Upload
tom-power
View
11
Download
2
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
JUANITO’S STORY: A COURAGEOUS SELF-PETITIONER
Juanito, who is now 19 years old, was raised by his mother, but his father is a
lawful permanent resident. When Juanito was 15 years old, he finally asked
his mother about his father. Juanito's mother started asking around and
found out that the father lived in Midland, Texas. Juanito, his mother, and
maternal grandmother lived together in Odessa, Texas at the time. Juanito's
mother wanted Juanito to meet his father and arranged for a meeting of the
two. After much anticipation, the day finally came for Juanito to meet his
father.
After this first meeting, Juanito began to visit his father every weekend. His
father was married to another woman at that time and everyone seemed to
get along. After a few months, Juanito's father fought for custody of him and
reported Juanito's mother to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This
eventually resulted in the deportation of Juanito’s mother, so Juanito went to
go live with his father and stepmother. After several months, Juanito's
stepmother started abusing Juanito verbally and physically, while his father
made no attempt to intervene. Eventually, Juanito's father joined in on the
abuse.
Juanito lived with his father and stepmother for approximately three years,
enduring constant abuse from both of them. Eventually, Juanito's father
divorced his wife and took Juanito back to his paternal grandmother's house
and asked if Juanito could live with her since he was a truck driver and on the
road during the week. Juanito's father promised to send the grandmother
money every month and visit him when he was in town. Juanito’s father
never honored this promise.
Juanito was eventually referred to Paso del Norte Civil Rights Project by the
school he attended. We submitted a self-petition on his behalf, Juanito was
approved, and he now has a work permit. Juanito has since graduated from
high school and has started taking classes at the community college on a
part time basis. He is helping his grandmother with household expenses and
has even purchased her a new mobile home. Juanito will apply for his
permanent residence once there is a visa available. Juanito informed us he
will continue going to community college and pursuing higher education. He
and his grandmother are very happy.