A couple fled Russia to seek asylum in the US. They’ve been kept apart for a year.

A couple fled Russia to seek asylum in the US. They’ve been kept apart for a year.

Alexey and Svetlana Demin left Russia last year to seek asylum in the United States. The were separated July 8, 2024, after they reported to immigration officials in California for a scheduled appointment to apply for asylum. (Courtesy of Alexey Demin)Alexey Demin says he talks to his wife, Svetlana, on the phone almost every day. The Russian expatriate now lives in California with his stepdaughter, having been granted asylum in April. She’s at …