter was born July 2019 and has met them 3 times. My son is 4 and constantly talks about them visiting us and he can’t wait any longer for “Nonno to build things with him” and for Grandma to make all of his favorite cookies. Everyday he talks about them and everyday I have to find whatever I have left in me to tell him we will “see them soon” while still staying strong for him and not cry.
We are missing the quality time, the hugs, the laughs, the most important childhood memories of Grandparents. Families need to be together, especially now.

Jennifer. Lac-Beauport, Quebec.I have been unable to reunite with my partner Christopher and two young children Sophia and Hudson. They live in Saint-Albans, Vermont. The drive usually takes me 3.5 hours and costs me a tank of gas. We have been a fa… — Jennifer. Lac-Beauport, Quebec.
I have been unable to reunite with my partner Christopher and two young children Sophia and Hudson. They live in Saint-Albans, Vermont. The drive usually takes me 3.5 hours and costs me a tank of gas. We have been a family for 3 years. Before the shutdown, I was traveling 2-3 times a month. Since I have more time off from work than Chris does - I work my holidays around covering for the children's school breaks (Christmas, Winter and Spring). His job was affected by COVID for a while but since starting back he has had to take significant time off to cover for the kids home schooling. This has had tremendous financial impact on our family. His family lives in another state and have health issues so I am his main support system. It has been incredibly frustrating to not be able to go help him during this time.

Throughout COVID most families have appreciated reconnecting and spending quality time together...in our case it has stolen the already precious time we get together. For the children - the impact has been overwhelming. They do not quite understand what a border is and why it is closed. Every facetime I am asked when I am coming home. It's heartbreaking.

We have technology, like Facetime...but any parent who has had to talk to their children on a screen knows that you spend more time looking at the ceiling or the inside of their noses more than anything else. They can't keep still. Facetime DOES NOT replace human connection. You can't have real, deep and meaningful conversations with children over a screen. Not to mention they have already been forced to spend an enormous amount of time over their screens.

It is unfathomable that for me to be with my partner and children - I need to fly 15-30 hours, get through 3 airports and spend 4,000$. Hugging my children is worth thousands but it shouldn't cost me that. Not to mention that we can't afford it. Not after the year we have had. How do we explain to our children that the only way for us to reunite is to spend thousands and that we can't afford it? Where is the logic that it is safer for me to expose myself to three flights rather than drive alone in y car for 3.5 hours...?

My partner and I have been living different realities for the past year. I live alone and am living in the Province with the strictest lockdown and restrictions of the country. In my case - the pandemic tripled my workload and I was deemed essential from the start and was one of the only support staff allowed in the building. My whole life the past year has been about work and fighting for my right to reunite with my family. It's been extremely lonely and isolating. COVID fatigue is real and I have really been feeling it lately. Meanwhile Christopher has been struggling to keep things together. Juggling being alone with the children, home school, his job being affected, financially struggling...it's been overwhelming for him as well. Add to that that through it all - the one person you should be able to rely on - you suddenly can't.

This past weekend marked our 1 year anniversary from my last trip. Since I have missed, Sophia's birthday, my birthday, Spring break, Easter, Summer break, Hudson's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas break, Winter break, Valentine's day.. I will miss Chris' birthday and then we will start all over again.

Tamara. Rochester, WA.One year ago, when stay at home orders hit, many close families chose to quarantine together, or to create a family “bubble” They couldn’t fathom the idea of being apart. That would have been my family, except there is a line j… — Tamara. Rochester, WA.
One year ago, when stay at home orders hit, many close families chose to quarantine together, or to create a family “bubble” They couldn’t fathom the idea of being apart. That would have been my family, except there is a line just north of me, and my parents live on the wrong side of it. I am a Canadian living south of Seattle with my American husband and children. My Canadian parents are just minutes from the border and used to drive across regularly. Though we are not in the same household, I think of them as part of our immediate family unit. My son Elijah, 8, calls his grandpa his “best buddy”. They have a special spot under a tree on our farm, they call The Buddy Store. It has stone sign with their initials. There they sell pinecones and tours of the coyote trails to imaginary customers.
My son says he has closed the buddy store for now, since he is not sure when the other buddy will return. Joseph, 5, says his grandma makes the best cinnamon rolls and gives the best snuggles. He would like to play with toys with Grandpa. He asks me weekly if they will come for his birthday this time, which is in September. I don’t have an answer for him. Since a year is a long time when you’re 5, he barely remembers them ever being at his house, even though they used to visit often. His memories are from pictures. Young children interact through play. You can’t do that on a video call. They have a hard time interacting through video and phone and are often frustrated by it. Especially my youngest son, who has difficulty with his speech. His grandparents can’t understand him on the computer or phone. I see their close connection to their grandparents fading as the indefinite closure goes on.
As an adult I have an easier time, but I still need my family. My parents have always been more friends than “parents” to me. My husband has been doing administrative work from home for the pandemic response. His work hours have been 7 days a week sometimes 15 hours a day for a year now with no time off. I am left then to single handedly homeschool, take care of our farm, and manage the house. My parents would normally be there for support in times like this. I need them. They need me too. I am their only family within driving distance. We have all followed safety guidelines and have been isolated all this time. We know we can safely reunite. We wish our government would have a little more trust in our ability to so, and make family travel essential. I feel anxious knowing that if we need each other in an emergency we can’t easily go to each other. The most anxiety comes from the lack of transparency from our leaders. They have given us no information on what data or numbers they are hoping to reach in order to let us be together, no information on if they are even considering it. We are unseen and forgotten. Not knowing how long we have to wait, or if we will ever be with my parents again, tears me apart everyday.

Melanie. Ellwood City, PA. My son and I have been separated from my parents and sisters and their families since March 2019. We hadn’t seen my parents since November 2019 and my younger sister and her family since January 2020. We moved from Canada … — Melanie. Ellwood City, PA.
My son and I have been separated from my parents and sisters and their families since March 2019. We hadn’t seen my parents since November 2019 and my younger sister and her family since January 2020. We moved from Canada to Pennsylvania 7 years ago to be closer to my son’s dad, but we always made sure that we all saw each other once a month or every other month. My son and my nephew are best friends and my youngest sister is my rock. We have extended family that live near us, but we all know, nothing replaces your parents/grandparents and siblings. During the separation, my sons father and I noticed our sons mental health rapidly declining, he cried every day. He would sneak in to his room and call my family in tears, begging to see them. My mental health suffered enormously. When my son was at his dads, I would be completely alone as I now permanently work from home and my friends live 45-65 minutes from me. I rarely slept and cried all the time. There would be times that the loneliness and being away from my loved ones was too much and I thought ending my life would make it easier. I became dependent on alcohol to numb what I was feeling. We tried to talk to my family every day, but there were points at my lowest that I would ignore their calls because it was too difficult to speak to them. We’ve missed out on so many milestones. Important birthdays, holidays and even my niece’s birth. Finally, in January 2021, I was able to take time off of work and my sons father agreed to give up custody time so that we could quarantine in Canada, and do the recommended PA quarantine when we arrived home. He even rented us a car. And it was the most amazing time being with them and meeting my niece. My son smiled again. He really laughed. But, the time flew by. This goodbye was our hardest. Because my time at work was used up and we knew we couldn’t adhere to the stricter hotel restrictions that would soon be in place. Not knowing when we’d see each other again made it so much harder. My son has been hopeful since our return. I have not. I try, but it’s difficult. Sometimes I can’t sleep, I still cry, I’m still so deeply sad and hopeless. I long to just be in their presence. When I hear speculations regarding how long the border will remain closed, my heart sinks. I’m not sure how much more of this I can endure.

Samantha. Arnprior, OntarioMy Fiancé Tim & I got to see each other February 22nd-March 3rd 2020. We were used to seeing each other roughly every three months. March 20th 2020 we found out that I was pregnant with our daughter. I spent almost the… — Samantha. Arnprior, Ontario
My Fiancé Tim & I got to see each other February 22nd-March 3rd 2020. We were used to seeing each other roughly every three months. March 20th 2020 we found out that I was pregnant with our daughter. I spent almost the entirety of my pregnancy alone. I was fairly sick for a good portion of my pregnancy as well. As if pregnancy wasn't taxing enough I had to do it all without my partner. I was horribly depressed, my anxiety sky rocketed, and my heart broken to a level I did not know existed. October 23rd 2020 Tim was able to come up to Canada with a special exemption to be with me for the birth of our daughter after 234 days apart. He stayed until January 16th 2021. He had to return to Texas in order to get a new job, as his had shut down due to Covid-19. He needs to be working if we have any hope of reuniting permanently. In order to apply for my Visa, he needs to prove that he can support us. We were supposed to fly to Dallas a week later to join him. Unfortunately, the customs officer at the airport did not believe that I would return to Canada and so did not permit us to enter the US.
We are now coming up on almost 2 months of his daughter's milestones that he has missed. With immigration being backed up, we don't even know how much longer we will be apart once we apply for my visa. He will be missing at bare minimum the next year of our daughter's life. She has so much family in Texas that have yet to meet her and it breaks my heart. I can't handle the unending uncertainty.

Zelia. New Market, Ontario I have been separated from my daughter, who gave birth to my first grandchild on Christmas Eve, 2020. So now I'm also separated from my only grandchild. My daughter and her family live in the Rochester area, I live in Newm… — Zelia. New Market, Ontario

I have been separated from my daughter, who gave birth to my first grandchild on Christmas Eve, 2020. So now I'm also separated from my only grandchild. My daughter and her family live in the Rochester area, I live in Newmarket, about 40 minutes north of Toronto. Door to door is less than a four hour drive. The border closure means that I was unable to offer in person support to my daughter during her pregnancy (with the exception of a visit back to Canada during her second trimester). I couldn't attend her baby shower, I couldn't help her prepare for the baby's arrival, I wasn't there when the baby was born ... I have yet to meet my sweet, precious grandbaby, to hold him in my loving arms. Allowing exemptions for family reunification would permit me to safely drive in my own vehicle directly to my daughter's house. I need to be with my daughter. We used to see each other several times a year before the pandemic, both in Canada and in the US. I need to meet my only grandchild. I miss them so much, each and every day! This whole COVID-19 year has been so much worse because I have been kept apart from my daughter and her family. Although flying into the US is still permitted, it's not as safe as driving there. I wouldn't even have to stop for gas because the trip can be done on one tank of fuel each way. At this time, my daughter cannot travel to Canada because the baby needs his own passport and the application process is backlogged. So, in order to be together, I am the one who will need to travel.
I am requesting that the US government classify family reunification as essential travel so that I can safely drive from Newmarket to the Rochester area to be with my daughter and to finally meet my little grandson. My heart hurts because of the separation ... family reunification allowances across the border will help ease the pain.

Shelley. Howell, MI.I am a Canadian citizen living in Michigan. All of my siblings and their families live in Ontario. My son, his wife and my 2 grandchildren live in Ontario approximately a 2 hour drive from where I live in Michigan. I have not see… — Shelley. Howell, MI.
I am a Canadian citizen living in Michigan. All of my siblings and their families live in Ontario. My son, his wife and my 2 grandchildren live in Ontario approximately a 2 hour drive from where I live in Michigan. I have not seen them since February 2020 and I can’t believe that the USA has stood by and not worked for reuniting families that have been separated due to the border closure. The emotional strain has really taken a toll on me.
Resorting to FaceTime is never the same as being able to experience the personal interaction with my family. I never really know when my emotions are going to hit me. It may be just seeing or hearing something that triggers thoughts of my son or my grandkids. I become overwhelmed and the tears flow... I missed celebrating a huge milestone of my son - accomplishing a lifelong dream of his ...finally becoming a fireman! I have missed all their birthdays, holiday gatherings and the physical aspect of our relationships. Can you relate to not hugging or holding your grandchildren for an entire year... really? My heart is broken and I get physically drained from the anger and helplessness that I feel because
I don’t know when this is going to end... I can’t tell my grandchildren when I will be able to come for a visit. I can’t tell them if we will be able to take them camping this year (another missed adventure last year because of the border closure). I don’t know if I will miss their birthdays again for a second time. It looks as though I will be missing my son’s birthday for a second time since it is in March.
To have the government sit idle and not hear our cries for help is extremely frustrating. Are our elected officials really this cold and heartless? I just want to be able to go back to visit my family once a month, on a weekend like I used to or for them to visit us in the USA. I don’t think this is asking too much.

Nikki. Saginaw, MI.It’s been about a year since my family has been to the US. Our daughter was only a couple of months old when the borders shut and my son was 2 at the time. My parents aren’t getting any younger and it tears them apart not being ab… — Nikki. Saginaw, MI.
It’s been about a year since my family has been to the US. Our daughter was only a couple of months old when the borders shut and my son was 2 at the time.
My parents aren’t getting any younger and it tears them apart not being able to see their grandchildren.
As someone with anxiety, I think about the worst possible scenarios. What if something happens to my parents and I can’t be there or what if something happens to me or my kids in the states and my parents can’t come here.‘it’s just exhausting and saddening to think about.

Brittany. Toronto, Ontario.I have been separated from my partner for one year now. We have two children, one living in Canada with me and one in New York with him. Our children have been separated for a year now. We would normally be together weekly… — Brittany. Toronto, Ontario.
I have been separated from my partner for one year now. We have two children, one living in Canada with me and one in New York with him. Our children have been separated for a year now. We would normally be together weekly. My partner and I were lucky enough to spend a few days together in October 2020, after being separated for 7+ months. Unfortunately our daughters were not snake to reunite. We have both been unable to take another 2 weeks off to quarantine so we are separated again. If not for the border closure, our family would be living together. We are facing massive emotional and financial difficulties now that we are supporting two separate households and we have no idea when we will be together again. Our children are so young and they are missing crucial bonding time with one another. This has postponed our marriage, and our plan to expand our family. We are not able to live together without an open border or the USA’s decision to reciprocate Canada’s exemptions for committed couples. Everyday we are struggling to be positive and optimistic. This is has been a heartbreaking experience that is tearing our family apart.

Erika. Windsor, Ontario. We have not seen my fiance who is also the father of my two daughters since March 14th, 2020. He lives in Detroit, MI and we are in Windsor, ON literally divided by the Detroit river. On average we would see each other every… — Erika. Windsor, Ontario.
We have not seen my fiance who is also the father of my two daughters since March 14th, 2020. He lives in Detroit, MI and we are in Windsor, ON literally divided by the Detroit river. On average we would see each other every week if not a couple times a week, it would take 20 mins or so to cross and get to him. This border closure of almost 1yr to the date since we last crossed and seen him (and other family) has taken a toll on both of us and the girls. We are so emotionally and mentally overwhelmed it's something we never saw coming. Crying themselves to sleep, even I as well . Praying every night that Canada changes the quarantine days to a lower number to accommodate those who can't take that much time off from work, for the land border to open so we can be reunited--- I could not afford for us to drive to Toronto to fly to Detroit, and now with the overwhelming tests needed and possible quarantine hotel issue it seems virtually impossible to see him unless they open border to reunite families. I'm drained but try so hard to be strong for our children. I'm not losing hope.

Diana. Fairport, NY.I am a Canadian citizen and a green card holder living in Fairport, NY, a suburb of Rochester. I moved to the United States in 2013 and lived in New York City until 2019. My husband and I were ready to start a family and wanted t… — Diana. Fairport, NY.
I am a Canadian citizen and a green card holder living in Fairport, NY, a suburb of Rochester. I moved to the United States in 2013 and lived in New York City until 2019. My husband and I were ready to start a family and wanted to be closer in proximity to his family in western New York and to my family, all of whom are in Ontario, Canada. For the first few months of our life in Rochester we were able to see my family often, as it was about a 3.5 hour drive door to door. Then the pandemic hit and I, like so many others in cross-border families became separated from my family. In April 2020 I found out I was pregnant - we shared the news to my family via FaceTime. My in laws organized a small outdoor socially distant baby shower for me which my mom could not attend. My son Owen was born on Christmas Eve 2020 and my family has yet to meet him. We determined that my mom flying to Rochester was too great a risk with a newborn with such an immature immune system. If the United States allowed a family exemption policy similar to Canada’s, my mom could safely isolate at her home in Canada, get tested, then drive directly to our home without any stops. It would be much safer and far more affordable than several flights to get here, as there are no direct flights. The land border closure has taken a toll on my mental health, not knowing when my mom will be able to come and meet her first grandchild. Also, having a newborn during a pandemic is incredibly difficult as our support system is very small. I know that if the land border would allow my mom to cross, that she would provide much needed help and support to my husband and I during this new chapter of our lives. My son is only ten weeks old but he is already growing and changing so much. He has only met his grandma and Canadian family through FaceTime, and while we are grateful for technology, it is no substitute for those sweet and fleeting newborn snuggles. No woman should have to go through her pregnancy, and the life changing experience of becoming a mother without the support of her own mother. I hope that the Biden administration will make exemptions for the purpose of family reunification so that no other family will have to go through the separation that we have.

Darlene. Richmond, MI. My parents have not seen their only granddaughter or daughter in 13 months. We live 100 miles apart, around 2 hour drive from Michigan to Ontario. My daughter is 8 years old and growing very quickly. I celebrate my 50th birthd… — Darlene. Richmond, MI.
My parents have not seen their only granddaughter or daughter in 13 months. We live 100 miles apart, around 2 hour drive from Michigan to Ontario. My daughter is 8 years old and growing very quickly. I celebrate my 50th birthday next month and only want to cry without spending it with my parents.

Shauna. Clayton, NY.My family and I are dual citizens living on the border in New York. Aside from numerous Aunt and Uncles, my husbands family live in Gananoque, Ontario, a 25 minute drive for us. With the border closed we haven’t been able to see … — Shauna. Clayton, NY.
My family and I are dual citizens living on the border in New York. Aside from numerous Aunt and Uncles, my husbands family live in Gananoque, Ontario, a 25 minute drive for us. With the border closed we haven’t been able to see them since Christmas of 2019. So close but so far away. My son was 11 years old when he last saw his grandparents, cousins, etc. he will be a teenager next time he sees them. Just a sad thought to think they missed so much of him growing up.

Kelsey. Seaforth, Ontario.I am a Canadian mother separated from the American father of her child. My name is Kelsey and I’m a 26 year old nurse who last March was separated from her 29 year old boyfriend who is an over the road truck driver. With ou… — Kelsey. Seaforth, Ontario.
I am a Canadian mother separated from the American father of her child. My name is Kelsey and I’m a 26 year old nurse who last March was separated from her 29 year old boyfriend who is an over the road truck driver. With our jobs our regular routine was once every two weeks one of us would pack our belongings and make the 3hr drive to one of our homes. My boyfriend lives in Wayne Michigan and I in Seaforth Ontario. Last March we were separated due to a border closure we were sure would not last very long as there was an end date on the closure. Little did we know it would be renewed many times over. A month prior to the border closure, my boyfriend and I found out we were expecting our first child. We had so much planned for the upcoming months both of us excited to share this next journey to have to be told every 30 days that we are to sacrifice our lives for the greater good. And that’s just what we did we FaceTimed when we could we had our ups and downs mentally with being apart for so long. Then came the end of August. I was due in two weeks. Sept 18 we welcomed our handsome baby boy. The day after I was let out of the hospital felt like March 2020 all over again, I had to say goodbye not knowing when he will get to see us again. Grieving all the missed milestones he will watch over a camera because due to laws and regulations we cannot be together. Then came the end of October, unfortunately my boyfriend’s grandfather passed away. I spoke with a supervisor at the land crossing and was informed that traveling for a funeral was essential. So this time I packed my things and nervously went to Bluewater bridge. It took me about 20 min to get through all the screening and questions but once again I was reunited. While I was happy to see my boyfriend and him to see his son it was not under the best circumstances. I was allowed to stay for a bit after but my son was young and still required doctor visits. I returned home with the same empty feeling I did every time we said goodbye prior. The closure hurts but the not knowing when I can see my boyfriend or him having access to see his kid again is treacherous. The pain of crying yourself to sleep wishing it could go back to old times so that you two can be a family is daunting and frankly a nightly ordeal.

Pam. Plattsburgh, NY.My husband and I have been separated from our only daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law for 13 months. We are very close to our daughter, and have always been there for her when she's needed us. Now we have to be long- distance z… — Pam. Plattsburgh, NY.
My husband and I have been separated from our only daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law for 13 months. We are very close to our daughter, and have always been there for her when she's needed us. Now we have to be long- distance zoom- session parents/grandparents due to the border closure. It's just not the same. Prior to the border closure, we would travel from Plattsburgh, NY to Smiths Falls, Ontario, (3 hour drive) every few months. My husband would spend the weekend then return home leaving me there in Smiths Falls for a week at a time to help out and to give our daughter and son-in-law a much needed break.
Our daughter and her husband are first time parents and it can be very overwhelming at times. Being a stay at home mom is not easy. Our son-in-law is helpful and very supportive, but he has to work. Not being able to help them out is very frustrating and stressful for all of us because it seems like there's no end in sight.
The last time we visited our family in Canada, our beautiful granddaughter had just turned a year old and was starting to walk. She is now going on 28 months old . We have missed so many important developmental milestones. At this point, our granddaughter has fallen behind on her speech development and is receiving consultation/ intervention. Now our daughter has to be a speech therapist to help her daughter get on track with her speech development. Our visits were so important because our family got a break, we were there to offer guidance on parenting, helped out with care of our granddaughter, and were a supportive presence for all three of them.
Some days it seems our daughter is at her breaking point and there is nothing we can do for her except text message or zoom with her. Our daughter has a long history of mental health problems which required counseling and medication to control her symptoms. She had been doing extremely for many years, but this separation has really taken it's toll. I know she is struggling, and it is so heartbreaking. Obviously, this has created anxiety for me and my husband as well. This separation has to end soon. Yes, there are exemptions for immediate family, but the restrictive quarantine measures that are in place make it impossible to travel to Canada to help them. All we can do is keep hoping month after month that the border situation will change.

Nicole. Kitchner, Ontario.I am a US Citizen living in Ontario, Canada. I am a permanent resident in Canada and am married to a Canadian Citizen. Our 12 year old daughter is also a Canadian citizen. We last saw my parents in December 2019 when we wer… — Nicole. Kitchner, Ontario.
I am a US Citizen living in Ontario, Canada. I am a permanent resident in Canada and am married to a Canadian Citizen. Our 12 year old daughter is also a Canadian citizen. We last saw my parents in December 2019 when we were visiting them in Wisconsin for Christmas. It has now been 15 months since I have been able to physically see my parents in person. I have not hugged my mom or dad in OVER A YEAR. We cannot just get in a car and drive to see them for a socially distant visit. Instead, we facetime daily. We have missed out on our yearly family summer and Christmas vacations at my parents' house in Wisconsin. We missed out on seeing them come visit us 46 times a year in Canada. My daughter is 12 and extremely close with them. This has been the hardest on her. 2 weeks ago, we found out that my dad has an aggressive form of cancer in the bile ducts of his liver. They have given him 3 to 6 months to live. THREE TO SIX MONTHS! IF HE IS LUCKY. I had to tell my daughter she may not get to see Grandpa again. She is not allowed to drive across the border because neither her nor my husband are US Citizens. I will be driving to Wisconsin this week to see my parents and to help my mom take care of my dad for a coupe of weeks. THIS IS NOT TOURISM. This is NOT travelling for a vacation. This is me going to see my dying father, by myself, with my family unable to see him and unable to be there for support to the rest of the family. When I voted in November, I had SO MUCH hope that President Biden was going to do better for us and other families separated by the pandemic. The toll this has taken on my family here in Canada and back home in Wisconsin is emotionally insurmountable. My dad served his country in the Navy and then retired proudly as a Green Bay Firefighter. And now this same country is letting HIM down. We just want my husband, daughter and myself to be able to see him as a family before it is too late. I realize there is a pandemic, but we are not asking to go to Disneyworld or the beach in Florida. We just want to reunite with our families and loved ones. Canada has this in place, why not the US? Was it not Joe Biden that said, "“So I try to be mindful, at all times, of what a difference a small human gesture can make to people in need. What does it really cost to take a moment to look someone in the eye, to give him a hug, to let her know, I get it. You’re not alone?”

Shannon. Mississauga, Ontario.As an American citizen living in Canada, I used to see my parents at least once a month. Every long weekend my daughter and I would drive the 5 hours to stay with them in Pittsburgh, PA and every major holiday and birth… — Shannon. Mississauga, Ontario.
As an American citizen living in Canada, I used to see my parents at least once a month. Every long weekend my daughter and I would drive the 5 hours to stay with them in Pittsburgh, PA and every major holiday and birthday they would be here (Mississauga, Ontario) to celebrate.

This has not been the case for the last year and we are completely devastated. Being an American citizen and a Canadian PR, it is mostly easy for me to cross the border. I made the mistake of not getting my daughter her US citizenship when she was born, so I have been terrified to try to cross the land border with her. We got fed up after 10 long months of missing birthdays and holidays together, and my daughter and I flew to Florida in December where they stay in the winter to be with them for a week. Had I known schools were going to be closed after the holiday break, we would have stayed a lot longer than one week.

The mental health aspect from this border closure has been the hardest. We have missed so many birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and births. Anxiety and depression has run rampant in my family during this past year and in people who have never had these mental health afflictions before. Medical scares have been absolutely terrifying without the quick access of the short drive to the states. The worst part is the not knowing. Not knowing when this is going to end and not knowing if I am going to get to see my aging parents again while they are still young enough to be active in their granddaughters life. We are not asking for open borders, we are asking to be together.

Tisha. Baileyville, WA.I am separated from my parents, siblings and nieces and nephew. I live in Maine 15 minutes away from my family in Canada. We used to see each other almost everyday before the closure. Since the border closure , I have had a ne… — Tisha. Baileyville, WA.
I am separated from my parents, siblings and nieces and nephew. I live in Maine 15 minutes away from my family in Canada. We used to see each other almost everyday before the closure. Since the border closure , I have had a new child and my parents have only met him 3 times. I’ve been fortunate to go over three times but even as a dual citizen of the USA and Canada it is not easy. My family has missed out on the first year of my sons life, I have a 5 year old daughter who doesn’t understand why can’t go over as we used too. It’s been hard on me as well because I don’t have many supports in Maine, all my family except my grandmother all reside in Canada. I suffer from Depression, anxiety. Since the border closure my mental health has been at it’s all time low. My daughter misses her cousins very much, and my son hasn’t even met my other family besides my parents and my niece and nephew that they have custody of. This border closure has effected us in many negative ways, literally nothing I can think that has been positive of this terrible time. My parents can’t come over, only my mother is American and she cannot go without my niece and nephew , although they were born to a American parent , along with my youngest sister cbp denied them due to not having the proper documentation of citizenship. Seems like whenever we try to find a way to see each other more rules are put in place, it’s been almost a year now and things seem to be getting worse and more impossible to reunite with family and loved ones.

Chantal. Jericho, VT.The last time I saw my mother was in Montreal, end of February 2020. It has been an entire year now, with no end in sight. My three kids, age 8, 6, and 4 have also not been able to see their grandmother. We typically see her onc… — Chantal. Jericho, VT.
The last time I saw my mother was in Montreal, end of February 2020. It has been an entire year now, with no end in sight. My three kids, age 8, 6, and 4 have also not been able to see their grandmother. We typically see her once a month, since we only live an hour and a half away from each other. They have all had birthdays, not to mention missing every holiday in between. In the beginning, it felt alright, something we could live with and focused on how it is a temporary situation. But as the months, and now years, go by, it is defeating and discouraging. There doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.
My youngest daughter Matilda, has the biggest connection with my mother and asks about her constantly. She talks about her in school, saves her kisses at bedtime, and draws pictures of us all together. While it is really hard to tell her I don’t know when we will be reunited, it is reassuring that she is still aware of my mother’s presence. I am very fearful of the day when she no longer blows her kisses into the wind or brings her up in casual conversation.

The border closure feels like a very definitive wall between us. There is a barrier that makes connecting with loved ones impossible and it becomes very heavy. Sometimes I lay awake at night just feeling the enormity of the situation, not just for me and my family, but all of us who are impacted by this. Unfortunately all my anxiety and stress over the situation has no resolve.

Kylee-Beth. Chatham, Ontario.My fiancé lives in Michigan and I currently live in Ontario. The visa process is as at a stand still due to the pandemic. We used to spend every weekend together with our four kids (I have a daughter from a previous rela… — Kylee-Beth. Chatham, Ontario.
My fiancé lives in Michigan and I currently live in Ontario. The visa process is as at a stand still due to the pandemic. We used to spend every weekend together with our four kids (I have a daughter from a previous relationship, 5, he has twins from a previous relationship, 6) and together we have a two year old. We have only seen my fiancé twice since the pandemic started which she cost us a great deal of money and stress. It breaks my heart knowing my fiancé has missed some of our sons biggest milestones such as learning to talk, swim, ride his bike, potty train and so much more. When we were able to visit in February my son cried and begged me not to make him leave. He needs his dad and siblings and I am completely torn. A huge piece of my heart is back in Michigan and my fiancé feels the same. Every day I wake up and pray there will be some sort of change. My toddler shouldn’t have to have a relationship with his dad via FaceTime. My heart is in Michigan.

Crystal. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.My husband and I had our son on March 29, 2020, in Canada. My husband is a US citizen & Temporary Canadian resident, working towards his permanent residency. So many of our plans were uprooted and completely de… — Crystal. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
My husband and I had our son on March 29, 2020, in Canada. My husband is a US citizen & Temporary Canadian resident, working towards his permanent residency. So many of our plans were uprooted and completely destroyed due to the closures and lockdowns. First, his mother was unable to be here for the birth of our son. Next, when my son was 3 months old, my husband had to leave us in Canada so he could work in the US (I was forced to be off work with the lockdown & he’s not eligible to work in Canada with a temporary residency so it was our only option).

Our process of immigration has been insanely complicated and lengthy, working towards his permanent residency - especially in light of Covid. He was gone for four months. All those special moments when our son was tiny, he’ll never get those back. You can see the pain in his eyes when he recalls those times. I raised our two sons alone with postpartum depression exacerbated by the stress of the pandemic, on top of parenting alone. I was told by US customs that my family could fly into the US but not drive through the land border. Explain to me how that makes sense, safety wise with a newborn? We are 4 hours away from my husbands home town but could take a flight into a major airport for a huge expense, drive over 9 hours from there, and put all of us at a significantly higher risk of transmission with the pandemic at hand.

It has been a year now and my inlaws who are well into their 70’s (and fully vaccinated I might add) have still not met their newest grandchild. My father in law has significant health issues and is unable to travel so, us being able to go there is our only option. We used to spend weeks at a time and even entire summers with them while my husband and I both worked towards having the opportunity to immigrate (I went back to school for a nursing degree in hopes that we’d have more options when I’m done & our plan was to stay in Canada until after I graduate in 2022 and bounce back and forth until the right opportunity arose for one of us).

This year has been filled with emotional turmoil for our family and every time the US border closure is extended with no provisions for family reunification, it is another let down for the hope we have, of being with our loved ones and sharing special moments with them. The effects of these events will certainly last much longer after this is resolved. My husband more than I, has experienced incredible amounts of stress and mental anguish being separated from his family on both sides of the bridge throughout this pandemic.

Ashley. Windsor. ON.I am a 37 year old practicing physician in Windsor, Ontario and my husband is a practicing physician in Petoskey, Michigan. When this pandemic started, I was pregnant, about 16 weeks. When the borders were going to be shut down, … — Ashley. Windsor. ON.
I am a 37 year old practicing physician in Windsor, Ontario and my husband is a practicing physician in Petoskey, Michigan. When this pandemic started, I was pregnant, about 16 weeks. When the borders were going to be shut down, I zipped across to Michigan the day before and stayed for two weeks, thinking they would be shut no more than a month, and couldn't imagine going that long without seeing my husband. I had to return to work after two weeks, so came back and began the most difficult year of my life. In late spring, my husband tried to enter Canada, accompanied by a letter from my doctor indicating that I needed support. He was denied entry. Fortunately he was able to cross once Canada granted exemptions to married spouses - he came for two weeks in June and another two weeks in August, just in time for the delivery of our baby girl. We were lucky in that he was able to do this - his work found coverage and we took a huge financial hit of lost income (over 20K) for him to be able to do this. Needless to say, we recognize our privilege, but even still, it was tough. My whole pregnancy I was worried - what if something happened to me or the baby? Would I be left to grieve alone? This was a pregnancy that came after years of infertility and 50K of IVF treatments - to say that there was a bit of baseline anxiety in the best of scenarios would be an understatement. The pandemic made things so much worse. Why do our countries value work > families?
After our daughter was born, my husband had to return to work 5 days later. We would be unable to afford a further trip to Canada. We were able to reunite the next month after I met my husband at the land border in Windsor, and handed our daughter over to him. I was denied entry. She was less than 4 weeks old, exclusively breastfed. They had no compassion. I was bawling the entire time, holding onto my baby, hoping I would be able to fly to her the next day. I believe that our baby suffered a lot of stress from the separation that followed - she was a pooper (like at least 10/day) - she didn't have a bowel movement in over 24 hours after I left her. I keep thinking about how I let her down even to this day.
I was able to get to Toronto and fly into Detroit the next day (again, hundreds of $ and risk of covid exposure that didn't have to be the case if I could have crossed the day before at the land border). I had to leave my car behind. I had to leave our home behind. I left almost all of my belongings behind. I didn't know when I would see them again.

I was lucky to be on maternity leave for 6 months, and spent that time in Michigan. I have since had to return to Canada. There is no end in sight in terms of the border restrictions, and as a consequence I had to close my medical practice in Windsor, leaving 1400+ patients without a family doctor. It was this, or have my daughter be unable to see her dad for who knows how long.
This pandemic has stolen from my family. It has stolen my ability to share my pregnancy with my husband, my friends and family. It has stolen the ability of my parents to know their grandchild. It has stolen my job, which I loved and worked so hard for. I know it could have been worse- it could have stolen my life. But I truly believe that me still living has nothing to do with the border being closed and everything to do with following public health recommendations that are based on actual science.
This can't continue. We need to value family as much or more than we value our economy. The loss of a year is something I will never get back. I hurt for myself, but also for my daughter - she deserves better than this.

Leslie. Troy, MI.I am a Canadian/US citizen. I live in Michigan with my husband and 3 kids. My parents, sister, brother, nieces, nephews, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins all live in Canada. We saw them when we came to live in Canada for 3.5 weeks be… — Leslie. Troy, MI.
I am a Canadian/US citizen. I live in Michigan with my husband and 3 kids. My parents, sister, brother, nieces, nephews, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins all live in Canada. We saw them when we came to live in Canada for 3.5 weeks before my 3rd baby was born via surrogacy in Canada. Then we saw them again at my uncle's funeral for a day in December. My dad has come over once, in August for a few days. He is a us citizen, but my mom is not. It's been so terrible to not be able to see my friends and family. We have missed Christmas, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, my kids haven't seen their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles and it's really taking a toll on all of us. My kids are 5,3,9 months, they need to see their family.

Cassandra. Ferndale, WA.This weekend makes a year since my children have been home. They are three years old and traumatized by the Government’s decision to keep families apart. This is not the America I know. I missed their birthday last year and e… — Cassandra. Ferndale, WA.
This weekend makes a year since my children have been home. They are three years old and traumatized by the Government’s decision to keep families apart. This is not the America I know. I missed their birthday last year and every holiday since March minus Christmas. I went to Canada over Christmas. We had to buy a AirBnB for two thousand dollars. I had to quit my job in order to get time off to meet Canada’s guidelines for seeing my husband and children. America does not even have that option. We pay for an apartment in Ferndale, Washington, which is right by the border. My husband and children could easily come here and stay on the weekends and return for work during the weekdays. We have all been staying home and wearing masks. I am a Social Worker for a living. I understand the impacts of trauma on a developing brain and on my adult brain. My children’s development is being impacted by the complete insensitivity and unethical response by my Government and the Canadian Government. I am generally a happy person. Since this I have started and antidepressant for the first time in my life and have had passive suicidal thoughts. I work in mental health. I know the coping skills. And this has dramatically damaged me as human and as a mother. This is a year that I will never get back. How human beings can do this to other human beings in the name of Covid-19 I will never understand. We are safer at home together. There will be much blood on the American and Canadian Government’s hands. The longer this goes on… the more likely people will be to kill themselves. I say this as a Mental Health Professional and someone who is experiencing this trauma firsthand. I will never look at the Southern Border crisis the same. No child should ever be without their mother.

Alecia. Hudsonville, MI.I don’t even know where to start. I have not seen my parents, my siblings, my nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in over a year. It’s gut wrenching and heartbreaking. We live so close but yet are Separated by the b… — Alecia. Hudsonville, MI.
I don’t even know where to start. I have not seen my parents, my siblings, my nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in over a year. It’s gut wrenching and heartbreaking. We live so close but yet are Separated by the border. I live in a family saturated town and grandparents cousins families are continuously getting together all around me. It makes me even more homesick and depressed that I can’t be with my family. So much time that we can’t get back. No one is getting any younger. I need to see my parents. So many milestones missed. My brother had a baby, my parents celebrated a milestone birthday, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, vacations. Not to mention my four kids are missing their cousins and grandparents tremendously. My oldest twin boys turn 18 soon. My family has missed their senior year in high school-their last games, their last everything and now I’m afraid they might miss their graduation. So much is lost. We are all grieving. I can’t even talk about it without crying. I need my family. They are essential.

Kathleen. Ogdensburg, NY.My husband and two son’s are American. My first born son is a permanent resident in Canada with his Canadian wife and two young sons. We live approximately 15 minutes apart with the St. Lawrence River separating us at the Og… — Kathleen. Ogdensburg, NY.
My husband and two son’s are American. My first born son is a permanent resident in Canada with his Canadian wife and two young sons. We live approximately 15 minutes apart with the St. Lawrence River separating us at the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge. We have seen them approximately 3 times since the start of COVID and border shutdown. I know this may seem fortunate compared to some but families are ESSENTIAL not only as part of human interaction but also to help out with grandchildren. We were helping to care for our grandchildren in both countries while their parent’s worked to help offset the high cost of daycare. How can this not be ESSENTIAL for their mom and dad?? This obviously can not happen now. My husband and I are broken hearted. We miss our son and his family. We visited each other at most times at 2 times/ week before COVID! This is why the radius of our homes were so close.
We have missed our youngest grandson’s 1st and 2nd birthday and our oldest grandson’s 3rd birthday at this point. This is precious time we will never get back and has made bonding with each of them difficult. It isn’t fair. Most times media reports of the essential need for business and tourism to get back on track but you very rarely hear that families need each other. There is a fine line between physical health vs. mental health affecting each of us affected by these border restrictions. We are completely vaccinated but it doesn’t seem that after the fact of this there is much positivity as far as easing restrictions.

ONE YEAR APART

and counting

April. Youngstown, NY. Separated since March 15, 2020.My partner and I have been together for over 4 years and engaged for 2 years. I am a US citizen living in Youngstown, NY only 10 minutes from the border. My fiancé, Renil, is a Canadian citizen a… — April. Youngstown, NY. Separated since March 15, 2020.
My partner and I have been together for over 4 years and engaged for 2 years. I am a US citizen living in Youngstown, NY only 10 minutes from the border. My fiancé, Renil, is a Canadian citizen and lives in Brampton, ON. By car it’s a 1.5 hour drive. We had faithfully seen each other at least twice a month until March 2020. Now we have been separated for almost a year and our hope for a life and starting a family together has been indefinitely put on hold. We were only one month away from our wedding that was set for April 25th when the border closed. After rescheduling everything twice we had to make the difficult decision to cancel our wedding plans and lose our deposit.

The emotional toll of prolonged separation and uncertainty has been detrimental to our mental health. We are both essential workers who don’t have the financial means or time needed for the current quarantine requirements. In addition, I’ve had multiple health issues exacerbated by our separation the past year, and knowing he can’t be here with me through all of it is devastating. We’ve missed a year of important events together including holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, as well as his sister’s wedding that I had to watch over a video call.

Darren. Buffalo, NY. Separated since March 17, 2020.I've been separated from my partner of 13 years since March 17, 2020. While we've made our best use of technology, it's just not the same. During our time together, we literally never spent a weeke… — Darren. Buffalo, NY. Separated since March 17, 2020.
I've been separated from my partner of 13 years since March 17, 2020. While we've made our best use of technology, it's just not the same. During our time together, we literally never spent a weekend apart. To have him live so close to the border in Port Colborne, Ontario and not be with him is extremely difficult. So much has happened this year. Right around the same time the border closed, I ended up with an injury requiring major surgery and wasn't able to have him by my side for support. We've missed holidays and major milestones like his 50th birthday. The lost vacations are particularly tough. Those extended weeks together are so valuable to our relationship. I have anxiety over not being able to be with him if something happens. God forbid if he gets COVID. Or one of his family members has an illness. Despite the separation with so much out of our control, I am bound and determined to keep pushing forward. All my plans for the future revolve around him. I keep remembering all the great times we've had. Those memories are what drive me to get up every day and keep moving. I love him too much to give up.

Rachel. Clarence, NY. Separated since March 18, 2020.This forced separation has had a devastating effect on myself and my Children. My partner, who is a crucial father figure to my girls, lives in St Catherine’s Ontario, just an hour away, with his … — Rachel. Clarence, NY. Separated since March 18, 2020.
This forced separation has had a devastating effect on myself and my Children. My partner, who is a crucial father figure to my girls, lives in St Catherine’s Ontario, just an hour away, with his two kids. We haven’t seen each other since March 18th when we were forced to separate with no end in sight.

I am a single mother of two girls. I have chronic pain issues and suffer from previous injuries resulting from a bad car accident. This separation has dramatically increased my depression and anxiety. I suffer from PTSD as a result of a horrific divorce and ongoing legal battles with my ex. It’s terrible having to go through all of this without my person by my side.

My girls look to my partner as a stable, loving and caring father figure. They only have phone and face time to connect. They have been through so much this last year and so badly want him near. They constantly ask when they can see him and their Canadian family again. We have a pillow that they sent that says hold onto this until you can hold onto me again that circulates nightly. We have missed SO much since last March

All of this stress, sadness, anxiety and suffering when will it end?? Why must we be forced to go through all of this without him by our side?

Cortney. Glen Campbell, PA. Separated since February 1, 2020.Crystal and I have been in a serious relationship for almost 3 years two children ( 5 & 10) involved that love me call momma Cort. I came back to the states beginning of Feb 2020 due … — Cortney. Glen Campbell, PA. Separated since February 1, 2020.
Crystal and I have been in a serious relationship for almost 3 years two children ( 5 & 10) involved that love me call momma Cort. I came back to the states beginning of Feb 2020 due to a death in the family. I've been stuck here since, the boys don't understand the oldest somewhat. Crys and I got engaged august 2019. I've missed birthday's & holidays. We vid call every night which I try to help with homework parenting having pre adolescent talks discipline etc. Because it's causing the kids to act out as well. I've spent more money on shipping things then what the actual gifts cost. I could go on and on I'm frustrated I miss and love my family. To the point of I refuse to live without them. We need help.

Janice. Cleveland, OH. Separated since March 2, 2020.We live about 3 hours away from each other; he in Niagara Falls Ontario. Prior to the pandemic we would met a minimum of once a month but most likely twice a month we will go on little excursions … — Janice. Cleveland, OH. Separated since March 2, 2020.
We live about 3 hours away from each other; he in Niagara Falls Ontario. Prior to the pandemic we would met a minimum of once a month but most likely twice a month we will go on little excursions throughout Canada visit Toronto for the weekend visit Montreal walk around Niagara Falls just little things more importantly we just spend time together this March it is now been a year since I’ve been able to see my partner enable to touch, to kiss my love, to wake up and see his face first thing in morning. it is taking a toll on each of our mental health as there truly no end in sight.

Mark. Fredericksburg, VA. Separated since January 19, 2020.Im separated from My soon to be wife, Lynne Lefebvre. She lives in a little town in northern Quebec, called Temiscaming. I live in Fredericksburg, Va. which is 850 miles apart, a short 14 h… — Mark. Fredericksburg, VA. Separated since January 19, 2020.
Im separated from My soon to be wife, Lynne Lefebvre. She lives in a little town in northern Quebec, called Temiscaming. I live in Fredericksburg, Va. which is 850 miles apart, a short 14 hour drive on good days, with snow, up to 16 hours. We use to see each other at Christmas and through the summer, and I would try and make a couple long weekends through out the year. The physical part is bad enough, not being able to touch one and another, but the mental is far worse, worrying about each, health, car, finances, our wedding, that was suppose to happen last summer. I can see why people and throwing in the towel if you will, contemplating suicide, becoming addicts to drugs and alcohol, just stop living. Its been a real struggle, then seeing others just "walk in" with out any problem is disheartening, at best. They don't seem to understand, we don't want to spread covid to our loved ones, we are responsible people, we just want to be with them and in my case start my life, over again with the one I love.

F. Joseph. East Pembroke, NY. Separated since March 6, 2020.My Canadian wife and I married last January 3rd, 2020. I last saw her when she was here for 2 weeks and went back to Canada 2 weeks before the border was closed. We had all of 2 months for … — F. Joseph. East Pembroke, NY. Separated since March 6, 2020.
My Canadian wife and I married last January 3rd, 2020. I last saw her when she was here for 2 weeks and went back to Canada 2 weeks before the border was closed. We had all of 2 months for a marriage. We weren't even able to take a Honeymoon. We are both retired and in our 60's. We enjoy each others company and want to spend our Golden Years together but as it stands we don't know when we'll ever see each other again! We've each had a Grandchild born in the past year that we haven't been able to meet in person. We've not only missed out on a Honeymoon but we've missed out on our first Christmas together , our birthdays together, our first Valentines Day together. We cling to each months announcement on whether the border will open and cross our fingers but as the possibility gets pushed back another month our hopes get dashed time and time again. We've each had to take turns reassuring the other that things will get better as we each feel like shut-ins and isolated. We try to stay upbeat as we don't want to continually get depressed and possibly bring on health issues when we'd be unable to be there for each other. We try to make do with emails and phone calls but that's all we have. We pray we'll finally be able to be together again and be able to spend time together before it's too late .

Jackie. Oshawa, Ontario. Separated since November 30, 2019.I am an American who lives in Canada as a Permanent Resident with my Canadian husband. I immigrated to Canada 10 years ago. It was hard moving from my family, who I am very close to, but kno… — Jackie. Oshawa, Ontario. Separated since November 30, 2019.
I am an American who lives in Canada as a Permanent Resident with my Canadian husband. I immigrated to Canada 10 years ago. It was hard moving from my family, who I am very close to, but knowing its just a 10 hour drive made it doable.

My husband and myself and the kids would go down to visit our family in the states a few times a year when work vacation allowed it. We especially tried to never miss Thanksgiving when we knew the whole family would be together. Our family would also come visit us in Canada when they were able to. It was never enough time but we made it work knowing that thr next trip was already scheduled.

It has been well over a year since I've seen my family. My sister got engaged, another sister moved to a different state, my dad had surgery, and much more and I missed celebrating and helping and supporting like family is supposed to do. The most heartbreaking thing of all is that my family has never met my 7 month old daughter. Never held her. Never looked her in the eye. Will never be able to see her as a baby. She's already crawling and these moments are gone. We cannot get them back. These memories cannot be replaced. I miss my family. I miss hugging my dad and laughing with my sisters. My kids miss their grandparents and aunt and uncles and great grandparents.

When I think about it I feel like I'm sinking. I feel like I'm floating on a boat in the middle of an ocean without a paddle or motor. It's this endless, hopeless feeling. I've tried to stay positive but every month its the same thing, extension of the lockdown and even harsher measures for restrictions. We seem to be going in reverse. Family reunification is not traveling for vacation, it is essential and shouldn't be limited this long.

Martina. Buffalo, NY. Separated since March 9, 2020.My partner, Jason, of nearly two years and I have have missed birthdays, holidays and been unable to physically support one another through numerous tragedies. During normal times the fact that we… — Martina. Buffalo, NY. Separated since March 9, 2020.
My partner, Jason, of nearly two years and I have have missed birthdays, holidays and been unable to physically support one another through numerous tragedies.
During normal times the fact that we are separated by an international border somehow seemed insignificant. But just like that Covid 19 brought our easy rhythm to a screeching halt.

We have not been together since the border closure in March of 2020. My obligations to my grandmother have made taking advantage of Canadian extended exemptions impossible and the cost of what used to be an hour and a half drive door to door is now a prohibitively costly, multiple flight travel day. Fighting a disease is one thing, fighting it intelligently and compassionately is quite another. Our countries asked us to sacrifice for the sake of others and we gladly did so. And yet when I need my country to step up the most they are no where to be found.

Though our connection has only managed to grow I cannot wait until the time when virtual hugs are a thing of the past. Let Us Reunite.

Scott. Prescott, Ontario. Separated since March 17. 2020.My wife and I were married August 31, 2019 that means we got to spend 199 days together off and on while I live in Canada and we worked on collecting enough money to apply for PR card. Now tha… — Scott. Prescott, Ontario. Separated since March 17. 2020.
My wife and I were married August 31, 2019 that means we got to spend 199 days together off and on while I live in Canada and we worked on collecting enough money to apply for PR card. Now that we are approaching 365 days since being separated I will miss her birthday tomorrow, we’ve missed out on our first anniversary and individual accomplishments. I see her mental health deteriorating to the point that she has had to up her doses of depression meds. But we remain hopeful that soon we will be together and eventually I will be able to join her permanently.

Teresa. Potsdam, NY. Separated since March 1, 2020.It has officially been one year since I've seen my parter who I have been with for five years. I moved to New York (from Ohio) to be closer to him. We are only 50 minutes apart and we can't even see… — Teresa. Potsdam, NY. Separated since March 1, 2020.
It has officially been one year since I've seen my parter who I have been with for five years. I moved to New York (from Ohio) to be closer to him. We are only 50 minutes apart and we can't even see each other. This has been the hardest thing we have ever gone through. It is mentally draining. I find myself being incredibly depressed most days. He's the love of my life and I can't even see him. It isn't fair, nor is it right. Love is essential. Our mental health has suffered greatly from this. We just hope and pray that something will change to where we can finally reunite. Until then, we'll spend our time in video calls and texting which we know cannot fill the void we have for needing to be in each other's arms.

Tris. Buffalo, NY. Separated since March 6, 2020.The last time I’ve seen my family was on March 6, 2020 before the pandemic started. Prior to that when I used to live in Denver I would fly and see them at least every month whenever my schedule at th… — Tris. Buffalo, NY. Separated since March 6, 2020.
The last time I’ve seen my family was on March 6, 2020 before the pandemic started. Prior to that when I used to live in Denver I would fly and see them at least every month whenever my schedule at the hospital permits. I took a traveling assignment here in Buffalo NY as a Registered Nurse last November of last year so I can be closer with my family in Canada. I was born and raised in the Philippines and was a survivor of Labor Human Trafficking here in the US. I have no family here in the US or any support system here except myself. My 3 Brother’s are all residing in Canada with their families as well as my aunt’s who all raised us. I just want to go there and visit one of my brother to give moral support as he is currently off from work due to medical reasons. Me and my siblings grew up together and was very close growing up because we grew up without our parents. Being away from them for almost a year now and this pandemic in general have lot of negative impact on me physically, mentally and emotionally. As a Registered Nurse I am greatly impacted by this pandemic already for taking care of sick people. My family in Canada is the only support system I have. I am experiencing ambiguous loss being away and separated with them for a long time. I miss my brothers, my nieces and nephews so much. Words are not enough to describe the amount of pain I’m experiencing being away from them. I just want to be with them and see them again. As a Registered Nurse here in the US, I am very well versed in terms of safety protocols and how to take precautions with the covid virus. They should allow family reunification while at the same time following safety protocols mandated by both the US and Canadian government.

Doris. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Separated since March 16. 2020.I live in ON with my husband . My mother lives there as well . My brother lives in Sault Ste Marie MI . Our daughter , son in law and grandson live in MI . My mother missed her son's 74… — Doris. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Separated since March 16. 2020.
I live in ON with my husband . My mother lives there as well . My brother lives in Sault Ste Marie MI . Our daughter , son in law and grandson live in MI . My mother missed her son's 74th birthday , our daughter's birthday , our grandson's 18th birthday . We missed our grandson's awards ceremony at his school , where he won a nice scholarship , his birthday , daughter's birthday . My mother had only us for her 92nd birthday . Brother cannot stay 15 days in Canada , his wife has medical issues , cannot be left alone. My mother feels isolated, alone . I suffer with clinical depression and PTSD . This has made it so much worse . I have had thoughts of suicide , losing hope that we will ever be reunited . Daughter works, has not enough time off to spend 15 days quarantining and then visiting . My ulcer is acting up again; first time in may years. Mother was born in MI but cannot drive . I cannot drive her there as I cannot cross . This has had terrible effect on my family and myself . It breaks my heart to see what is happening to my aging family members .

Bonnie. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Separated since January 4, 2020.Steve and I have been dating since 2009, I live in Manitoba and he lives in Texas. We both had great jobs with enough holiday time to get together for at least 2 weeks 3 times a year. We w… — Bonnie. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Separated since January 4, 2020.
Steve and I have been dating since 2009, I live in Manitoba and he lives in Texas. We both had great jobs with enough holiday time to get together for at least 2 weeks 3 times a year.
We would usually alternate our time together between the two countries and over the years we have got to know one and others family and friends very well. Our last holiday together was Christmas 2019 here in Manitoba but I also had friends (family of 5) in from Mexico and as good as it was Steve and I didn't really get "our time" because the family only left the night before Steve left. Had we known that a pandemic was coming and we wouldn't see each other again for over a year we probably would have done things slightly different.
I retired in the summer of 2020 with over 29 years at the company, we had planned for Steve to come to Canada for my retirement celebration and then I would drive him home and spend some time with him at his place so that we could have more than our regular couple of weeks together. In March 2020 everything changed, because of covid he couldn't come here and there was no party to celebrate my retirement. At first we thought ok, we will see each other soon, but every month governments added another month of closure on the land borders. We both have medium size dogs that are part of our lives so flying for a month without them is not really an option. I miss Steve and his family as much if not more than he misses me and my family. He is still working so he has a purpose. I feel like I have nothing sometimes. At the beginning my house was spotless because that is all I had to do and now sometimes I wonder why I even get out of bed. I can't go anywhere I can't be with people, if I go to a restaurant I have to go alone because we aren't even allowed to dine with others outside of our household life really does suck right now but I am grateful for my dog.
Steve and I are trying to keep things the same by talking every day and doing video chat every weekend but as anyone in our situation knows, it is not the same as being there with and for each other. Steve and I are both in our 50's and our parents are all up there in age, my dad being the oldest will be 89 this year. Steve would always see my family when he was here because they live close to me and now they always ask about him. Steves' parents and sibling are all in Florida and they are always watching the news on the border hoping that we can get together one day soon. For Steve to come here he would have to quarantine here and again when he gets home (per his job) so that is 28 days of quarantine and no holiday time, so he would basically use up a years worth of holidays in one visit. We thought of him doing that but then we said what if the borders open and I could drive down then he would have no free time with me. I want to drive to his place as I would feel much safer alone in my car but that is not an option. I did try to fly there at Christmas 2020 because we were coming up the year mark of not seeing each other. I booked a flight for a couple of weeks but it was cancelled the day before I was to leave so now I have a credit sitting with the airlines and I don't even want to fly right now with the rules changing almost daily on the Canadian side.

Deanna. Calais, ME. Separated since March 17, 2020. I am separated from my family in St. Stephen, NB. I live in Calais, ME. From my driveway to theirs is approximately ten minutes. I used to see them every Saturday, and even some days after work dur… — Deanna. Calais, ME. Separated since March 17, 2020.
I am separated from my family in St. Stephen, NB. I live in Calais, ME. From my driveway to theirs is approximately ten minutes. I used to see them every Saturday, and even some days after work during the week. My mother, sister, nephew and step dad are all on the Canadian side. We’ve celebrated birthdays when the weather was nice by meeting at our towns boat landing, making signs and calling each other while we look through binoculars across the river that separates us. I moved to Maine (from Connecticut) to be closer to my family when my nephew was born. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 1/2. I have been a constant in his life for his ENTIRE life- not just birthdays. I took him to doctors appointments, swim lessons, to the park, aquarium visits... Took family vacation with him; he was a part of my DAILY life. That was ripped from me on March 17, 2020. I suffer from anxiety, and he was always my safe place. This separation has caused so much heartache. He has made so many leaps and bounds over this last year after beginning kindergarten and making progress with his autism intervention team. We FaceTime from time to time, but being a 5 year old autistic child, he hardly has the patience for it. My whole family was torn away from me. I live right down the road from them, but I haven’t been able to see them for a year. They’re the reason I even live here in the middle of no where at all. I have no one else. I’m alone, secluded and totally closed off from my family, and it seems as though the people in power in our country could care less. Every time I hear my nephew say “I miss my auntie” my heart literally feels like it’s being ripped from my chest. It’s not just my pain anymore, it’s his, and this is too much for a five year old to have to deal with.

My family is my life, and not being able to have access to them has caused my mental health to decline to an all time low. It was bad at first, but with no end in sight, it’s almost unbearable.

Lotte. South Haven, MI. Separated since March 9, 2020.It has been almost a year since I have seen my boyfriend who lives in Toronto. We have spent much of this year dealing with the challenges of Covid that include job changes, kids out of school an… — Lotte. South Haven, MI. Separated since March 9, 2020.
It has been almost a year since I have seen my boyfriend who lives in Toronto. We have spent much of this year dealing with the challenges of Covid that include job changes, kids out of school and the loss of income as artists. On top of all of that has been the lonely, at times desperate feeling that comes with not being able to be together. We have had ups and downs with this; communication problems, being available for each other, finding new ways to connect, the stress of not knowing when it will end has taken a toll on our relationship. We are so hopeful that the day when we can be together again is soon. We are careful and conscientious about social distancing and wearing masks. We respect that the border closure is to try to curb the spread of the virus. We would like to see exceptions made for loved ones to travel across the land borders to just see their partners or family.

Kristin. Wilton, CT. Separated since February 16, 2020.I haven’t seen my boyfriend, who lives in Toronto, for a year because of the border closure. We’ve been together for over 4 years. Before the pandemic we talked about marriage and all of that ha… — Kristin. Wilton, CT. Separated since February 16, 2020.
I haven’t seen my boyfriend, who lives in Toronto, for a year because of the border closure. We’ve been together for over 4 years. Before the pandemic we talked about marriage and all of that has been put on hold because of the border closures. This has taken a HUGE mental and physical toll on the both of us. We’ve both developed anxiety and depression. I cry almost every day because I can’t see him and he lives alone. I want to be there to help him through his depression but I can’t. And it’s killing me. My family and friends see how it has impacted my life negatively and have noticed my mood. This fucking sucks. Open the borders for significant others.

Nirmalla. Bronx. NY. Separated since February 14, 2020. My fiancé and I had a plan and made a promise to see each other at least once a month, we have kept that promise until the closure of the borders . Being separated for a year has been the harde… — Nirmalla. Bronx. NY. Separated since February 14, 2020.
My fiancé and I had a plan and made a promise to see each other at least once a month, we have kept that promise until the closure of the borders . Being separated for a year has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
I’ve had to face being laid off, illness, anxiety, depression all on my own, without him...Family is essential, we need family and loved ones close by, we need that someone to lean on during tough times . My depression is at a point where simply task has become impossible, and it’s affecting our relationship tremendously .
I love him with every fiber of my being, I’m trying to stay strong but there is only so much a human mind and body can handle .

Amy. Seattle, WA. Separated since March 15, 2020.My boyfriend lives in Montreal Canada. I lived two hours away in New Hampshire throughout most of our relationship. We used to cross the US-Canada border at least once or twice a week to see each othe… — Amy. Seattle, WA. Separated since March 15, 2020.
My boyfriend lives in Montreal Canada. I lived two hours away in New Hampshire throughout most of our relationship. We used to cross the US-Canada border at least once or twice a week to see each other. On March 15th, I hugged him goodbye for what we thought was 5 days. He was planning to return after his work week. Three days later, on March 18th, Canada and the US closed their borders to all non essential travel due to covid-19. We have not been together in almost one year. One year of missed anniversaries, holidays, birthdays and memories. A year full of health scares, emergency surgeries, and lonely nights separated.

I am a travel nurse in the states. Being a frontline nurse during a pandemic is not something any of us healthcare workers were prepared for. But doing it without my person, has been indescribable. Our mental health has never been worse. Please, help us loved ones reunite. We just want to be together.

Larry. Pinckney, MI. Separated since April 6, 2020.My Fiancé “Canadian “ and my self USA Michigan both 70 years old and both widowed after a long marriage, have been separated sense April 2020, we normally winter in Arizona where we own a home toget… — Larry. Pinckney, MI. Separated since April 6, 2020.
My Fiancé “Canadian “ and my self USA Michigan both 70 years old and both widowed after a long marriage, have been separated sense April 2020, we normally winter in Arizona where we own a home together, we visit each other during the summer. Sense the border closings we haven’t been able to visit each other. We do FaceTime, but, it’s not the same as a personal touch
We don’t have very many years left, we are both in good health, and would like to enjoy those few years we have left TOGETHER
Both the U S and Canada need to open the borders for loved one to visit each other

Kevin. Seattle, WA. Separated since March 1, 2020.I am a Canadian citizen and a naturalized US citizen living in Seattle with my wife and two children, aged 4 and 7. I don't have any other family in the US -- my parents, sister, and grandparents liv… — Kevin. Seattle, WA. Separated since March 1, 2020.
I am a Canadian citizen and a naturalized US citizen living in Seattle with my wife and two children, aged 4 and 7. I don't have any other family in the US -- my parents, sister, and grandparents live in B.C. along with most of my other relatives.

My grandparents are aging -- my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and is in palliative care and my grandma is also in palliative care. It is a shame not to be able to see them, and if policies don't change soon I may never see them again.

My children are very close with their grandparents and not being able to see them for 12 months already is a long stretch. (We saw them about 4 times a year before the pandemic, including in January and March of 2020. My family all has Nexus privileges to make the crossing easy!) It is also hard to lose the ability to get any kind of family support or interaction as a professional couple with young children. Everyone I know in Canada has visited close family during the pandemic, despite the small risk of transmission. I'm just asking for the same privilege -- and willing to pay for PCR testing to be safe.
It would be a significant help if the U.S. allowed my parents to drive across the land border, as immediate family of a U.S. citizen. That reciprocates Canada's land border policies, and would make it significantly easier for my parents to visit us (they could quarantine at home when returning if still necessary).

Brianna. Huntingdon, Quebec. Separated since March 9, 2020.I suffer from severe anxiety. I also have depression, PTSD, OCD, and abandonment issues. This combined tend to be exacerbated with the impacts of the border. It takes me on average 20min to … — Brianna. Huntingdon, Quebec. Separated since March 9, 2020.
I suffer from severe anxiety. I also have depression, PTSD, OCD, and abandonment issues. This combined tend to be exacerbated with the impacts of the border. It takes me on average 20min to drive to my Boyfriends house and vice versa. He was my biggest support but due to us being essential (healthcare/social services) we can’t get or take time off. I miss him greatly.

Darnell. Mayville, ND. Separated since February 23, 2020.My husband and I have not seen my daughter, her husband and 2 grandsons in over a year! We were used to seeing each other at least every 4 to 6 weeks, as we only live 3 hours from each other. … — Darnell. Mayville, ND. Separated since February 23, 2020.
My husband and I have not seen my daughter, her husband and 2 grandsons in over a year! We were used to seeing each other at least every 4 to 6 weeks, as we only live 3 hours from each other. We have missed birthdays, holidays and many hugs. Our daughter's family has missed the first year of their new nephew and cousin's life. Our daughter struggles with depression and this has been very hard for her. We know of others who have situations that are harder than ours, but it is emotionally difficult and are ready to see each other again soon! Facetime cannot replace physical interaction.

Lindy. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Separated since March 16, 2020.Hi, I have been separated from my boyfriend of 3 years since March 16th 2020. We live 5 minutes away from each other. I in Sault Ontario and he in Sault Michigan. Keil and I met at a n… — Lindy. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Separated since March 16, 2020.
Hi, I have been separated from my boyfriend of 3 years since March 16th 2020. We live 5 minutes away from each other. I in Sault Ontario and he in Sault Michigan. Keil and I met at a night club in the summer of 2018. We are obsessed with each other and madly in love. Not one day before the borders closed were we away from each other. He was either in Canada or my 4 year old daughter and I were over in Michigan. The day I had to leave Michigan was hard but we were sure it would only last a month or so max! Well here we are a year later and their is no end in sight. Both of us are struggling with anxiety and depression from this border lockdown. We cannot move on with our life plans together. We can’t apply for the exemption for him to come to Canada, due to his work. He can’t take 14 days off work and then stay longer. Unfortunately he can’t quarantine here because my daughter is in school and I can’t take 14 days off and keep her home as well. It just doesn’t work. I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel that anyone keeps talking about. I’m sick with worry and sadness. I hope that someone can get to the prime minister and president at this point to make them understand the hardships this has caused. All of us cross border couples and families are struggling.

Sharleen. Port Huron, MI. Separated since March 11, 2020.I am a Canadian who has lived in the US for the past 22 years. Met my husband here and we have 3 kids. We live 2 miles from the Canadian border in Port Huron, MI. My Canadian family lives a sh… — Sharleen. Port Huron, MI. Separated since March 11, 2020.
I am a Canadian who has lived in the US for the past 22 years. Met my husband here and we have 3 kids. We live 2 miles from the Canadian border in Port Huron, MI. My Canadian family lives a short one hour drive away. The only way they are able to visit us in the US is to fly. We wanted to bring my 65 year old mother over for Christmas 2020 and purchase her a flight. Despite the cost, it would have required her to travel through 3 airports to get to us. Heavy hearted, my mom declined to travel due to the increased likelihood of her acquiring Covid with having to have increased contact with others. The US border closure closed to families like ours makes no logical sense if the goal is to reduce the risk of covid. Families are essential and should be given a fair exemption to be able to visit their loved ones. My family has missed one year of birthdays, milestones, Christmas, and every holiday since the close of the border. My kids, now 16, 14, and 11 miss their Canadian family, their Nana, Grampy Grammy, Uncles, Aunts, and cousins desperately.
The longer this goes on the more heartbroken we are all becoming.

Sandy. Fort Erie, Ontario. Separated since December 25, 2020.The border closure has been devastating to my family! Myself, my daughters, my son, my grandchildren and mostly my elderly ailing parents who are in their 90s. My parents and stepdad are a… — Sandy. Fort Erie, Ontario. Separated since December 25, 2020.
The border closure has been devastating to my family! Myself, my daughters, my son, my grandchildren and mostly my elderly ailing parents who are in their 90s. My parents and stepdad are all in their 90s and live only a 15 minute drive across the border from me. I am mostly concerned with my 93 yr old Dad who lives alone and isn’t doing well physically or mentally. I need to go over and help him but the border closure and the tremendous amount of ridiculous restrictions are making it impossible. I have gone 5 times since June but I need to go over more often. Please! We need family to be considered essential, especially someone in my situation who needs to go across the border to be there and help my elderly parents. This closure has been unbearable for my family. It is inhumane that it has been going on for over a year. Families are not being heard.

Kristen. Sault St Marie, MI. Separated since February 20, 2020.It has been one YEAR since I have seen my step children. Since my son has seen his siblings, his grandparents, his aunts, uncles, cousins. My in-laws, nieces, and nephews. For me, this i… — Kristen. Sault St Marie, MI. Separated since February 20, 2020.
It has been one YEAR since I have seen my step children. Since my son has seen his siblings, his grandparents, his aunts, uncles, cousins. My in-laws, nieces, and nephews. For me, this isn't a matter of vacations or random travel. I NEED my family. We have missed graduations, birthdays, I missed my wedding anniversary. Mental health is just as important as physical.

Jane. Cheektowaga, NY. Separated since March 8, 2020My Canadian fiance and I have been apart for a year. We are both 70, both still working. We met just shy of 2 yrs ago. I lost my husband 5 yrs prior, he was divorced long before. Neither of us exp… — Jane. Cheektowaga, NY. Separated since March 8, 2020
My Canadian fiance and I have been apart for a year. We are both 70, both still working. We met just shy of 2 yrs ago. I lost my husband 5 yrs prior, he was divorced long before. Neither of us expected to find a loving partner again.....but then, we met and were blessed to have found what we each needed. He is a long-haul truck driver. We spent every weekend together. Prior to the border closing we had talked if marriage, set a date for May, which became December and is now on permanent ‘hold’. He’s ‘essential’ only when driving his rig. But essential to me with every breath I take. FaceTime, phone calls, video chats do not offer the solace of human touch.

Renil. Brampton, Ontario. Separated since March 21, 2020.I am currently separated from my fiance who lives in the US. I am Canadian and we met online in 2016. In April of 2020 we were supposed to be married in the US. Unfortunately we had to cancel… — Renil. Brampton, Ontario. Separated since March 21, 2020.
I am currently separated from my fiance who lives in the US. I am Canadian and we met online in 2016. In April of 2020 we were supposed to be married in the US. Unfortunately we had to cancel our wedding 2 times since then and now we don't even know when and if we can reschedule. I used to see my fiance every week. We would spend every weekend together. Because of the closure we have both experienced severe depression and it has affected us in our jobs. Not being able to focus on the task at hand has been a struggle. She has also been left alone in the apartment we began renting a month before the border closure and it has been difficult for her financially as well. I am able to help with it but it's very difficult since I am also paying paying for my own rent here in Canada. It has been the worst year of our lives with no end in sight.

Priscilla. VBC Township, MI. Separated since March 2, 2020.Since the day we met he says I had him at hello and he had me with his smile. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine a pandemic keeping us apart from each other. Unfortunately, this has … — Priscilla. VBC Township, MI. Separated since March 2, 2020.
Since the day we met he says I had him at hello and he had me with his smile. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine a pandemic keeping us apart from each other. Unfortunately, this has become our reality or shall I say nightmare and also for many other border families and loved ones.

We have been together for over three years and prior to the pandemic spent every other weekend and holiday together.
My partner and I are both essential workers. I am a healthcare administrator and he works for the essential food industry. We understand that the pandemic has been challenging for those working and schooling their children from home. What we wouldn’t give to have that same blessing. Instead we have had to deal with heightened levels of anxiety and stress on a daily basis only to go home to console each other virtually from a phone.

Also, my boyfriend was blessed with triplet girls whom I have grown to love dearly and embrace as my own. I miss them and their father tremendously and love them all. We have made the best of the circumstances celebrating birthdays and holidays virtually as many others with the exception that at least most people are not separated from their immediate families or significant others like many of us border couples and families have been for nearly a year!

I hope and pray that our legislators and leaders find it in their hearts to deem family and significant others as essential. That the golden rule finally hits them smack in the face and realize the pain and heartache this separation has caused thousands of border couples and families in the past year! It is crucial that they understand how seriously we all take the well-being of ourselves, others and fellow citizens and that we have all been doing the right thing in the hopes of reuniting one day soon with our loved ones.

Meaghan. Hamilton, Ontario. Separated since April 11, 2020.My fiancé and I have known each other since we were 18. This august will be our tenth year anniversary of knowing each other and since we only live an hour drive away from each other, I miss… — Meaghan. Hamilton, Ontario. Separated since April 11, 2020.
My fiancé and I have known each other since we were 18. This august will be our tenth year anniversary of knowing each other and since we only live an hour drive away from each other, I miss him so much. It’s not good for my mental health to be away from the person I love.

Madison. Le Roy, NY. Separated since March 12, 2020.My boyfriend and I have been separated for almost a year now. We live an hour and 20 minutes from each other and we would see each other 1-2 times a week. This has been so incredibly hard for us. H… — Madison. Le Roy, NY. Separated since March 12, 2020.
My boyfriend and I have been separated for almost a year now. We live an hour and 20 minutes from each other and we would see each other 1-2 times a week. This has been so incredibly hard for us. He is an immigrant from India waiting for his permanent residency which is why we didn’t want to chance him traveling to me and I am a healthcare worker and cannot get 2+ weeks off of work. This has been the hardest thing I have ever endured. Loving someone that only lives 8 minutes over the border has not been easy.

Rachelle. Windsor, Ontario. Separated since March 3, 2020.I am currently separated from my family and boyfriend, they live 45 minutes from me in metro Detroit. Previously I was going over every other weekend to visit. The emotional, physical and men… — Rachelle. Windsor, Ontario. Separated since March 3, 2020.
I am currently separated from my family and boyfriend, they live 45 minutes from me in metro Detroit. Previously I was going over every other weekend to visit. The emotional, physical and mental impact this has had on my family is unbearable and even more so having no idea when we will reunite. No one should ever have to wonder when they will see their family. I have been crossing the border frequently since I was 5 years old, it’s a huge part of my family’s life.

Michelle. Grand Island, NY. Separated since March 20, 2020.I have not seen my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, nephew and nieces since the borders closed in March of 2020. My oldest son (20 years old) has not seen his father who lives in Ontario Ca… — Michelle. Grand Island, NY. Separated since March 20, 2020.
I have not seen my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, nephew and nieces since the borders closed in March of 2020. My oldest son (20 years old) has not seen his father who lives in Ontario Canada since that time as well. He actually had plans for a family dinner that weekend but postponed since he had concerns of not being able to return to the United State since he was in the process of obtaining his US Citizenship. That is his story to tell and unfortunately I am not sure that he can talk about it as it causes such sadness for him. So I will tell my own story.

My mother and I would see each other every other week at a minimum, taking turns driving to either Canada or the USA depending on schedules. My family would see each other each month but more often when the weather was warmer. When my kids had a day off or on summer vacation or breaks it was nothing to pack them up in the car and head to Canada for the day and spend time with family. We are less than 15 minutes from the border and all have Nexus passes that allowed for us to cross the border with greater ease. We have missed every celebration that this last year has offered and are now embarking on a second set of missed celebrations. My family recently reconciled with my oldest brother who had felt that he needed time away from our family. We spent 5 years apart from him and in early 2019 we reconciled through counseling and throughout that year and into the beginning of 2020 we had used that time to rebuild and strengthen our relationships. It was a gift and it was a time of healing that we all needed. We looked forward, talked and dreamed of what the new year of 2020 would offer. We planned a vacation together to celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa and then travel to the US to celebrate the 4th of July. We talked of plans to work together on projects on our newly purchased homestead. In March of 2020 that was all gone. I was shut out of my home/birth country. Cut off from my family, my main support system. They are my family. They are all I want and all that I need and I can't have access to them. Now it is me that feels estranged. This separation has caused me significant anxiety and panic attacks. While I understand the travel exemptions that were made in late 2020, they certainly were not accessible and convenient for all. My children are attending hybrid school and could not leave school and experience further academic, social and emotional regression for the required two week quarantine in Canada and then again once we returned to the USA. It is also not possible for me to leave my family and my work for two weeks. I have a husband and children that depend on me. A son who is also grieving the absence of his father because of this closure, a son who has special needs and relies on my for each and every need and another son who has suffered unimaginable anxiety due to this pandemic, riots and closure of schools. It would be irresponsible for me to leave them for such a length of time. I have never been away from my children for more than 1 night in the past 15 years. While my husband is more than capable, he is also the primary financial provider for our family. He also is caring for his own elderly mother and father during this pandemic. The travel exceptions do not work for us. They are not realistic or reasonable.

My parents recently moved from their home into an apartment on March 1st of 2021. As their child, their daughter I should've been there to support and assist them in this major life change. Not only did they move but I found out the same day that my Mother is experiencing a significant heart condition that could be fatal. She needs to see specialist, settle into a new home and navigate a pandemic. She didn't tell me about her medical condition because she knew that it would upset me and further stress an unbearable situation.

My heart aches and I cry often. I understand the need to protect the people of a country and I am more than happy to adhere to reasonable and more realistic restrictions. I simply want to be able to have access to my parents and my family and for them to be afforded the same access to me. I want my family back. I need my family back.

LET US REUNITE

Amanda. Lansing, MI.My husband and I have been separated from his entire family who live in Sarnia, Ontario, 15 minutes from the Michigan border. Unwilling to miss their only child get married last July, his parents had to drive 4 hours to Toronto, … — Amanda. Lansing, MI.
My husband and I have been separated from his entire family who live in Sarnia, Ontario, 15 minutes from the Michigan border. Unwilling to miss their only child get married last July, his parents had to drive 4 hours to Toronto, pay to spend the night at the Toronto airport, fly to Detroit the next morning, pay to rent a car, and drive another hour and a half to us in order to attend our micro wedding. And then do all that in reverse to get home. In addition to this financial burden, the mental impact of my husband’s parents being barred from driving to see us for the last year has been immense. Being unable to see one’s child or parents is something that really takes a toll especially with no end date in sight. The Canadian quarantine policy does not allow my husband and I to drive and visit them.

Tamara. Southport, Manitoba.I have been in a cross border relationship for the last 5 years. The border closure has effected us in a very huge way. Prior to covid we spent every 2nd weekend together and now it has been 7 months. Both of our mental h… — Tamara. Southport, Manitoba.
I have been in a cross border relationship for the last 5 years. The border closure has effected us in a very huge way. Prior to covid we spent every 2nd weekend together and now it has been 7 months. Both of our mental health is failing so much. I have struggled with anxiety for 3 years now and currently I am also being treated for depression as well since covid. Being separated when the world is dealing with a pandemic is truly heartbreaking! This man has been my rock thru many difficult situations the last 5 years and I’m sorry to say that video messages just don’t cut it. His grandmother just had her 103 birthday and I missed it. Let’s face it she is 103 and may not make it to her 104th birthday. Both of our fathers health is not good. His father has COPD and is on a breathing machine and my father has Alzheimer’s as well as has had a few strokes in the last year. We are both dealing alone with this! There are many things we miss but I do have to say that just getting a hug would be the thing I need the most. My oldest sister is in Georgia and hasn’t seen my dad in a year and a half and we are not sure he will even know who she is by the time she can get here or if he will even live to see her again. Not classifying family and long term relationships as essential is absolutely awful! Being alone the last year has been absolutely soul crushing! Thanks for taking the time to read our sad story I hope to be in my sweethearts arms soon

Robin. Baldwinsville, NYBoth my husband and I have anxiety, depression and fear with this going on as long as it has. We are a 2 hour drive apart and it is beyond rationale that flying is a smarter, safer way to get to be with loved ones instead of … — Robin. Baldwinsville, NY
Both my husband and I have anxiety, depression and fear with this going on as long as it has. We are a 2 hour drive apart and it is beyond rationale that flying is a smarter, safer way to get to be with loved ones instead of driving alone.
We are absolutely with no exception “essential “ Age has no bearing however we are in our sixties and a year has been stolen from us! I am fortunate and blessed to have found my husband and deserve to live a life with him. I am sad, cry everyday and scared of when we will be together again... and angry.... I want to smile, laugh and feel secure again.... I pray ever day for this to happen.

Christina. Windsor, Ontario.We used to see each other 5 times a week. Basically living together. Then one day the border slammed shut and the person who I was 8 miles from was no longer by my side. He is my rock, my biggest supporter. We’ve kept thi… — Christina. Windsor, Ontario.
We used to see each other 5 times a week. Basically living together. Then one day the border slammed shut and the person who I was 8 miles from was no longer by my side. He is my rock, my biggest supporter. We’ve kept things going with calls and texts. I was fortunate to be able to fly to see him in October after 8 months apart. What should have taken 15 min to see him was a 4 hour car ride, being in two different airports to land basically back where I started. The financial strain was huge. As a nurse working in this pandemic I need my partner for his love and support. Family is essential and I would give anything to have him by my side. We need each other

Nathan. Phoenix, NY.I use to see my wife every week to week and half. She would come visit me while I'm at work on her days off. Its been very hard being away from her and her not being allowed to drive across the US land border to see each other. I… — Nathan. Phoenix, NY.
I use to see my wife every week to week and half. She would come visit me while I'm at work on her days off. Its been very hard being away from her and her not being allowed to drive across the US land border to see each other. Its been very hard on both of us metal and physically I just want my wife to be able to come to the US.

Jean. Victoria, BC.Being unable to spend time in the physical presence of my strongest emotional support while navigating all the stress and anxiety brought by this pandemic has been emotionally draining and heartbreaking. Countless missed opportu… — Jean. Victoria, BC.
Being unable to spend time in the physical presence of my strongest emotional support while navigating all the stress and anxiety brought by this pandemic has been emotionally draining and heartbreaking.

Countless missed opportunities to celebrate life's most treasured events - big, small and everything in between - holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, promotions, life successes, etc. has been devastating.

Coping with the day to day challenges of work, life, managing a frail elderly parent with dementia in the midst of the pandemic, etc alone has taken a toll on my health. My work and my family have suffered from my lack of ability to concentrate due to the stress of separation - waiting hopefully month to month for positive news that would allow us to cross the border to be together, only to be continually disappointed. The months waiting to have the Canadian government finally recognize the validity of relationships outside marriage or common law was agony.

Pre pandemic, we were fortunate enough to be able to visit every 2 to 3 months even with the 3000 mile separation. The 14 day quarantine prevents him from visiting Canada. I was fortunate to be able to visit in October after a 7 month separation,.

Virtual time together is a poor substitute for the healing embrace in the arms of your essential person. We all deserve some healing.

Hannah. Toronto, Ontario.Brendan and I are long term partners of nearly 4 years, living an hour and a half apart but with every obstacle in our way. We share a 3 year old dog and our families are completely intertwined on either side of the border. … — Hannah. Toronto, Ontario.
Brendan and I are long term partners of nearly 4 years, living an hour and a half apart but with every obstacle in our way. We share a 3 year old dog and our families are completely intertwined on either side of the border. Lucky enough to have finally been able to reunite in Canada due to their exemptions, our lives have still been completely uprooted since March 17, 2020 and we have only seen eachother twice since then. We used to drive to each others homes in Buffalo or Toronto every weekend, spent holidays and vacations together. The constant fear of an emergency taking place weighs on us heavily, with the knowledge that we’re looking at hundreds of dollars in flights, a full day of travel and hundreds of potential COVID exposures to be able to be together in Buffalo. A 1.5 hour drive away, with minimal public interactions. It has been exhausting, worrying, and traumatizing to know that we cannot be with each other in a heartbeat if something were to happen. Not to mention, simply the pain of being forcibly separated from your life partner during arguably one of the scariest & most unprecedented events in history. We are experiencing heightened anxiety and signs of depression in our journey through this ordeal, while we try to keep going with our lives separately. We know that safe reunification is possible and support testing and quarantine measures. We hope every day that this administration reciprocates Canada’s exemptions.

Adam. Wayland, MI.I married to Kelly on March 7 2020. I live in Wayland Michigan, she lives in Brooklin Ontario. 13 days after our wedding the border closed, it’s obvious to say we had no idea what would follow. We used to see each other every other… — Adam. Wayland, MI.
I married to Kelly on March 7 2020. I live in Wayland Michigan, she lives in Brooklin Ontario. 13 days after our wedding the border closed, it’s obvious to say we had no idea what would follow. We used to see each other every other weekend. Its a 6 hour drive, 388 miles apart. I have 3 kids, she has 1, ages 11-19. We are coming up on our 1 year wedding anniversary.

The emotional toll has been really, really hard. It’s almost like we’ve been sent to war and have no idea what the outcome will be. We both live our own lives, doing our own daily routine with lots of texting and FaceTime but the support of being there for each will never compare. I feel lonely, empty and left alone to fight personal battles of when and why. We’ve had teenage kid issues that neither one can help with via text or Facetime, missed every holiday and celebration that happens during a families year. Holidays are very hard being apart. We know that someday this will end and we will be together, but at times it feels like you’ve lost a loved one. Some days it’s hard to move, work, and do little things. My kids miss their stepmom terribly, always asking for updates. I can’t give answers. It’s frustrating. They have not seen their stepmom or their step-sister since the March 7, 2020.

Luckily, I am a dual citizen and I am able to cross into CA to see her. I quarantine and follow the rules. With new rules being implemented by Canada I am not sure when I will be able to make it back. We cherish that time and when I leave we have a sense of; is this the last time? Will I be back? Will she be able to come over?

Last September I bought a house for us. We had to FaceTime the purchase. She has missed so many goals we’ve made together. I am waiting to paint, decorate, update anything in the house until she gets here. It just doesn’t feel right, her not being able to help. Kelly was able to fly to Michigan in August. The price was close to $800, took about 12 hours, and she was exposed to 100s of people. Compare that to a 6 hour drive and almost limitless exposure to people. This makes NO sense to us.

I have missed time with my step-daughter, she has missed time with my kids. Birthdays, holidays, college move ins, kids sporting events, bonding moments, laughs, being a family. We have missed all of that plus 1,000s of other things. Memories shared over FaceTime and text are not the same.

Kara. Alliston, NY.Myself and my two children have only seen my partner once since the borders closed. Jason was able to come from Florida to Ontario to visit in January 2021 under the Family Reunification exemption implemented by Canada. Canada has… — Kara. Alliston, NY.
Myself and my two children have only seen my partner once since the borders closed. Jason was able to come from Florida to Ontario to visit in January 2021 under the Family Reunification exemption implemented by Canada. Canada has now set the restrictions so high that it’s financially impossible for us to travel by air to Florida to see Jason. If I could drive, it would be much more affordable but the U.S. needs to open the border for me to be able to do that. Jason and I have been a couple for 3 years and used to see each other 4-6x’s a year.

Being apart from each other has caused such heartache for myself, my kids and Jason. We have had such hard times dealing with this on a mental level, going through the past year as if we were in a roller coaster. It’s been especially hard for me, having to support my children with their mental health struggle all while trying to cope with my own. It has resulted in less physical activity, emotional eating, inconsistent attendance at work, lack of motivation, being absent from other relationships in life, isolating myself from other areas of life that bring joy and much more. My kids go through horrible times of dealing with sadness, being mad, taking things out on each other. Jason has days where he’s so overcome that he can only lay in bed and sleep, doesn’t eat for days.

Shelby. Post Falls, ID.I live in north Idaho while my long term boyfriend of 2.5 years lives in Penticton, British Columbia, which is only a 4.5 hour drive from me. We used to see each other every other weekend or every 3 weeks, depending on weather… — Shelby. Post Falls, ID.
I live in north Idaho while my long term boyfriend of 2.5 years lives in Penticton, British Columbia, which is only a 4.5 hour drive from me. We used to see each other every other weekend or every 3 weeks, depending on weather, work, planned occasions, etc. My boyfriend was able to fly here in the summer of 2020 for 2 weeks in July; this required unnecessary flight and car rental costs over $2000.

I was also able to be granted an exemption from the Canadian government to travel as a long term partner of a Canadian permanent resident. I spent 2 weeks with him in complete quarantine before having to return to the United States; I used all vacation and sick time from work to be able to quarantine in Canada with him.

I am one of the lucky ones since I have been able to see my partner twice since the beginning of the pandemic. That being said, we both still endured much emotional and mental distress and we STILL are. My boyfriend moved from Europe 3 years ago on a work Visa to Canada. He is by himself, isolated from family and myself while in British Columbia. It is an outrage that we are unable to drive across the border to see each other, but we can pay thousands of dollars to travel via plane with a higher risk of spreading COVID. Nobody should be forced apart from their loved ones like this. It is inhumane and completely devastating to millions of people around the world. As citizens of this country, we have a right to be with our loved ones during times of grief and uncertainty. We aren't asking for special treatment, we are asking for compassion!

Nicolas. Colchester, VT.My family has multiple impacts from this border closure. My father has been dating a Canadian woman for 18 years. They have been separated for almost the entire duration of this pandemic. She suffers from medical conditions t… — Nicolas. Colchester, VT.
My family has multiple impacts from this border closure. My father has been dating a Canadian woman for 18 years. They have been separated for almost the entire duration of this pandemic. She suffers from medical conditions that make her extremely high risk for dying from COVID-19, thus, traveling by air is a dangerous and expensive pathway into the United States. This has effected my fathers mental health significantly which in turn, puts a larger tole on us as a family.

Being that we have such a close connection to Canada, I was introduced to a Canadian girl 1.5 years ago and we have been in an exclusive relationship since. We have lower risk to dying from COVID-19, but the expense of flying her into the states is a massive burden, especially with the reduction in income from the pandemic. I can't help but feel like we are second class citizens because we can not afford to fly destination to destination for what would otherwise be a 1.5hr drive.

The constant reissuance of the one month border closure is infuriating! I can't believe our government has done nothing to take action on this issue. It's a complete disgrace. YES, COVID is dangerous, but I guarantee the mental health implications will far exceed the impacts of this virus.

Ina. Toronto, Ontario.My husband, we got married on December 2020, then he had to go home in DELAWARE. Still unable to come back due to border restrictions. — Ina. Toronto, Ontario.
My husband, we got married on December 2020, then he had to go home in DELAWARE. Still unable to come back due to border restrictions.

Julie. Motley, MN.My children and I are separated from my fiancee and his family. We have been in a relationship for almost 5 years, engaged for 4. We live about 200 miles apart. We used to see each other almost every weekend. Divided between his ho… — Julie. Motley, MN.
My children and I are separated from my fiancee and his family. We have been in a relationship for almost 5 years, engaged for 4. We live about 200 miles apart. We used to see each other almost every weekend. Divided between his house in Canada and our house in the US. Neil has not been to the US since February 2020. It has not seemed feasible for him to drive to Thunderbay Ontario to get on a plane to fly to Minneapolis Minnesota to see us. This type of travel would have exposed him to many people who may have virus and cost hundreds of dollars.. We were lucky enough to apply and receive our exemptions for my daughter and I to travel to Canada for Christmas. The border closure has been extremely difficult for us to deal with. It has been very hard on us emotionally. It is very hard to stay positive after a year of living like this. I don’t know how much of this we can endure.

Jonelle. St. Andrews, New Brunswick.My husband, Harold lives in Machias Maine & I live in St Andrews NB. We are appx 1 1/2 hours away. Before covid I would travel to see him most weekend. When Covid shut the borders down, out of desperation to s… — Jonelle. St. Andrews, New Brunswick.
My husband, Harold lives in Machias Maine & I live in St Andrews NB. We are appx 1 1/2 hours away. Before covid I would travel to see him most weekend. When Covid shut the borders down, out of desperation to see my husband I tried to cross the land border into Maine but was denied. I stayed in my truck as they instructed. It was very emotional.

I then decided to fly. I flew twice and both time took over 14 hours and I was taken into secondary both times and had to show proof of ties to Canada. To get to my husband I had to travel through 4 airports. Putting myself and others at risk. After my visit I have my husband take me to the Canadian border and walk across.

I now am looking into charter flights as I am exhausted on the long travel to see my husband
We were married last year and feel we have lost our first year of marriage. Please open the borders to couples. Life feels on a stand still and its very emotional.

Susie. Fergus Falls, MN.I am separated from my Fiancé. We are 4 hours apart, 200+ miles, and we used to see each other weekly. We would rotate who came to see who. I have been much luckier than some as he has been able to fly here twice- once July 2… — Susie. Fergus Falls, MN.
I am separated from my Fiancé. We are 4 hours apart, 200+ miles, and we used to see each other weekly. We would rotate who came to see who. I have been much luckier than some as he has been able to fly here twice- once July 2020 and then he just spent 70 days with me October-January. I am so thankful I got this time, but it doesn’t make it any easier being apart. Mentally and emotionally has been the hardest on us both, i have needed more session with my therapist, and medication changes for mental issues I already have. I lack motivation for so many things without him around, and he is the same way. It breaks my heart even more when I know he’s so upset.. now with everything else, like many others, we have no idea when we will see each other next.

Katie. Abbotsford, British Columbia.In the last 12 months my husband and I have been apart for 9 of those. We have a 9 month old son who my husband is missing grow up. He was able to come here for a week for Christmas ( plus 2 weeks for quarantine) … — Katie. Abbotsford, British Columbia.
In the last 12 months my husband and I have been apart for 9 of those. We have a 9 month old son who my husband is missing grow up. He was able to come here for a week for Christmas ( plus 2 weeks for quarantine) which we cherish, but he cannot get anymore time off to come to Canada. I am a first time mom and I have been raising our son on my own without the support of my partner. We used to see each other every week before the border shut down. My husband has missed so much time with our baby boy and every day it gets harder and harder to remain positive. Out of the 9 months of our son’s life my husband has been absent for 6. We live on Skype. It’s infuriating knowing he is just a couple hours away and we can’t see him. We would quarantine or do whatever we need to do to be able to visit him, but not being given that option is inhuman. We deserve to be a family.

Ashley. Niagara Falls, Ontario.I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario and my boyfriend lives in Buffalo, New York. For three years before the pandemic we were able to see each other every weekend. With the border closure which started last March it has im… — Ashley. Niagara Falls, Ontario.
I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario and my boyfriend lives in Buffalo, New York. For three years before the pandemic we were able to see each other every weekend. With the border closure which started last March it has impacted our relationship greatly. It is unbelievably hard going from being together every weekend to a halt.

This separation takes a toll mentally and emotionally. Thankfully I have had the chance to visit him in Buffalo this past year, but not without challenges. In order to visit him (who lives only a 25 minute drive away) I have to fly. I have to have someone drive me to Toronto airport, from there fly to Chicago with a lay over of a few hours, then fly into Buffalo. Now a 25 minute car ride has turned into 6 hours of travel and approx. $300.00. Instead of being safe traveling in my own car across the border I am now exposed to hundreds of people. This doesn't include the stress of taking COVID test prior to arrival and upon arrival in Buffalo. Thankfully I am able to be dropped off at the Rainbow Bridge and walk back into Canada.

Marissa. Los Angeles, CA.My boyfriend & I were separated for over 9 months before finally being able to see each other for Christmas and New Years, with me living in California and him living in BC. We were able to reunite for 3 short weeks, and… — Marissa. Los Angeles, CA.
My boyfriend & I were separated for over 9 months before finally being able to see each other for Christmas and New Years, with me living in California and him living in BC. We were able to reunite for 3 short weeks, and are now back to being unsure when we will see each other next. Before the border closure, we used to see each other at least once a month, and were able to celebrate birthdays/holidays/special events together. It's been really tough mentally and emotionally not being able to spend time together in person; we've learned how precious time is and the importance of not taking it for granted. We've missed out on so many big milestones and just want to be able to safely reunite, and are looking forward to the day when we are finally able to see each other again.

Carol. Windsor, Ontario.John and I are both widowed seniors who were lucky enough to find love again after the death of our spouses, who both died unexpectedly. I live alone in Windsor, Ontario and John also lives alone half an hour away in Grosse P… — Carol. Windsor, Ontario.
John and I are both widowed seniors who were lucky enough to find love again after the death of our spouses, who both died unexpectedly. I live alone in Windsor, Ontario and John also lives alone half an hour away in Grosse Pointe Shores. Being both retired, we were able to spend most of our time together, on either side of the border working around our family obligations. I look after my 95-year-old mother, and John’s daughter has MS.

Last March 15th, John, went home and expected to return “in a few day” for my daughter’s birthday. We did not see each other for the next 142 days. The increased alarm over the pandemic and sudden border closure and isolation left us both feeling numb with grief.... something I hadn’t experienced since my husband died suddenly six years ago.

With the Canadian extended family exemption, John was able to come to Canada for Valentine’s Day and has been in quarantine for the last two weeks. He was out of quarantine today, and we were finally able to walk our riverfront park together. Unfortunately, John also had to return to the U.S. this evening, as he has his appointment for his second Covid-19 vaccination. Once again, we are alone in our homes, feeling isolation and grief, even more painful after a few hours of what felt “normal”. This must end soon. Love is essential.

Anne Marie. Grand Island, NYMy husband has been active duty military for 23 years. I’m from Ontario, Canada and became a US citizen in 2011. My dad lived with us for 6 years, but when we moved to Belgium 2016 he was unable to immigrate with us, so w… — Anne Marie. Grand Island, NY
My husband has been active duty military for 23 years. I’m from Ontario, Canada and became a US citizen in 2011. My dad lived with us for 6 years, but when we moved to Belgium 2016 he was unable to immigrate with us, so we had to move him into a retirement home in Kitchener, Ont. near my brother. We returned from Belgium to Illinois for one year and shortly after my my husband had an exciting opportunity to be an alternate become the Operations Group Commander at the Niagara Falls reserve base. We had moved 17 times but not ever had the opportunity to be this close to my family in Canada. We were thrilled! We moved into a home on Grand Island NY the summer of 2019. We drove to Canada to see my dad and bring him to our home monthly for a week or two each time. We had a handicap shower built on the main level for him and a main level study converted to a bedroom. Dec 2019 my brother answered his wife were getting a divorce so they could no longer help him. We decided do move my dad to Niagara Falls, Canada. This way, I could cross the border within 15min to help him with doc appts and myself and our six children could continue to see him regularly. I dropped him off after his birthday Feb 16th 2020, the border closed shortly after that. The shower for him was complete early March. He has not been able to come back to our home and he has not seen his grandchildren for over a year. I saw him once June 2020 for a 30 min social distancing appt in the parking lot of his home. I tried to cross the border after this time and they would not let me unless I signed the quarantine act for 14 days. I am heart broken because after 20 plus years of the military, we are finally living 15min away from my dad and home country and we cannot cross and see him. I had also wanted to visit my mother’s grave and also support my brother through his divorce. Unfortunately, my dad, who is now 84 years old, has been suffering mentally from this separation. He has almost fallen a few times returning from his blood treatments in a taxi cab with no one to help him back to his room because this is the role of the family. (my brother works during the day a few hours away). Not to mention he has had no one to help him tidy and finish setting up his room. He is confused with his iPad and needs us to help him so that he can face time
us. He said he feels like he has no purpose because he is not from NiagaraFalls and can’t
see me or our children anymore.

Michelle. Amherstburg, Ontario.My Finance and I have been together for almost 3 years. She lives in Amherstburg, Ontario and I from Gibraltar, Michigan. She used to come see my for 2 weeks out of the month. Now because of COVID and the borders bein… — Michelle. Amherstburg, Ontario.
My Finance and I have been together for almost 3 years. She lives in Amherstburg, Ontario and I from Gibraltar, Michigan. She used to come see my for 2 weeks out of the month. Now because of COVID and the borders being closed, last year we were only able to see each for a total of 17 days. What she had to do to get here was ridiculous. She had to take a train for 4 1/2 hour, then get on a plane for another 1 1/2 hour. Then to get home she had to take a different flight and that was 4 1/2 hour, then she had to take a train for another 4 1/2 hours. All this while subjecting herself to getting sick. She has a compromised immune system and it would of been safer for her to get in her personal vehicle and drive the 45 mins over the bridge. We were used to the distance but with the borders being closed for almost a year and no reopening date it's getting really hard on our relationship. We are both suffering from depression from the lack of togetherness.

Sarah Ruth. Buffalo, NYI've been separated from my mom, dad, sister, and the rest of my extended family for over a year. I did get 1 opportunity to visit last summer but after a 14 day mandatory quarantine I had only 4 days to see everyone before ha… — Sarah Ruth. Buffalo, NY
I've been separated from my mom, dad, sister, and the rest of my extended family for over a year. I did get 1 opportunity to visit last summer but after a 14 day mandatory quarantine I had only 4 days to see everyone before having to return to work.
I live in Buffalo, NY and my family is only a 20 minute drive away in the Niagara Region of Ontario. The impacts of covid on my child with special needs have been insurmountable. My mother would have been here to help me if only the US had an exemption for her to drive over the border. Instead she would need to pay hundreds of dollars and increase her chances of getting covid to fly here. While I continue to struggle to help my son without family assistance, even having to take a leave of absence from my job.
Before Covid I used to see my parents weekly. I'm not sure I would have ever moved to the US if I had known that we could ever see such an extensive border closure with absolutely zero compassionate exemptions.

Aminta. Atlanta, GA.I have been separated by my partner who lives in Whitby, Ontario and I live in Atlanta, GA. We are about 1000 miles apart, a 13 hour car ride apart, and about a 2 hour plane ride. We have been so lucky to be able to see each othe… — Aminta. Atlanta, GA.
I have been separated by my partner who lives in Whitby, Ontario and I live in Atlanta, GA. We are about 1000 miles apart, a 13 hour car ride apart, and about a 2 hour plane ride. We have been so lucky to be able to see each other twice in the past one year due to being able to qualify for the extended family exemption however even that comes with challenges. I and as well as my fiance have had to made adjustments with our jobs to be able to see each other though. It has been extremely stressful and taking a huge toll on my mental health not being able to know when the next time I will see my fiance especially now after the hotel quarantine. I will be undergoing a procedure next month for egg cryopreservation. We are in our mid 30's and given we do not know an end to this border reopening I have had to take some serious things into consideration. Its unfortunate that my fiance won't be here for support physically though.

Kaelynn. Surrey, British Columbia. My fiance and I got engaged 2 weeks before the pandemic shut the borders down. We had always been long distance since we live on other sides of the continent (Surrey BC and Baltimore MD) and thought it would just b… — Kaelynn. Surrey, British Columbia.
My fiance and I got engaged 2 weeks before the pandemic shut the borders down. We had always been long distance since we live on other sides of the continent (Surrey BC and Baltimore MD) and thought it would just be a little longer until we saw each other, but after 5 months we couldn't take living alone anymore. We previously would see each other every few months; but in 2020 we were planning to get married and see each other like normal. My fiance and I both work from home and were suffering immensely due to isolation; but according to travel restrictions at the time we weren't considered immediate family. I had no family I could visit and every second day I was having breakdowns doing normal tasks like dishes or walking through my neighbourhood. After 5 months apart We met in Peace Arch Park where we were interviewed by CBC News. We were able to share our story with tens of thousands of viewers. We were fortunate to meet in August of 2020 as well when cases were low. I'm able to work remotely, and since I live alone I could quarantine safely in my home. You would think these would have been the perfect circumstances for us to see each other more but with the new hotel quarantines in place we have no hope of when we'll next meet. It's now 6 months later and I'm forced to look at making impossible decisions. I've considered quitting my job and staying in the US on a travel visa for 6 months but I'm afraid about how we'd manage those expenses. I feel like I'm being forced to choose between my career and my mental stability. We've looked at every option and we feel forgotten by our government representatives. They say they care and are doing everything to help people reunite but they aren't. I can't tell you how many times I've been told that "there are ways for people to reunite! We've made allowances for that!" and that is extremely frustrating to hear because all I can say is that if you think it's easy to see a cross border family member right now; then you. haven't. tried.

Jennifer. Petawawa, Ontario.Bill and I started dating 4 years ago...he is from Pennsylvania and I am in Ontario...a 6 hour drive from door to door. When Covid shut everything down, we were seeing each other every other weekend and spending every hol… — Jennifer. Petawawa, Ontario.
Bill and I started dating 4 years ago...he is from Pennsylvania and I am in Ontario...a 6 hour drive from door to door. When Covid shut everything down, we were seeing each other every other weekend and spending every holiday together. When everything shut down in March of 2020, we were told it was only temporary and would only last 2 weeks yet month after month, we wait for things to open. My children are now 16 and 18; Bill missed milestone birthdays, high school graduation, start of college, and countless holiday celebrations. My daughter especially, who suffers with mental health issues, is missing Bill like crazy because for the past 4 years, he has had a very solid and strong relationship with her and she is desperately missing his love, guidance, and support. Those things are not the same over the phone! We were able to see each other at Christmas after filing for the family exemption but are still trying to recover from missing income for 3 weeks due to quarantine protocol and procedures. We have missed so many things as a family; moments and memories that we can never have back or be able to recreate. I cry every day and my children say that I’m not happy anymore. How can I be when my best friend and partner is not with me? The emotional and physical toll that we have all paid amounts to nothing short of cruel and unusual punishment. I pray that our relationship is strong enough to withstand the separation and that the stress of facing everything alone doesn’t result in losing one another to serious health issues.
Yesterday I was taken to hospital with a blood clot in my leg and my partner and best friend cannot be here with me. I have a strong family history of heart disease and lost both of my parents early (my mother at 49 and my Dad at 52) and I fear that I may not have a lot of years to enjoy with the man who is the love of my life and every day that passes is a day less that I have to share with him. I am not advocating for open borders but family is not a luxury. Family is essential and I am currently being forcibly separated from mine.

Sydney. London, Ontario.I have been apart from my boyfriend of 3.5 years for 3 months. Before the one meet-up we were able to arrange prior to border measures intensifying, we were apart 216 days, or 7 months. Before the pandemic we were meeting fre… — Sydney. London, Ontario.
I have been apart from my boyfriend of 3.5 years for 3 months. Before the one meet-up we were able to arrange prior to border measures intensifying, we were apart 216 days, or 7 months. Before the pandemic we were meeting frequently, almost monthly in 2019. I was in university in Toronto, he lived in upstate New York and I would: city bus, subway, go train, & go bus to the border where he'd pick me up from the station in Niagara and we'd cross into the US together. We had never been apart more than 3.5 months before all of this. I spent Christmas with him in Florida last Christmas, and this Christmas I spent on zoom, isolating at home after returning from visiting him. I'm thankful I'm in a generally stable mental place, having recovered from 4 years of depression the year before, but it has been anxiety inducing, and sad. I went into this 20 and now I'll be 22 in the spring. In March we were supposed to attend a formal dance together, now we are hoping maybe in 2022 they'll realize we matter. That our community will stop seeing us like terrorists, or selfish children, or just some hookup. I spent about $1000 to fly to him in October, for what is usually $18 to $25 by public transit. His family offered to help with my next trip only its inaccessible to me thanks to Canada's instatement of multi-testing & hotel quarantine. Accessing the land border is my last chance. No one else understands that we are making all the sacrifices they have, and without our loved ones, our support systems. I am in Ontario, Canada and he is in New York, USA. We are just a 6 hour drive right now. Only reunification at this time is impossible. We deserve better.

Mark. Dearborn, MI.I am unable to travel to Canada as I am physically required at my job in Michigan, my Canadian significant other would usually travel by her own personal vehicle to Michigan to see me; however she has been unable to make the 25 mi… — Mark. Dearborn, MI.
I am unable to travel to Canada as I am physically required at my job in Michigan, my Canadian significant other would usually travel by her own personal vehicle to Michigan to see me; however she has been unable to make the 25 minute drive from her home in Windsor to mine because of the border restrictions implemented almost a whole year ago.

The unchanged restrictions continue to put undue stress on both our mental health, and our ability to grow our family, as well as many other aspects of our lives that we previously were able to share together. Many significant events have been missed out on because of the restrictions put in place over the last 11+ months; however we are now looking at missing out on special moments two years in a row. Missing out on significant moments once was hard enough, please do not force us to miss them again.

I voluntarily left my family and missed out on special moments when I joined the US Army and went over seas multiple times to fight for this Country. All I am asking is that the US Government doesn’t continue this forced separation from my family and very important part of my support system.

Bobby. Mukilteo, WA.I met Sarah just over a year ago on March 1st, 2020. I had started talking to her on the Hinge app, which seemed to have a shortage of US based women located within my preferred radius of 25 miles from where I live. We were able … — Bobby. Mukilteo, WA.
I met Sarah just over a year ago on March 1st, 2020. I had started talking to her on the Hinge app, which seemed to have a shortage of US based women located within my preferred radius of 25 miles from where I live. We were able to go on just two normal dates before the border closure happened, liked each other enough to continue talking until what we hoped was a short term break in our ability to see each other.

I had just moved to the greater Seattle area in fall of 2018, so I was still trying to get involved with things and find a niche for myself socially in the community. I live alone with a cat, and suddenly found myself cut off from the possibility of having a normal social life. Sarah became my favorite best friend that I couldn't see. We texted constantly and found ways to watch movies remotely. I got her to try playing video games so we could do things together. Neither of us was in a hurry to get serious and we both had a lackadaisical attitude toward life, so it was easy to fall for each other.

We were elated to find out that via the Peace Arch state park, we could meet each other in person for day visits. We have been going there to be together for over a year now, in rain, snow, heat and freezing cold. Not being with her is difficult and more so the more we become inseparable. Although I'm grateful for peace Arch, it seems absurd to me that to be with the one person who is actively, personally involved in my life, someone i could want to spend the rest of my life with, I can't spend time with her alone in my home like a normal couple. We can't do any dates or sightseeing or meet each other's friends and family. We can't even sleep in on a weekend. She has yet to visit my home and meet my cat.

I am contemplating finding another job or transferring, immigrating to Canada just so I can be with the woman I love. One day a week i feel like a human being and the other 6 I'm just on autopilot and I feel like nothing matters. She is taking care of her mother who has cancer, living at home in Vancouver her entire life. She too is depressed. She wants a change but is stuck. We are all stuck and I'm tired of it. Let us Reunite.

Yara. Windsor, Ontario.My fiancé and I have been together for three years. We live a short thirty minute drive across the ambassador bridge from one another. We had our wedding scheduled for September 26,2020 and due to closure we had to cancel even… — Yara. Windsor, Ontario.
My fiancé and I have been together for three years. We live a short thirty minute drive across the ambassador bridge from one another. We had our wedding scheduled for September 26,2020 and due to closure we had to cancel even though we were able to have our wedding (slightly modified) but still could have it. I drove four hours to Toronto to fly one hour to Detroit Michigan just to see my fiancé so we could spend our original wedding day together even though we could not celebrate. We are both mentally exhausted and starting to feel the mental effects of this closure. We’ve lost thousands of dollars, missed holidays and vacations, and our relationship is starting to suffer the consequences. My fiancé had to move into our forever home alone without me.

Chris. Southfield, MI.My partner has not been able to drive the 30 minutes from her house in Windsor, Ontario to see me in almost a year now. Fortunately she was able to drive 5 hours to Toronto to fly to Detroit once last summer but that is not fea… — Chris. Southfield, MI.
My partner has not been able to drive the 30 minutes from her house in Windsor, Ontario to see me in almost a year now. Fortunately she was able to drive 5 hours to Toronto to fly to Detroit once last summer but that is not feasible at this time. March 24th will be the second anniversary of the sudden death of her only son and we will not be able to spend that day with each other. Currently I am not allowed to cross to Canada so she will be alone in her sorrow. We are both extremely careful to avoid contact with Covid and have managed to avoid contracting it therefore posing minimal risk to others. The closure of the land border between Canada and the US has gone on long enough and the personal cost has been great.

Natasha. Toronto, Ontario.I moved to Windsor, Ontario in 2016 to take a job in Michigan. Little did I know that 2 years later, I would meet the love of my life. My boyfriend and I are not strangers to the long-distance relationship. Just three month… — Natasha. Toronto, Ontario.
I moved to Windsor, Ontario in 2016 to take a job in Michigan. Little did I know that 2 years later, I would meet the love of my life. My boyfriend and I are not strangers to the long-distance relationship. Just three months into dating, he moved back home to Pittsburgh, and we’ve been visiting back and forth ever since. That all changed when borders closed in March 2020. One month turned into two. Then two into four. Luckily, I was able to fly down for 6 weeks in July, and then flew down again in November for 3 months. But, during my second trip, I lost my job. Now that I no longer have a TN Visa, it’ll be extremely difficult to visit again for extended periods. I’m already dreading what lies ahead. The four months that we were not able to see each other was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. I can’t even imagine others in a similar situation that haven’t seen their partners in almost a year. Love is absolutely essential. Family is essential. Something needs to be done to ensure safe reunification.

Parker. Maple Falls, WA. My girlfriend Sarah and I have been separated since the New Year. I was luckily able to cross into Canada before then, after the extended family exemptions went into place but had to return to the US for my work. Sarah was o… — Parker. Maple Falls, WA.
My girlfriend Sarah and I have been separated since the New Year. I was luckily able to cross into Canada before then, after the extended family exemptions went into place but had to return to the US for my work. Sarah was originally going to visit me during her Feb break from school but do to the cost and risk of flying has not been able to do so. Last year she lived in Vancouver while attending school and I lived just over the border in Washington. We’d see each other every other week if not every week. With her academic schedule and my work schedule the border closure has turned what was once a 1.5 hour drive into a multiple month divide with no real end in sight. I cannot tell you how much of an emotional stress this uncertainty has added to our relationship. No matter how much you text or FaceTime it’s not the same as actual time spent together and that separation takes its toll. I hope for myself and all of the families being kept from their loved ones that we can come up with an effective and safe solution ASAP to reunite people who truly care about each other

Bobbi. Olympia, WA.I live in Olympia WA with my two teenage children. My partner lives on Vancouver Island in BC. I'm a marine scientist. He's a shellfish farmer. Our relationship has always revolved around time on or near the water. We live quiet l… — Bobbi. Olympia, WA.
I live in Olympia WA with my two teenage children. My partner lives on Vancouver Island in BC. I'm a marine scientist. He's a shellfish farmer. Our relationship has always revolved around time on or near the water. We live quiet lives in rural coastal areas, sharing our homes across an international border we never imaged would be closed to us. We never imaged that our governments would prohibit our ability to be together as the family that we are.

My two teenage children need the support and influence of my partner’s gentle, consistent presence. Because of the border closure he has been forced to abandon them. It’s heartbreaking. Our situation is painful and has caused tremendous mental anguish for all of us. We are not tourists. Our binational family is essential. We need to see each other and support each other during this difficult time.

Naveen. Birmingham, MI.My partner of 2 1/2 years and I are have been separated by the border for a year. We live 30 minutes away from each other (I’m outside of Detroit, Michigan and she’s in Windsor, Canada). Before the border shutdown we saw each … — Naveen. Birmingham, MI.
My partner of 2 1/2 years and I are have been separated by the border for a year. We live 30 minutes away from each other (I’m outside of Detroit, Michigan and she’s in Windsor, Canada). Before the border shutdown we saw each other multiple times a week. The border shutdown and inability to see each other has caused significant and unnecessary strain, and there’s been no stated plan or progress by the government for a year related to this.
We both understand the severity of the pandemic and have taken precautions to minimize our exposure. Willfully keeping families separated with no progress towards reunification is unacceptable and not something I would expect our current President to tolerate. Continued inaction cannot be tolerated and should not be condoned.

Tristan. Guelph, Ontario. The border closure has been very hard for me mentally and financially. I’ve been able to see my partner a few times but the cost of a plane ticket plus quarantine is too much. We used to see each other every weekend. We onl… — Tristan. Guelph, Ontario.
The border closure has been very hard for me mentally and financially. I’ve been able to see my partner a few times but the cost of a plane ticket plus quarantine is too much. We used to see each other every weekend. We only live 3 hours away from each other. I find that I can barely focus on anything. Weekends are just no fun anymore even when we talk and hangout on FaceTime it’s still not the same. I’ve lost one job because I had to leave and be home with because I couldn’t handle be away any more. I needed that break and just to be together finally.

Jan. Batavia, NY.I'm separated from my wife. She's not allowed to come here unless on an airplane (which is dangerous because for some reason they are packed). I haven't seen her in 2 months, and our mental health is taking a major toll, causing a s… — Jan. Batavia, NY.
I'm separated from my wife. She's not allowed to come here unless on an airplane (which is dangerous because for some reason they are packed). I haven't seen her in 2 months, and our mental health is taking a major toll, causing a strain on our relationship. I just want to be able to be with my wife again.

Rebecca. Jackson, MI.My husband was deported. We have been lucky to see each other a couple of times..but we do not know when we will see each other again due to having to quarantine. — Rebecca. Jackson, MI.
My husband was deported. We have been lucky to see each other a couple of times..but we do not know when we will see each other again due to having to quarantine.

Anila. Woodstock, Ontario.I live in Ontario and my Fiancé lives in California. We got engaged prior to the pandemic. And had planned a wedding in Canada in the summer of 2020. However, due to border closures we have not been able to go ahead with ou… — Anila. Woodstock, Ontario.
I live in Ontario and my Fiancé lives in California. We got engaged prior to the pandemic. And had planned a wedding in Canada in the summer of 2020. However, due to border closures we have not been able to go ahead with our plans. We have only seen each other twice since last March. My partner suffers from depression and anxiety disorder and not being able to support him in person has made me feel so hopeless. I have experienced financial losses because of the deposits I made towards my wedding hall and other vendors, and by canceling our wedding my deposits will not be returned. I’m currently waiting on the borders to re-open so I could still have my wedding, with just my close family in attendance at least. we are both essential workers and cannot take time off. Here’s hoping our voices are heard and we are reunited with our loved ones.

Michael. St. Catharines, Ontario.I am separated from my partner Rick. Though we live only 4 kms. apart, it might as well be a million, as the border keeps us apart. We have been cross border visiting each other for 12 years, every weekend and every … — Michael. St. Catharines, Ontario.
I am separated from my partner Rick. Though we live only 4 kms. apart, it might as well be a million, as the border keeps us apart. We have been cross border visiting each other for 12 years, every weekend and every holiday. He has become an integral part of my life and that of my children, bringing so much joy to us all, I can't even put into words. But that has all changed. My depression and anxiety is at an all time high and I know he is suffering terribly too. He has no one else but us, and now, during the most difficult times this planet has ever seen, we are forced to keep apart. I understand there is a pandemic but is this really the best solution to fight this, to keep families and committed couples apart? The collateral damage of this forced separation is immeasurable and will be felt for the remainder of our lives.

Noreen. Welland, Ontario.In February of 2012, I met Steve and we have been together ever since. He lives in Buffalo, NY and I, in Welland Ontario. We are both seniors and recognized early on that the one hour drive door to door could potentially bec… — Noreen. Welland, Ontario.
In February of 2012, I met Steve and we have been together ever since. He lives in Buffalo, NY and I, in Welland Ontario. We are both seniors and recognized early on that the one hour drive door to door could potentially become an issue as we aged. However, we chose to pursue our incredible relationship never imagining that a pandemic would keep us apart for months. Typically, we spend 4 days a week together and have enjoyed many extended vacations abroad.
Initially, we believed that we’d only be apart for a few weeks while the “Covid 19 curve was flattened” and on March 16, we said a casual good bye thinking that Steve would return for the birth of our granddaughter or soon there after. Needless to say, Steve didn’t return for months, despite attempting to cross into Canada twice following the introduction of the family exemptions. The 8+ years that we’d been together didn’t qualify us as a common law couple and during his second attempt to cross, he was threatened with a one year travel ban should he try a third time. One week later, I flew to Philadelphia, potentially exposing myself to Covid 19, rather than spend any more precious time apart from the man I love. Steve drove 6 hours from Buffalo to Philadelphia to meet me and we were married fours days later along the St. Lawrence River. We spent more than $1000 on an airline ticket, hotel stays, marriage fees and meals. Upon our return to Canada and after our period of quarantine, Steve was reunited with my daughters, their husbands and our two grandchildren. Since August 2020, we have seen each other three times and each time, we have faithfully followed all quarantine requirements. In October, Steve’s mom passed away and I was unable to support Steve and my stepdaughter or attend her funeral service due to the inequalities in the border exemptions between Canada and the USA.
We are grateful that we have been able to spend time together, but are both extremely disappointed with the actions of our governments who appear to have ignored those of us with loved ones on the other side of the border. The stress of separation has taken its toll, both emotionally and physically, on both of us. Each of us has experienced many sleepless nights and I have seen an increase in my blood pressure, as well as, weight loss.
Clearly, we can never make up for our lost time together but as seniors, wonder how many more precious days we will be robbed of. The inconsistency in border restrictions and the uncertainly of when we will able to resume some normalcy in our relationship is extremely stressful......we are desperate for some compassion and consideration.

Alicia. WIndsor, Ontario.I have been unable to make the 25 minute drive to visit my significant other in Michigan since March 21, 2020. The usual quick drive to his house, that previously I would have made multiple times a week hasn’t been made in a… — Alicia. WIndsor, Ontario.
I have been unable to make the 25 minute drive to visit my significant other in Michigan since March 21, 2020. The usual quick drive to his house, that previously I would have made multiple times a week hasn’t been made in almost a year. The only way I’ve been able to be physically at his house with him in Michigan is to travel by air from Toronto. What used to take 25 minutes, and under $10, now takes 8 or more hours and a minimum of a thousand of dollars depending on the cost of flights, car rentals, gas, Covid-19 tests, and other incidentals.

All of the hoops I have jumped through just because I happened to fall in love with someone who lives across the river. Hoops that cause an incredible amount of stress, and mental anguish, the stress leading up to the trip, the stress of being in an airport and airplane with so many other people when I could drive my own car to him and interact with no one except a border guard. And then the stress and anguish of leaving him to go back home, not knowing when I’ll see him again.

Because of the harsh and merciless restrictions at the US land borders we have missed out on almost a whole year of trying to conceive, trying to have a baby should be a happy and enjoyable time, and every month that passes, we see it slowly slipping away.

If the US does not reciprocate the Canadian exemptions, my fear is the window on us being able to have a baby will close forever, and that’s not something that can ever be recovered. Moments, memories, experiences together, are also things that can never be recovered. Missing out on special events and moments this last year has been very hard, but thought of having to miss out on all those moments a second time is heart wrenching.

All we want is to be able to be together in his home in Michigan, and not have to continue to go through the physical, mental, and financial hardship we’ve been experiencing since the closure in March 2020.

Matthew. Windsor, Ontario.In the past twelve months, I've been able to spend five days with my girlfriend and her two young sons. They live less than two hours away. Those five days cost me a month's wage, and I don't know when we'll be able to affo… — Matthew. Windsor, Ontario.
In the past twelve months, I've been able to spend five days with my girlfriend and her two young sons. They live less than two hours away. Those five days cost me a month's wage, and I don't know when we'll be able to afford five more.

I work a job that's considered essential, alongside people who cross the border every day. I go home every night to an empty house, and I refuse to see anyone I don't have to. I do this because I don't want to lose an opportunity to see my partner and her children for any reason, let alone being sick or unprepared. I understand the severity and risks associated with this pandemic, and I've taken steps to follow every single health guideline to the letter for the past year. I don't think this is a time for leisure travel or unrestricted movement between our countries. I firmly believe that we are responsible as individuals to do our part to slow the spread, not only for our loved ones but our neighbors as well.

I am, however, NOT a tourist. After twelve months alone, scouring the news for a glimmer of hope, reading through restrictions and travel documents, endlessly planning an impossible budget in hopes of seeing the most important people in my life, I am also NOT okay.

I'm a man who sits on the edge of his bed every night, wondering how he can be there for his family. I've sat helplessly watching a single mother work two jobs to survive in this economy while raising two toddlers. I've spent weeks searching for a way to get my tools across the border to work on her car. I've spent sleepless nights staring at the ceiling because their front door wouldn't lock, knowing full well that I could quickly fix it so that they would be safe. I find myself apologizing to toddlers who don't understand why I can't come over to play or visit, and I do my best to reassure them that it's not because I don't want to, but it's because I can't. Right or wrong, I'm overwhelmed by the feeling that I'm failing them, and no amount of video calls can solve that.

I've traveled the emotional spectrum from depression to rage and back so many times I've lost count. Every month I contemplate financially ruining myself for something as simple as a hug. My physical and mental health are growing worse by the day, and I'm absolutely on the verge of emotional collapse. Admitting that is difficult enough for me, let alone writing and submitting it in this medium, so please don't take my words lightly.

I'm not a tourist. I'm just not American.

Dot. Victoria, British Columbia.My partner and I have been together for four years, and for the first three years we’d travel from Washington to B.C. or vice versa, every week or two for a nice long weekend visit. We’d spend extra time together duri… — Dot. Victoria, British Columbia.
My partner and I have been together for four years, and for the first three years we’d travel from Washington to B.C. or vice versa, every week or two for a nice long weekend visit. We’d spend extra time together during the summer and Christmas breaks too, but all that changed a year ago.
The covid restrictions immediately negatively impacted my family in many ways. My severely disabled son’s special school here in BC closed down, at which point he lost so much of his necessary 1:1 support and therapy. I was forced to stop working so I could support him and educate my other kids at home, and I didn’t even qualify for any of the emergency benefits.
Now imagine going through all of this without your partner- my kid’s step dad- and having no idea when you’ll be able to see each other again. It’s been challenging to say the least, as these extreme restrictions around border closures are unnecessarily cruel during a time when people need their support systems more than ever.
We were lucky that we got to visit each other at peace arch park a couple of times in the summer, and I was able to jump through many hoops to travel twice, but the cost and sacrifice- the quarantine, the tests- it is way too much to manage.
We cannot wait for these restrictions to be lifted, because family is essential.

Angela. Vonda, Saskatchewan.I’m separated from my fiancé who lives in North Dakota, while I live in Saskatchewan. When we first got together we lived a measly 2 hour drive apart. We would see each other most weekends. I lived 11 miles north of the b… — Angela. Vonda, Saskatchewan.
I’m separated from my fiancé who lives in North Dakota, while I live in Saskatchewan. When we first got together we lived a measly 2 hour drive apart. We would see each other most weekends. I lived 11 miles north of the border and didn’t have any fears about having a cross-border relationship. Then COVID changed everything. I was fortunate, because the weekend before the border closed I went and celebrated Ryan’s birthday with him. When the border closed we had no idea when we would be able to see each other again, but a couple months in I saw some posts about Canadians being able to fly to the States. I had accumulated lots of frequent flyer miles and was able to make trips in June, August and October. In December Ryan was able to come to Canada for just over 2 weeks thanks to the extended family exemption. Since then the unimaginable has happened... it has become even harder to go visit the man I love. With hotel quarantines and multiple testing requirements, it has become nearly impossible to visit. Still, I am determined to go even if it means I’ll have to fly there and drive back. I’m doing whatever it takes to see my love, even though this process has cost me thousands of dollars and has put me and others more at risk than driving ever would have.

Lynn. North Bend, WA.My partner lives in Victoria BC, prior to the pandemic we saw each every week. He came to WA or I went to BC. Now we are lucky if we can see each other once per month. The border closure has caused so much stress on our relation… — Lynn. North Bend, WA.
My partner lives in Victoria BC, prior to the pandemic we saw each every week. He came to WA or I went to BC. Now we are lucky if we can see each other once per month. The border closure has caused so much stress on our relationship. While I did receive an approved exemption to enter Canada, due to my children, I am not able to come to Canada for 15 days to quarantine. The burden and expense has been put entirely on my partner to come and see me in the US. He knows for our mental health it's imperative we see each other. But, with all that , comes undue financial strain, hardship with him taking on all the burden let alone his time to travel to and from. What used to be 45 minutes flight, how takes him upwards to 2 days to get to the US with Ferry, hotels stays, testing, flights. The return home is a whole other journey. Loved ones are not tourist. We cannot go any longer and survive in our relationships with this stress of being separated.

Hilary. Fort Erie, Ontario. I live in Fort Erie Ontario, and my one true love Rick lives one hour away from me across the Buffalo, New York border on Silver Springs Lake Ny. We were devastated when the border closed and ended our visits abruptly, we… — Hilary. Fort Erie, Ontario.

I live in Fort Erie Ontario, and my one true love Rick lives one hour away from me across the Buffalo, New York border on Silver Springs Lake Ny. We were devastated when the border closed and ended our visits abruptly, we sat on pins and needles each month as the renewal of the bridge closure continued.
I nearly died at the end of June last year, and had to have emergency surgery. It was awful to not have Rick with me through my recovery as I live alone. I was able to fly one way from Toronto to Chicago to Rochester and see him at the end of August last year, and after 11 glorious days he drove me to the Peace Bridge in Buffalo Ny, where I took a cab back to Canada, and self quarantined my 14 days.
We have not been together since then, 6 months ago, this brings us excruciating heartache, and both our mental health is suffering. To be kept from the one you love is so cruel. I am begging and pleading for something to be done immediately, to help loved ones across the borders reunited, safely with no quarantine rules, as a lot of us have jobs.

LIbby. Bothell, WA.I am a US citizen living in a suburb of Seattle Washington. My husband is a Canadian citizen living just outside of Vancouver British Columbia. We have been together for 3 1/2 years and were married August 8, 2020. Before the pa… — LIbby. Bothell, WA.
I am a US citizen living in a suburb of Seattle Washington. My husband is a Canadian citizen living just outside of Vancouver British Columbia. We have been together for 3 1/2 years and were married August 8, 2020.

Before the pandemic, my husband and I spent every weekend and holiday together. Our bi-national homes are only 90 minutes apart, so we had the luxury of being able to be with each other as often as possible while maintaining our respective citizenships

Because we are now married, I was permitted to cross the land border into Canada to see my husband with minimal difficulty. My husband, however, is not allowed to cross into the US via the land border due to the essential travel only restrictions.

We are aware that Canadians are allowed to enter the US via air; however, air travel is simply not a viable option for my husband. He has a serious auto-immune disease and takes immunosuppressant medication. He was in the hospital for nearly a year, because his immune system over reacted to a virus and started attacking his organs and brain as if they were the virus. He could very literally die and suffer horribly if he were to contract COVID-19, and his doctors have expressly instructed him not to fly or put himself at risk in any way.

Because of the US land border restrictions, we are only able to be together if I drive to Canada. I am fortunate to have been able to be with my husband more than most during the pandemic; however, I have now reached my maximum time allowed in Canada as a visitor and will not be able to return in the near future. As such, my husband and I would not be able to be together at all, because he cannot travel to the US with the current restrictions.

I suffer from an anxiety disorder with depression. Because of the pandemic, I have not seen my family and close friends since February 2020. Being isolated and separated from my loved ones has taken a significant toll on my emotional state. And, now with even more travel challenges on the Canadian side, I will very likely be separated from my husband for an unknown amount of time. All of these things are intensifying my stress and anxiety considerably. It is my deepest hope that the US will show compassion for people in our situation and come up with a plan to LET US REUNITE.

Taylor. Hinsdale, IL.I never planned to fall in love with a Canadian man. It was an accident, albeit a very, very happy one. Mike and I always knew that being together wasn’t going to be easy. But we were prepared to wade through the difficulties s… — Taylor. Hinsdale, IL.
I never planned to fall in love with a Canadian man. It was an accident, albeit a very, very happy one.

Mike and I always knew that being together wasn’t going to be easy. But we were prepared to wade through the difficulties so we could have a life together. We had a plan, a timeline. There was light at the end of the tunnel. We hadn’t planned for a global pandemic.

COVID-19 shut the Canada/US border on March 21, 2020. Mike had gone back to Canada on March 13th. There was no way we could have known that when we kissed goodbye that morning before he headed to the airport, it would be the last time we would touch for over 100 days.

Those 100 days were some of the toughest of my life. I was facing the death of my performing career for the foreseeable future, leaving my apartment, friends and life in New York and moving back in with my family, and feeling the heartbreaking loss of my dream wedding all without the comfort of with my fiancé.

Sure, we texted all day long and FaceTimed every night, but it wasn’t the same. I can’t tell you how many times I said goodnight to him with tears soaking into my pillow, reaching out to the other side of the bed in the darkness, grasping for a hand that wasn’t there. We were in pain, and it seemed like no one could or even wanted to help.

Both Mike and I work remotely. He was able to fly to the US in July of 2020 so we could get married in a civil ceremony, just the two of us and an officiant. Our dream wedding has (as of this writing) been postponed twice.

Mike and I are some of the lucky ones, as our lifestyle and careers provide us with the flexibility and means to fly and quarantine. But that luck doesn't take away from the stress, pain, risk, expense and fear of what we're facing every time Mike comes to the states or I go to Canada, Being in a cross-border relationship is hard enough without adding the stress of a pandemic.

Just like every other couple, we can't help that we fell in love. Just like every other couple, all we want is to be together in these horrifying times.

All we're asking is for mercy. Please.

Valerie. Sainte-Catherine, Quebec. I have seen my fiancé only once since the borders closure. I saw him in January 2020, then had bought tickets to go visit him in March 2020, the very weekend everything shut down. I live near Montreal, Quebec, and … — Valerie. Sainte-Catherine, Quebec.
I have seen my fiancé only once since the borders closure. I saw him in January 2020, then had bought tickets to go visit him in March 2020, the very weekend everything shut down. I live near Montreal, Quebec, and he lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

After months of not seeing him, I gave in and went to visit him for a week in early November 2020. I have not seen him in person since.

My fiancé and I have known each other since 2018, have been in love with each other since, but I was married. I ended up divorcing my ex (not to be with my now fiancé, but for a thousand other reasons). We officially started dating in late October 2019. I went to visit him about every 4-6 weeks. When the borders closed, although I 100% understood the reasons, I was devastated. I've been living on my own, in our apartment, since July 2020.

Even though in October 2020, the government allowed travel for binational couples, the quarantine is a problem. Again, I 100% support it, but I have shared custody of my kids with my ex, and I cannot be separated from them for 14 days (+ the length of the visit to the States). Not only it's too hard for my kids to be away from me for a long time (and it's awful for me too), my ex dangles this to my face to try and take them away from me (saying I'm an awful mother for taking trips in a pandemic).

I live alone. I have crippling anxiety about going outside. I don't even go in grocery stores because I'm terrified to catch Covid. I don't see anyone. No friends, no parents, I literally don't leave my home other than to drop off/pick up my kids at school. I don't go on vacation during a pandemic because I don't care about health rules. I only travelled once, to go spend a week with my fiancé (we got engaged during that visit), after being apart for over 9 months. And I haven't seen him since that week. My mental health has suffered a lot from this. I know we all suffered from this, I don't mean to complain. But I still see a therapist (virtually) every other week because I am anxious and depressed. Again, I approve the border closures for leisure travel. We don't need to go on cruises for now, we can all survive without this. But being kept apart from the love of my life feels like a punishment for falling in love with someone not living in Canada.

We are looking into having him move here, we hired an immigration lawyer to take care of his case. But to make it happen, we have to get married. How are we supposed to make it happen if we are both not allowed in each other's country?

I binge-eat to fill the void inside. I don't even want to know how much weight I gained since the lockdown. I'm a wreck. I have mental breakdowns on a weekly basis. I cry myself to sleep. I wonder what I did wrong in my life to be kept away from the person that I love. I only have one income to maintain my household. The fact that my fiancé hasn't been able to move here yet makes it that I can barely pay all my expenses. And I feel hopeless right now. I took part into the different initiatives in this Fb group and the Faces of Advocacy group, and nothing improved, at least in my life. The government couldn't care less about binational couples.

Again, I'd like to reiterate that I support all safety measures to stop the pandemic, but I feel like the current situation has nothing to do with travel; the virus is spreading in communities now, not only from abroad.

Jessica. Welland, Ontario.Since March 16th, 2020 my spouse and our 4 children have been unable to live our lives together. My spouse and I used to cross 3-4x a week between Niagara and Buffalo. We chose this option of having two homes for the time b… — Jessica. Welland, Ontario.
Since March 16th, 2020 my spouse and our 4 children have been unable to live our lives together. My spouse and I used to cross 3-4x a week between Niagara and Buffalo. We chose this option of having two homes for the time being as all of our children are still in school and we would like them to finish school in their respective areas before amalgamating to one home.
Since this time I have been to Buffalo once in Sept 2020. Taking a month off unpaid from work. To which I stayed for 10 days then came home to quarantine in Canada for 14 days before returning to work as a frontline healthcare worker. Since that time we have received our family exemption form for my spouse, to which he came over twice. It is financially draining along with emotionally. We haven’t been together as a family in a year. As a frontline healthcare worker it has been extremely difficult as I have held the hands of those dying with covid and unable to come home to the person I need the most.I am now fully vaccinated and for me to travel again will be another month off work, travel to the airport, board multiple packed planes, and receive a total of 5 covid swabs between my pre-departure and return to Canada.Instead of driving myself in my own vehicle across the border.
This has drained all of us is so many ways financially, mentally and emotionally we are trying to keep it together. We aren’t asking for open borders but we are asking to be together. Let us reunite. Please.

Sean. Sarnia, Ontario.Less than 10 miles separates me from my partner Sally; unfortunately the Bluewater Bridge border crossing is in the middle of those miles. At a time of incredible stress and uncertainty we need to be with our loved ones. Since … — Sean. Sarnia, Ontario.
Less than 10 miles separates me from my partner Sally; unfortunately the Bluewater Bridge border crossing is in the middle of those miles. At a time of incredible stress and uncertainty we need to be with our loved ones. Since the closure of the U.S/Canadian land border this has been made extremely difficult by both governments. We were very appreciative of the Canadian government introducing land border entry exemptions for extended family and committed couples and took advantage of that opportunity to reunite in the fall of 2020; unfortunately that trip to Canada used up all of Sally's available vacation time and she will not be able to take advantage of that exemption again. I, the Canadian partner, have twice flown into the U.S. to be with my partner. What was once a 15 minute drive in my car entailed a 3 hour drive to Toronto, a 45 minute flight to Detroit, and an hour drive north to Sally's home in Clyde, Michigan. Substantial additional costs of travel were incurred but more concerning is that this method of travel exposed me to hundreds of people unnecessarily. Being able to enter the U.S. land border in my personal vehicle would expose me only to the border agent before I would be able to isolate at Sally's home whereas flying through two busy airports needlessly exposed me to hundreds of fellow travelers and numerous border officials. If the goal of closing the border was to prevent spread of COVID-19 then the current measures actually have greater potential for the opposite effect. The periods of separation, months at a time, have been difficult emotionally. Sally and I are both aware of the mental toll and depression being forcibly separated has caused. It is wholly unnecessary; our mental health should be as important as our physical health. Safe means of reunification exist and those seeking to reunify with family and partners are extra motivated to do so safely.

Steffani. Brockville, Ontario.Before covid-19 cross the Canadian/US border was so easy. Me being 30 min drive away from the border and my husband being 1 1/2 hours from the border. I made that 2 hour drive every other week and spent the whole week i… — Steffani. Brockville, Ontario.
Before covid-19 cross the Canadian/US border was so easy. Me being 30 min drive away from the border and my husband being 1 1/2 hours from the border. I made that 2 hour drive every other week and spent the whole week in the US with my partner and his 2 sons from a previous marriage. He would come to Canadian on weekends either alone or with his sons to visit me and my children from a previous marriage. Our blended family spent holidays together. When the borders closed in March I was at my partners home in the US. I remember leaving thinking okay I'll see him in a month at most. Each month turned into another. And after 5 months of being separated. I drove 4hrs to an airport. I spent all morning at the airport.(my first time ever flying) I was scared. But I had to do it in order to be able to see my partner. I flew from Toronto to Philadelphia from Philadelphia to Syracuse NY. How this was safer then my usual 2 hour drive is beyond me.
We got married in NY. We had a small justice of the peace covid wedding. We then drove back into Canada. We got to spend 4 months together before the separation from my step children started taking its toll on my husband. So my husband went back to NY in November. We are now in March of the next year. We have been separated another 5 months. We didn't get to spend our birthdays together. Our first Christmas & New years together as a married couple. We have missed so many milestone most couples would have had during their first year of marriage. I haven't seen my stepsons in 9 months. Our Canadian children haven't seen their American siblings in over a year.
The quarantine rules in Canadian is what's stopping my husband from coming. Taking 2 to 3 weeks off work is just not doable for him with work.
We are praying the US will make family exemptions like Canada done. This will be the only way we can see each other.

Jen. Burnaby, British Columbia.My partner, Joey, lives in Spokane Washington while I live in Burnaby, BC. He is only about a 6.5 hour drive away from me. We tried to plan a few opportunities to see each other during the border shut down only to find… — Jen. Burnaby, British Columbia.
My partner, Joey, lives in Spokane Washington while I live in Burnaby, BC. He is only about a 6.5 hour drive away from me. We tried to plan a few opportunities to see each other during the border shut down only to find that there were so many rules prohibiting that. It took months of planning and waiting until 2021 for my vacation time to roll over so that I would have 4 weeks vacation- 2 to visit him and 2 to quarantine when I got home. The initial plan was for me to drive across. I felt safer and at less of a risk for getting sick by being in my own vehicle. As well as bringing over his birthday gift, which was too big to fit in a suitcase. The closer to the travel date that I got, the more I realized that the US border would not be making exceptions for partners to drive across to see there loved ones. This is when I had to look into flights. Now there is no direct flight from Vancouver Airport to Spokane. This meant that I had to take 2 flights, travel through 3 separate airports, all at a cost much higher than it would have been to drive over. I had to ship his birthday present and hope it arrived in time. I had to purchase 2 plane tickets to get me there, as well as a cost for a checked bag. All of this to be able to spend 2 weeks with my loved one that I have been separated from for so long. There needs to be exceptions for compassionate reasons. Being separated from a loved one like this is detrimental to mental health.

Suzanne. Ottawa, Ontario.I became a widow in 2014, the support I needed at the time was nowhere to be found until I found a group SSI that was based in the US. They held a camp for widow people three times a year, Tampa, San Diego and Toronto. In th… — Suzanne. Ottawa, Ontario.
I became a widow in 2014, the support I needed at the time was nowhere to be found until I found a group SSI that was based in the US. They held a camp for widow people three times a year, Tampa, San Diego and Toronto. In these camps i became friends with so many people throughout the world. In the group I found a gentleman that I could never imagine being in a relationship with, to my surprise we started seeing each other on a regular basis. I’m retired and he’s still working in New York so it was just easier for me to drive and see him every couple of weeks..
Now Covid happened and it’s getting harder and harder to see each other, it’s not just the financial part that is hard cuz now I have to pay for flights but the hardship of quarantine for 14 days plays on your mental aspect too.

Emily. Grand Island, NY.I’ve been separated from my husband, Cameron Kyle, who only lives 35 minutes (27 miles) from my house, for the better portion of the last year. We aren’t as fortunate as some cross-border couples, in the sense that we do not … — Emily. Grand Island, NY.
I’ve been separated from my husband, Cameron, who only lives 35 minutes (27 miles) from my house, for the better portion of the last year. We aren’t as fortunate as some cross-border couples, in the sense that we do not share a land border, and are not able to stand a few feet apart and visit. We have the Niagara River separating our countries, making it virtually impossible to be near one other during the closure. We’ve tried numerous ways of making our “visits” feel as normal as possible. In the warmer months, we have been through multiple hikes to try and find the closest point across the river to be near one another. Dealing with the poor cell reception near the border though, has led us to invest in walkie-talkies and binoculars; again, to feel as close and connected as possible.

In February 2020, Cameron proposed to me; we were both elated to be moving forward, together. What was supposed to be a happy time in our lives, has now become one of the darkest, and seemingly never-ending. We are both managing the physical and emotional pain of the separation, battling with regular bouts of depression and defeat. I feel envious of other couples, who have each to combat the pandemic together; their best friend, and partner by their side. We vowed to be there for better and worse, and our two countries have now made that impossible. Our support systems were ripped away from us during the days when we needed them most. This is one of the most difficult and frightening times that many of us have ever lived through, and it’s felt as though we’re going through each day alone.

Aside from the emotional distress, the financial implications of being able to see one another, albeit only briefly during the border closure, has been a serious concern for us. We have spent approximately $2,500 to date on travel-related expenses. Under these current border restrictions, we can’t afford to see each other again. Cameron has put himself (and our families) at risk by flying into the country twice during the pandemic. Having to deal with flights, flight cancellations, and car rentals. But what was the alternative? Had he not, we would have seen each other once in the past year. We will never understand how it is deemed safer to travel through multiple international airports, exposing himself and others to COVID-19, rather than drive a personal vehicle across a land border, one house to another. 35 minutes, and 27 miles; that’s it. Instead, he’s forced to fly 400+ miles with an added 8+ hour drive. I understood why the border measures were so strict at the beginning of the pandemic, but even Canada reviewed their actions, and added compassionate crossing rights for families within three months of the closure. The U.S. hasn’t reciprocated those measures in any way.

Cameron and I used to see one another, and our families, 2-3 times each week. All we ask is to be able to see one another, safely. No more missed birthdays, anniversaries, or other life milestones. No more walkie-talkies, binoculars and virtual dinners dates through a screen. No more forced separation. We pray for a change in these rules, every day.

Brittany. Windsor, Ontario.This is our story. My boyfriend; Mark and I have been together for pretty much two years. This photo was taken the one time we have been able to see each other since the closure In March of 2020. In order to get to Berkl… — Brittany. Windsor, Ontario.
This is our story. My boyfriend; Mark and I have been together for pretty much two years. This photo was taken the one time we have been able to see each other since the closure In March of 2020.

In order to get to Berkley, Michigan, I had to fly and take a connecting flight which is crazy considering I live in Windsor, Ontario (twenty-five minutes away via the tunnel) and the COVID risk was much greater. I had to travel through multiple airports when I could have safely crossed in my car on my own. In addition, I am a single mother and there was definitively an extra cost.

Combined we have three boys and the two younger ones are both the same age and they miss each other so much. We spent every weekend together before the closure filled with fun family outings and movies in pajamas.

My son unfortunately does not have his father in his life currently and he looked forward to his weekend with the boys because he spends all his time with his mama and Mark never made him feel like any less than his own. My son speaks often about how much he misses them and I miss them too. My son lost his father and than he lost Mark too, this has been very hard on him as well. I had a very rough go in my last relationship before I met this man and my life has been so much brighter with him in it. He is my heart and I miss him terribly every day. We spend hours on the phone together every night, we video and we let the boys video also. We go to bed together on the phone every night but it's not the same.

I have missed his 40th birthday as well as all of our birthdays. We spent our anniversary apart as well as all of the other holidays. This past Valentines day was very tough on us emotionally. We send gifts back and forth but it is a lot more expensive and feels less personal. Mark's Christmas gifts were stolen from my house before we could get them and we should have been able to spend Christmas together so that this didn't need to happen.

The pandemic has been emotionally tough on everyone but it is especially tough when you separate families and take away the hugs that make the isolation feel less painful; what I would do to hug this man right now. There have been and still are days when I feel emotionally defeated as a single mother struggling with hardships inflicted from the pandemic. Something as simple as a hug from the man I love would be exactly the comfort I need, yet we are denied that as well.

I feel like we have been very understanding thus far but we are approaching a year and things need to change. Nobody should be separated from their family and this is ours.

Essential workers and nurses can cross freely and be exempt from quarantine so that they may have access to their employment but we do not have the same privilege to have access to our family. Implementing a quarantine of two weeks makes it unreasonable for any person to take 3 weeks off work at a time to make their already lost time together worthwhile.

Have we really come to a place where we can say employment is more essential than our loved ones? I have to believe that people have the ability and compassion to see what's really important in life so that I don't lose faith in humanity.

I challenge all who have the power to change this border closure to have empathy and mentally place their loved ones on the other side of a closed border.

It's time for change let us reunite!

Kelley. Brooklin, Ontario.A year ago, I was filled with excitement as I was making the final plans for our wedding, March 7, 2020. Adam and I had been dating for 5 years and were dreaming of this magical day for so long. I travelled to Michigan to m… — Kelley. Brooklin, Ontario.
A year ago, I was filled with excitement as I was making the final plans for our wedding, March 7, 2020. Adam and I had been dating for 5 years and were dreaming of this magical day for so long. I travelled to Michigan to marry the man of my dreams not knowing the heartbreak that was right in front of us. We had the happiest day, I kissed him goodbye (no talk of the virus that weekend) and I headed back to Canada and that would be the last time for a very long time as COVID-19 began to ramp up and borders closed. Since there it has been a year of suffering and struggling - missing minutes, hours, days, months, seasons and now almost a full year - remaining hopeful yet devastated at the same time. Our first year wedding anniversary will be spent apart just like our birthdays were and every other special occasion over the last year. I miss my stepkids, our kids have missed out on so much bonding. We bought a house in September 2020 in Michigan and I have never stepped foot in it. My husband waits patiently to share the excitement of having me see our dream home and has put everything on hold until I am able to get there. He is hurting, I am hurting. Flying is out of the question - I did it in the summer out of desperation but I don't have the financial means of doing it again and also I am not interested in spending time in airports and planes with other travelers. Driving in my car, safely by myself seems to make so much more sense for families who are being kept apart. We do feel blessed as my husband is a dual citizen and has been able to cross a few times to Canada and quarantine for us to be together - we know how lucky we are but at the same time, we are missing out on so much and our lives are on hold. We hold on to those moments together so tightly not knowing when we will see each other again. It kills me every time he drives away. The mental strain is taking its toll - sometimes both of us feel like we have to hold off on any good things that happen in each others lives as the other person was not there to share in the excitement and happiness. The heartache of missing someone you love so much grows each day that passes.

Danielle. Plattsburgh, NY.My boyfriend and I use to see each other every weekend plus a few week nights, sometimes in my Canadian home country, and sometimes in his US home country. I live literally 7 km from the border, and him about 35 km. We went… — Danielle. Plattsburgh, NY.
My boyfriend and I use to see each other every weekend plus a few week nights, sometimes in my Canadian home country, and sometimes in his US home country. I live literally 7 km from the border, and him about 35 km. We went 3 long months without seeing each other !

I saw on the news shortly after that people were still flying into the US and that their air border remained open. I could not believe my eyes. Three days later I was boarding my plane. What would be a 45 minute drive from point A to point B, turned into a 12-hour travel day, 3 international airports, one 4-hour layover in Chicago, a time zone change, hundreds of dollars in airfare and lifts to the airports both ways.

We did not waste anytime, Canada had already extended its laws by this time to include spouses. We decided to elope (at the dismay of my family). We didn't know what the future held. We were hoping the US would grant the same exceptions at the border for spouses in the coming weeks/months. Yet here we are, 6 months later, and still no exceptions have been made for family reunification. Not only have Canadian laws been amended for immediate family, but now extended family as well. And the US you ask? Still has not budged.

I have had to fly into the US 4 times in the past months, each time costing me hundreds of dollars, multiple airports, putting me even more at risk of this infectious disease, and a two week quarantine upon each of my returns to Canada. Each plane ride, thinking to myself, this will surely be the last. Luckily for me, my work is flexible, however I understand this is far from everyones reality. We consider ourselves blessed. We are not asking for open borders, we are simply asking to be with the ones we love!

Sherry. London, Ontario.I have been in a Domestic / Common-Law Relationship for the last two years with my American Boyfriend, Tom L. Our former spouses passed away in Fall 2017 and Winter 2018. Tom and I met and have developed a loving committed re… — Sherry. London, Ontario.
I have been in a Domestic / Common-Law Relationship for the last two years with my American Boyfriend, Tom L. Our former spouses passed away in Fall 2017 and Winter 2018. Tom and I met and have developed a loving committed relationship. We have provided important emotional support to each other and have developed a new life together.

With our homes in Rochester, NY and London, Ontario the land border closing has prevented me from driving into the U.S. to be with Tom and his family. Thankfully, Canada’s Family Reunification exemption along with our significant relationship documentation has allowed him to travel to London, Ontario. I have been unable to drive to the U.S. to be with them since March 2020.

He has a medical condition that requires him to return to the U.S. for treatments. At times, we are separated months during which I have been prevented from supporting him in person. This separation has impacted our ability to give one another psychological, physical, social, and much-needed medical assistance.

It is our desire that the U.S. reciprocate the Family Reunification Program which Canada has presently in place to allow land border crossing for partners / families. “Let Us Reunite” as soon as possible.

Dana. Georgetown, Ontario.I am Canadian, my boyfriend Nestor is American. I’m in Georgetown Ontario and he is in Queens, NY. We met online 3 years ago and in person a few weeks later on April 13th. . We’ve been together ever since and plan to marry.… — Dana. Georgetown, Ontario.
I am Canadian, my boyfriend Nestor is American. I’m in Georgetown Ontario and he is in Queens, NY. We met online 3 years ago and in person a few weeks later on April 13th. . We’ve been together ever since and plan to marry. We flew and drove back and forth to see each other every month before the border was closed. Since then, I was able to fly to NY a few times to see Nestor as I was off work due to Covid. Since I started working I have only seen Nestor 1 time in the past 8 months. We both are having a lot of trouble coping with the separation. He has no close family or friends save for his daughter and I have no close friends. Nestor has not been able to come to Canada in the past year. He has not seen my children in over a year as I cannot afford flights and accommodation to bring them with me when I have gone to see him.

And he has not seen my father who is suffering from cancer and recently rapid onset Alzheimer’s and I am unsure if Nestor will see him again unfortunately. The emotional toll of being separated from each other is immeasurable. We are struggling daily and hope there is some change soon that allows us to see each other. We are both dealing with health issues resulting from the stress of being apart.

Amy. Kingston, Ontario.I live in Kingston, Ontario, close to the New York border. My husband, a native of Texas, lives in Watertown, New York. From my door to his is 51 minutes by car, but I have not been in our home in New York since February of 20… — Amy. Kingston, Ontario.
I live in Kingston, Ontario, close to the New York border. My husband, a native of Texas, lives in Watertown, New York. From my door to his is 51 minutes by car, but I have not been in our home in New York since February of 2020, and he has been to Kingston once since March of 2020- at Christmas.

We have two amazing sons together, 5 and 8 years old, who miss their dad considerably. It has been a struggle for us all, but our children didn’t choose this lifestyle and don’t understand why it has to be this way.

To compound the pain of being away from my husband, and he away from us, my brother, cousin and father all died in the time between March and December, when my husband finally had enough time at work to accommodate a quarantine here in Canada and then upon return in the US. My husband was not only unable to attend funerals or say goodbye to my family members, I was unable to properly mourn or spend time in the hospital because I didn’t have anyone to leave my children with, due to my husband’s absence and COVID.

We often speak of when we can be together again. My husband had to ask my children whether they prefer he come at Easter or for a birthday for one of the kids in May. It really shouldn’t have to be like this- we should be allowed to be together, without the threat of deportation if he can’t stay here 15 days and, we can’t even go to the US at all.

Suzanne. Harrison Township, MI.After spending 8 years, except for time to return home for appts. etc., with my Canadian partner, Pat Healy, we were separated on March 21, 2020. We had returned from a month in Florida on March 18th. The border crossi… — Suzanne. Harrison Township, MI.
After spending 8 years, except for time to return home for appts. etc., with my Canadian partner, Pat Healy, we were separated on March 21, 2020. We had returned from a month in Florida on March 18th. The border crossings were closing and his allotted time in the US was up. Never did we think we would not be able to see each other by April!

We are both in our early 70’s and live alone. We live 90 minutes from each other and that includes crossing the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron/ Sarnia and going thru customs. It was hard enough not to be able to see children and grandchildren but to be without my companion was almost unbearable. No one to hug, kiss, cook and converse with etc. No companionship at all!

In desperation, Pat finally arranged to fly to Detroit the end of August. This involved over a nine hour day to fly 48 minutes from Toronto to Detroit, not to mention cost, exposure to multiple interactions versus a 90 minute drive and one customs official. Happily we were together for 5 weeks. He had to return the same way he came.

Thank heavens the Canadian government in October 2020 provided a means for extended family members to visit Canada. We filled out the necessary forms, had them notarized and I was approved in mid November. I was able to be with my partner November 16th-December 31st. Returning home to finally be with children and grandchildren that had isolated themselves from December 15th and to keep a scheduled medical appt.

I returned to Canada again on January 16th without any issues at the border but did mention I was working with a group to open the US border. I returned home on February 15th due to multiple scheduled medical/dental appts. and to start the COVID-19 Vaccine series.

Haley. Fort Wayne, IN.I am a 31 year old single mother of two small boys, ages 3 and 5. I am separated from my long term boyfriend, who lives in Windsor, ON- which is roughly 2.5 hours away. 2020 was the roughest year of my life. I battled for cust… — Haley. Fort Wayne, IN.
I am a 31 year old single mother of two small boys, ages 3 and 5. I am separated from my long term boyfriend, who lives in Windsor, ON- which is roughly 2.5 hours away.

2020 was the roughest year of my life. I battled for custody of my children from a toxic ex, who was trying to have the courts relocate my children out of state from me. I worked two jobs to support myself and my children with no other financial help while paying for lawyer fees. My job shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic so I had to seek other employment that was deemed essential, and I was away from the only emotional support I had which is my boyfriend who lives in Canada.

He watched me struggle every day through a computer screen, doing everything he possibly could while a world away. In July 2020, he flew to the US to spend 5 days with me, sacrificing weeks worth of pay and then enduring the loneliness of quarantining alone in a house for 2 weeks. Even at this point, only months into the closed border, we were both seeing depression and anxiety in each others eyes. The man I loved so much, who was once so extroverted, optimistic and could laugh at anything was now quiet and alone.

Fast forward to 2021. My court case is over, and the outcome was not what I was hoping for. I have relocated to another state, away from everyone I know and care for. I am starting a new career in a new city. My Canadian boyfriend, Matt, offers everything he can, but with restrictions as they are, he can't do much. I see his frustration when I tell him about my car issues, which he could easily fix. Or about my lack of babysitters so I can work more or finish my degree, which he would gladly help with. I am willing to go through any personal battles that I have to, but life would be so much brighter if I wasn't alone. I want my partner to share my life with me, especially during trying times such as now. I understand that precautions are necessary.

I am tired of telling my children that Matt cant come over to play yet. I am tired of fantasizing about simple activities him and I could do, like have a movie night in my new apartment, or make dinner together. I am tired of following US/Canada border news daily, hoping that something might happen to allow me a weekend with someone I want to spend every day with. I am tired of feeling like my government does acknowledge me and others like me. I am tired.

Ren. Williams Lake, British Columbia.My husband (then boyfriend) and I had intended to reunite in early 2020 as he was starting a new job in B.C. and I was returning to the US from a job abroad in Russia. But when the border closed with us on either… — Ren. Williams Lake, British Columbia.
My husband (then boyfriend) and I had intended to reunite in early 2020 as he was starting a new job in B.C. and I was returning to the US from a job abroad in Russia. But when the border closed with us on either side, we had no idea when we'd see each other again. The stress of living through a public health crisis without your partner cannot be understated. We worried about each other getting sick alone constantly. I started getting migraines, I felt nauseous, I felt anxious, and in late spring of last year (during the period of the pandemic where everything was incredibly chaotic and uncertain, the messaging was mixed, and everyone was panic-buying) I suffered what I can only classify as a mental breakdown. And my partner couldn't help me.

We had wanted to get engaged and get married someday, but during the pandemic it became the only escape hatch we had available, and so in order to reconnect and alleviate the mental health strain the separation put on us (compounded by the trauma the pandemic put everyone through) we got married in the States after being apart for eleven months. This, after many starts and stops, herculean efforts for him to get time off to come down to the States (then quarantine) and then coordinate available court appointments. It all hinged on everything working out absolutely perfectly, and in the end, we simply got lucky that it all worked out.

It's amazing what something as simple as a hug can do. And when I was able to hug him for the first time in nearly a calander year, it felt like shedding literal weight.
I'm now in Canada with him, beginning the process of obtaining permanent residency, but I still struggle with anxiety around us somehow getting separated again, especially as our two countries continue to drag their heels on solidifying reunification policies.

In a crisis, everyone wants to be with the ones they love, whether that be a romantic partner, their parents, their children. Living through a pandemic has been scary and traumatizing for everyone the world over, but for those not able to weather the storm together, or forced to say goodbye over the phone has added an additional layer of tragedy.

We are no longer in those first confusing, chaotic, uncertain few months. We know what this virus is, we know how to combat it, and now we have vaccines that will hopefully bring this crisis to heel. It's long overdue to let families reconnect and pick up the pieces safely together, as my partner and I have been lucky enough to be able to do.

Elizabeth. North Tonawanda, NY. My partner, Paul and I were engaged on February 17 of 2020 - three weeks before the pandemic shuttered the world. We would have been married by now but the sudden border closure has kept us from even seeing each other… — Elizabeth. North Tonawanda, NY.
My partner, Paul and I were engaged on February 17 of 2020 - three weeks before the pandemic shuttered the world. We would have been married by now but the sudden border closure has kept us from even seeing each other, let alone making plans.

While he was living in the US when we met almost 8 years ago, 5 years ago he made the difficult decision to return home and complete his PhD. For those 5 years we visited each other every weekend, and we took numerous trips together for weeks at a time - to Ottawa for Canada Day, to New England for ski season, or up north to his family cottage to spend time on the lake during the summer. Paul is only 70 miles from where I sit. After so many years of driving back and forth, we were ready to move on from that chapter and finally build a life together under one roof.

Last February, it seemed like that dream was within reach. Paul was nearing completion of his PhD program, fielding job offers in the US and most importantly to me - our plans for an October wedding meant that my father, who at that time was only recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was assured to be there with me on that most important day. On March 8, we visited our wedding venue and were set to move forward and only a few days later, the border closed and has separated us ever since.

Since then, I've had to give up my home and then seek temporary housing as it is impossible to even sign a lease when I have no way of knowing when this will end and we can begin our lives together. My stress has been increased by the fact that as a special education teacher I have been under enormous new pressures at work. The stress of this situation has brought me a painful GI disorder and the stress of the procedures and treatment has been hard to bear without my partner at my side.

In the last year, we’ve missed holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, countless family events and worst of all - his older brother, passed away suddenly, which has been deeply painful for my partner and his family, and the border closure has meant we cannot be together to grieve this painful loss. Seeing my partner in pain and feeling powerless to do anything about it is not something I'd wish on my worst enemy.

This was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives, but instead it has been marred with the pain of what feels like an unending separation, made worse by the fact that we can’t even predict when this will end and we will be allowed to move forward with our lives.

Tracy. Buffalo, NY.I met my partner in 2017, never expecting to date someone from Canada. I'm not even sure why it seemed so impossible considering I live in Buffalo, NY. I'm closer to Canada than I am to NYC. When I started dating Jeremy, we crosse… — Tracy. Buffalo, NY.
I met my partner in 2017, never expecting to date someone from Canada. I'm not even sure why it seemed so impossible considering I live in Buffalo, NY. I'm closer to Canada than I am to NYC. When I started dating Jeremy, we crossed the border regularly, at least weekly, if not more often. My home in Buffalo is 45 minutes from his home in Welland, ON. He's closer to me than my best friend who lives in Rochester, NY.

Over the course of the last three years, our lives have become intertwined, spending holidays and birthdays, with each other's families. He and his children came to Buffalo to watch my niece perform in her school musical. I went to Canada to see his daughter's holiday show at school. We became part of each other's immediate family. I was actually in Canada, with Jeremy, having canceled a week long road trip we had planned for his birthday, when the border closed a year ago. I work in retail, and my store closed for the shutdown, so I stayed in Canada as long as I could. In May of 2020, I returned home unsure of when I would see the love of my life, and his children again.

During 2020, while dealing with the stress and anxiety of the global pandemic, we missed birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of nieces and nephews. His 16 year old son was diagnosed with a disorder which caused him to go blind, and I couldn't be there to hold their hand or make them dinner. I had a cancer scare, and had to have part of my cervix removed without my partner at my side.

To ask people in relationships that cross an international border to live through a pandemic without the person who gives them comfort, security, and hope is torture at the hands of our governments. Torture causing an immeasurable amount of emotional and mental anguish that is compounded with every passing moment. To watch your partners mental health decline while in your own downward spiral is its own version of hell. Thankfully, my co-workers agreed to cover my shifts at work for three weeks and I was able to travel to Welland on December 31st, 2020 to reunite with Jeremy after 217 days apart. We spent three weeks together, and on January 18, 2021 I returned to Buffalo; returned to the torture of an indefinite separation.

Alexis. Everett, WA.We feel forgotten. We feel neglected. People treat us as if we are criminals for being with someone on the other side of an invisible line. My wife and I live less than two hours apart - but it feels like thousands of miles. We w… — Alexis. Everett, WA.
We feel forgotten. We feel neglected. People treat us as if we are criminals for being with someone on the other side of an invisible line. My wife and I live less than two hours apart - but it feels like thousands of miles. We will miss our first wedding anniversary together this year in July, as there is no end in sight for these ridiculous measures in place. I wake up every morning wishing I’d open my eyes and my wife would be with me. My anxiety gets tougher to fight each and every day, and although I’m not alone in this fight it’s hard not to feel like I am. It’s hard to sustain any sort of optimism when we all know that towards the end of the month, the border closures are extended yet again and the US has taken zero action to reunite us with our partners and families. I’m physically and mentally exhausted. We need change. We need a government that listens. Enough is enough.

Eileen. Niagara Falls, NY.Our Story - Finding Love in our Senior Years After my husband of 18 years passed away in 2010, I never thought I would find love again. Then I met Terry in 2014. He lives 15 miles away from Rainbow Bridge in Kenmore/Tonawan… — Eileen. Niagara Falls, NY.
Our Story - Finding Love in our Senior Years
After my husband of 18 years passed away in 2010, I never thought I would find love again. Then I met Terry in 2014. He lives 15 miles away from Rainbow Bridge in Kenmore/Tonawanda, NY. I live in Niagara Falls, Canada. It was really love at first sight as sparks flew the first time we met. Seven yrs later-2021, he is 68 and I am 66, we are on LDR (Lock Down Relationship). I flew to Buffalo to be with him and it was a very stressful and scary travel by air. I could have driven, crossed Rainbow Bridge and get to his house in 20 minutes, easier and safer. I am on maintenance for High Blood Pressure and so is he plus his other meds. So we are reaching out to our elected officials to create immediate and extended family travel exemptions at the border. Terry lives by himself and so do I. To take care of each other, we make sure we text by 8AM everyday. And talk/text throughout the day. For six years we took turns every weekend driving and spend 3-4 days together. Then we spend 2 months in Costa Rica. At first, we said Distance is nothing when someone is everything, and we find strength in our love. But we are not young anymore, and we just want to be together and enjoy each other in our senior years.😩💕.

Christine. Forest, Ontario.My boyfriend, Rick Seder, lives in Michigan. We have been together for almost three years. When the border closed last March we didn’t see each other for 6 month. I had to leave my kids and grandkids to go see my spouse in… — Christine. Forest, Ontario.
My boyfriend, Rick Seder, lives in Michigan. We have been together for almost three years. When the border closed last March we didn’t see each other for 6 month. I had to leave my kids and grandkids to go see my spouse in Michigan. One should never be forced to choose between their children and their spouse. Heartbreaking.

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