Jenny Slatten and Sumit Singh are confronting a choice no married couple wants to make: remain together in India or risk separation while pursuing additional ALS support in the United States. Jenny, 68, and Sumit, 38, explained the dilemma in a 3-part video series shared on Sunday, August 30.
Their plans depend heavily on whether Sumit can obtain permission to enter the United States as his wife’s condition worsens.
Why Are Jenny and Sumit’s Travel Plans on Hold?
The couple planned to travel to the United States together so Jenny could explore additional ALS treatment and support services. Sumit said his unsuccessful visa application has stopped them from moving forward.
“So, yeah, our plan was, we’ll get the visa and I’ll travel with Jenny and go there and start the treatment,” he said.
“Then, even though it’s taking time, then I can come back to India and later, if it’s required, if Jenny is taking time, then I can go back there again, like for a short trip or whatever time is required for, but as I don’t have the visa, then that’s also a reason Jenny is not traveling to America.”
Sumit fears that if Jenny travels with someone else, her condition could eventually prevent her from returning to India. If he can’t enter the United States, they could be separated indefinitely.
“So in that situation, what if Jenny will never be able to travel back to India and what if I will never get the visa because, yeah, if they can think right now that I might not return and in other cases also, they can think that I will not get the visa, it means that we’re going to be apart, apart for kind of forever,” he said.
Why Won’t Jenny Slatten Return to America Without Sumit Singh?
Sumit also responded to people urging Jenny to return to her daughters and other relatives in America. He stressed that the couple has built a married life together in India and that Jenny is not there temporarily.
“People, a lot of people are saying that Jenny should go back to her home, that’s America, to her daughters, to her family and all, like why don’t you understand that we married, that Jenny was not here or we are not doing a vacation or something like that,” he said. “Okay now my time is over, my vacation is over, now I have to go back to my country, it’s not like that.”
Explaining why Jenny will not travel without him, Sumit added, “We love each other.”
What Did Jenny Reveal About Her Condition?
The discussion then turned to the toll ALS is taking on Jenny’s body. When Sumit asked if she wanted to address viewers, she answered briefly.
“No, I can’t talk,” Jenny said. Sumit explained that speaking has become increasingly difficult. He also said weakness around her neck and spine is affecting her balance and ability to walk.
“Unfortunately, the ALS is progressing and now it’s starting showing more in her talk,” he said. “Like it’s hard for her to talk now. And again, like a walk and maintain balance as well.”
Jenny experienced symptoms before being diagnosed in December. Sumit said the couple may soon rely on assistive devices as her needs change.
How Did Jenny and Sumit Build Their Life Together?
Jenny and Sumit first connected online in 2011 before documenting their romance on TLC’s “90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way.” They married in India in August 2021.
Their long fight to build a shared life is now shaping Jenny’s refusal to travel without her husband. Sumit stressed that she is not ending a vacation and returning to another home. They are married, and neither wants her medical care to cost them their relationship.
Who Could Help the Couple Move Forward?
TLCSumit is seeking an immigration attorney or specialist who can advise them about another visa attempt. He said he can provide medical records and proof of their marriage but felt they never had a sufficient chance to explain their circumstances.
They have also launched a GoFundMe to help meet Jenny’s growing care expenses. Sumit asked supporters to share their story in hopes of reaching someone who can guide them.
“I always keep my hopes high,” he said. “I always feel that America might have something better for Jenny and she can get at least a better support system.”
For now, Sumit is caring for his wife in India while they search for a way to pursue help without sacrificing the life they fought to build.
