Now
Light Rain
86°
High
91°
Low
73°
A Home for Brissa
Eight years ago, a girl from Mexico came to the United States, brought here illegally by her abusive mother. Four years ago, a Nebraska couple took the girl into their Wilber farmhouse to keep her safe. Two years ago, they adopted her. Now, the U.S. government says the girl risks being banned from this country -- her home -- for three years. She has 180 days. And her new mother begins to fight.

Part One: Amid celebration, clock ticks

graphicIt's Brissa Placek's 18th birthday. It should be a happy day, but happiness is overshadowed by worry. Her adoptive mother has 180 days to keep her in the country. ...more
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 11:59 pm

Part Two: Life in Mexico doesn't exist anymore

graphicHer friends away at college, Brissa must stay home watching cartoons with her little sisters, while her mom takes on the United States immigration system. ...more
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 11:58 pm

Part Three: Looking at an uncertain future

On day three of the six-part series A Home For Brissa, Jessica Placek refuses to give up. After their first petition is rejected she files again, and tries to keep life normal for Brissa and her three little sisters. ...more
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 11:57 pm

Part Four: Anxious days for mother, daughter

graphicIn day four of the A Home for Brissa special report, Brissa goes to the mall for a prom dress and her mom gets a present from a United States senator. ...more
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 11:56 pm

Part Five: Strangers in a strange place

graphicIn Part Five of A Home For Brissa, traveling to Mexico brings back memories for the girl from Acapulco and opens her mother's eyes to a whole new world. ...more
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 11:55 pm

Part Six: Brissa's day is here

graphicIn Part Six of A Home for Brissa, the day is here. Will Brissa be granted a visa? Or will all of her mother's work be for nothing? ...more
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 11:50 pm

Afterword: Where does Brissa go from here?

After A Home For Brissa concludes, readers have lots of questions about what's next for Brissa. ...more
Sunday, January 1, 2006 11:59 am