A Love Story Spanning Two Countries
Yesica Aramburo’s journey to Mexico in April 2017 for the festivities in her family’s hometown of La Moncada, Guanajuato, was not just a trip—it was the beginning of an unexpected chapter in her life. At the time, she was 20 years old and studying accounting in Chicago, but the allure of experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of her Mexican heritage was too strong to resist.
During her visit, she met Ramón Vega, an automotive detailer, in the garden of a family gathering. Though they were introduced as friends of her cousin, there was an immediate connection. “From then on, there was something like chemistry,” Aramburo recalls, though neither knew each other well at the time.
Despite their initial meeting, it wasn’t until later that love truly took hold. In January 2018, Aramburo returned to Mexico with the intention of staying for a few months, drawn by the deep affection she had always felt for the country. She describes Mexico as a place where life is colorful, people are warm, and community is central. “When I was little, I would cry and ask my parents why we couldn’t live in Mexico,” she says. “There, even though people live very simply, you feel so full of so much—like you have the whole world.”
A Long-Distance Relationship and Heartbreak
Back in Chicago, Aramburo continued her studies, but her heart remained in Mexico. She and Vega reconnected, and their relationship grew stronger. However, neither felt ready for a serious commitment. They eventually started relationships with others, but the bond between them never fully faded.
In September 2020, Aramburo returned to Mexico once again, this time with the hope of finding a lasting connection. This time, their relationship became more serious, and soon after, she discovered she was pregnant. The joy of expecting a child brought them closer, but distance soon became a challenge.
Aramburo returned to Chicago for the December holidays to share the news with her family, and she stayed there until February 2021 when she flew back to Mexico for a gender reveal party. Unfortunately, complications arose, and she was advised to return to the U.S. due to losing amniotic fluid. After a brief hospital stay, she gave birth to her baby at 20 weeks. Though she held him for half an hour and was able to baptize him, he passed away shortly after.
The loss was devastating, especially because Vega could not be by her side. “It was very difficult for me because I had to do everything alone,” she explains. “I couldn’t run to see him, and although he supported me, he wasn’t physically there.”
Healing and a New Beginning
After the loss, Aramburo traveled to Guanajuato with her baby’s ashes, carrying the weight of grief. It was during this time that she and Vega began to heal together, seeking psychological therapy to navigate their shared pain. Their experiences helped them realize how much they needed each other.
Inspired by their journey, they decided to take a trip to Puerto Vallarta, where Vega proposed marriage. On February 14, 2022, they exchanged vows in a small, simple ceremony, marking the start of a consular process to apply for a green card.
The process was slow, and it took over two years before they received an appointment. During this time, Aramburo had to return to Chicago due to a requirement that the American citizen must be working in the U.S. to sponsor their partner. This forced them to be separated for long periods, which was emotionally challenging.
In August 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepted their application, and by the end of 2024, they received an invitation for an interview in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. However, Vega was placed under administrative processing, causing further anxiety. Despite the uncertainty, the couple remained hopeful.
Finally, in January 2025, they received the news they had been waiting for: Vega’s immigrant visa was approved. The moment was filled with tears of joy, and they celebrated with family and friends.
A New Chapter Together
Vega’s flight to Chicago arrived, and Aramburo greeted him with a welcome sign and heartfelt excitement. For over a year now, they have been living their love story in Chicago. Their goal is to build a future together, including having another baby and ensuring better care if anything happens again.
They also dream of returning to Mexico one day to build a home there. “The real reason for being here in the U.S. is because we plan to have another baby,” Aramburo says. “But the plan is also to return to Mexico and one day, build a home there too.”
