A Charlotte family is facing a heartbreaking and unthinkable situation. The couple is trying to bring their British niece to live with them after she lost both of her parents from separate illnesses.

But because she’s 16, the U.S. won’t allow it, leaving the orphaned teen to live on her own.

Arun Kallikadavil and his wife Sushila Rayaprolu have had a bedroom in their Charlotte home ready for their niece since May. There are photos of her parents, her guitars, and all new furniture.

But the room is empty.

“We never thought anything like this would ever happen to any child or any family, it’s been devastating,” Kallikadavil said.

Married for 20 years, Kallikadavil and Rayaprolu were extremely close with her sister and brother-in-law, and their daughter Pramiti Taranikanti.

Taranikanti lived in London with her parents until her mom lost a long fight with breast cancer in November 2020. Then in May of this year, her dad had a heart attack. He called his daughter for help as the symptoms started, and she called her uncle in Charlotte.

“Her exact words were, ‘I’m trying to save my dad, I’m giving him CPR,’” Kallikadavil remembers, adding, “‘My only surviving parent is not breathing. I want you to be here right now.’”

Taranikanti’s father died in her arms.

“It was heartbreaking, shocking,” Kallikadavil said.

“It feels very surreal,” Taranikanti said. “You hear on the news somebody’s been orphaned, but you never imagine something like that could happen to you, and then it does and it’s just like — is this really happening to me?”

Her parents left clear instructions in their wills — Taranikanti was to go live with her aunt and uncle in Charlotte.

“The poor child is having to go through so much we are trying everything we can but we are unable to give her the stability and safety that is all she’s asking for,” Rayaprolu said.

They’ve tried since May to bring her to live with them in Charlotte, but U.S. Immigration has turned down everything they’ve tried, from adoption to a student visa so she could attend a local private school.

“The immigration officer stated there were not enough substantial ties for her to return back and she’s a potential immigrant and refused the visa, all because, what I feel, we have a simple rule book that says compassion is not part of that rulebook, it’s unfortunate,” Kallikadavil explained.

Taranikanti is devastated.

“It just feels like no matter which way we go we’re just gonna be shot down again and again,” Taranikanti said. “We’re trying everything we can, especially my aunt and uncle, they are moving the entire world for me and it just feels like even that isn’t enough and I don’t know what more they can do.”

Rayaprolu has been going back and forth to London – taking leave from her job as a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools math teacher. Taranikanti has been shuffling among friends’ houses.

They’ve worked with 30 immigration attorneys and Senator Thom Tillis’ office, and they are now trying one last thing — applying for what’s called humanitarian parole.

“We are going to fight all the way through to make sure she’s going to be with us,” Rayaprolu said.

Taranikanti is hopeful something will work soon.

“Just to get some kind of stability until I turn 18 so that I can build a life for myself and have the means and opportunity to do so like everyone else does,” she said.

The family has started a petition in the hopes of bringing Taranikanti to Charlotte.

WATCH THE FULL STORY HERE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/features/charlotte-family-fights-bring-orphaned-niece-london/275-0d0ed80d-633b-478e-92e8-adc8a6b3ce25

The Best Places to Live and Work in Charlotte North Carolina

Located in the state of North Carolina, Charlotte is one of the largest cities in the United States. It is a large city that offers something for everyone. It is also an affordable city with a high quality of life. Charlotte is considered to be one of the best places to live and work in the United States.

Charlotte is home to several sports teams. Some of the teams include the Charlotte Hornets, the Carolina Panthers, and the BB&T Knights. These teams have passionate fans.

Charlotte is also home to a number of breweries. Some of the best breweries include Catawba Brewing, NoDa Brewing, and Triple C Brewing. Brewery tours are available.

Charlotte is also home to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. The museum has nearly a million pieces of art, including works by Edgar Degas, Jasper Johns, and more. The museum is open on Sundays from noon to five p.m.

Charlotte is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is a popular attraction for both visitors and residents. Charlotte also hosts a number of NASCAR races, including the Xfinity Series. The Cup Series qualifies later in the evening.

There is also plenty of sightseeing to do in Charlotte. Freedom Park is a 98-acre park that features athletic fields, paved trails, and beautiful scenery. Charlotte is also close to Lake Norman and Lake Wylie.

Charlotte is also home to the Uptown district. The Uptown district is home to some of the city’s most popular museums and restaurants. The Uptown district also includes the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Johnson & Wales University.

Charlotte is also home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the largest tracks in the United States.

Charlotte is also home to the Funny Bus. The Funny Bus is a fun attraction. It features a PG-13 rating. It is also a great way to make a huge impression on a new friend or a romantic date.

Charlotte is also home to several vineyards. Stony Mountain Vineyard is one of the vineyards in Charlotte. There are a number of other vineyards to choose from in the Charlotte area. Charlotte also has many excellent breweries. There are plenty of tastings available for visitors.

The cost of living in Charlotte is lower than the national average. In 2017, Charlotte had an unemployment rate of 4.9%. Charlotte has many pros and many cons. If you are looking for an affordable place to live, Charlotte is a great choice.

Charlotte is also home to some of the country’s best vineyards. The weather is also excellent in Charlotte, with four seasons. The city also offers a variety of sports, including soccer and basketball. If you are looking for a new city to call home, Charlotte, North Carolina, is a great choice. The Charlotte area is also welcoming to newcomers. With a high quality of life, friendly people, and great job opportunities, Charlotte is a great place to live.