The author, not pictured, is in a long-distance relationship.KSChong/Getty ImagesI live in Australia and my partner lives in the US; we are in a long-distance relationship.When I was traveling to the US to see my partner, I was deported, and it has caused me trauma.Our relationship has been difficult, but it's worth it.I met my partner in New Orleans right before COVID changed everything, and I never thought our relationship would involve dealing with international borders and visa rules.