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Walter Moyoh, a member of the Indiana National Guard, is struggling to bring his pregnant wife to the U.S. due to expanded travel restrictions that have left her stranded overseas.

Despite their marriage five months ago, a travel ban on 39 African countries instituted on Dec. 16 has halted the legal immigration process.

Moyoh has diligently followed every legal step to bring his wife home, but the new federal restrictions are causing significant delays. The country of his wife’s origin was added to the restricted list due to overstays by former students, despite not being classified as violent, according to the proclamation itself.

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Moyoh expressed the emotional challenges he faces.

“It’s emotionally challenging to know that I will basically not be permitted to be there for the birth of my child,” Moyoh said.

He is especially concerned for his wife’s health.

“I mean, she has had some health problems in the first trimester,” Moyoh said. “High blood pressures and different things. It is one of the African countries. So, the health care there is not good.”

Right now, Moyoh works full-time as a nurse while serving in the Indiana National Guard. He hopes to convey to federal officials in charge of immigration his request for special exemptions for families of U.S. service members.

“I am very proud when I wear my uniform, but I just kindly ask the Department of Homeland Security if they had a way of providing special exemptions for the bans for families of U.S. service members.”

With his wife’s due date approaching in just a few months, Moyoh faces uncertainty about whether he will be present for the birth of their first child, and when they might be able to reunite as a family.

Moyoh has reached out to federal immigration officials for assistance, but has not received a response. The situation remains tense as the family continues to navigate the complex immigration landscape.

Jadin Reeves wrote this article for WISH-TV.