JUANITOS 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 Juanitos 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. Juanitos 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.