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In 2019, Osvaldo Aguilar Calderon left his home in Pensacola, Florida for an interview in Mexico – the final step in applying for his VISA to become a United States citizen. But, due to unforeseen immigration issues, Oz has not been able to return home for the last 4 years. His wife Katie unexpectedly became the primary caretaker and financial provider for the family, including their young children, ages 9 and 6. Today, $11,410 in legal and other fees stand between a family and their future. Today, your support can help bring Oz, Katie, and their children one step closer to a reunion.
In 2001, at the young age of 17, when most teenagers are anticipating high school football games and college selection, Oz came to the U.S. from Mexico seeking better opportunities to help support his family back in La Junta. A hard-working and skilled craftsman, he quickly began to build a career in construction management.
During these 10 years working in the US, Oz was able to send money to help his family in Mexico, a common practice for many who have immigrated to the U.S. in hopes of building a better life. The shared funds became enough to install electricity, including air conditioning and other modern appliances. So, Oz made the trip back to La Junta to tackle the manual labor with his own hands.
Upon returning to the US after helping his family, Oz met Katie and the two fell in love, were married, and started a family. Katie and Oz built a beautiful life together. They were making ends meet financially, providing for their growing children and able to send money to help Oz's family in Mexico.
When Oz first entered the United States at 17, he was undocumented and he did his best to provide a decent living for his parents and siblings back in La Junta. He was a steady worker, taxpayer and active contributor to the well-being of his young family and community. Trouble began when he was in the process of being a legal United States resident.
During his final step to become a documented U.S. citizen – and interview in Mexico – the immigration officer asked if he had previously entered the states illegally. Oz answered honestly; he did enter illegally at age 17 and again after installing electricity in his childhood home. Unfortunately, those two prior entrances now barred him from entering again for an entire decade. Oz is essentially missing his son and daughter's childhood, leaving his family without a present father and contributing partner
Now, Oz and Katie have an opportunity to work with their immigration attorney – their only hope for navigating this arduous process and getting a waiver to allow Oz to come back home sooner rather than later. However, the $11,410 in legal and other fees is high for Katie's salary as a Catholic school teacher. And there are not many opportunities in La Junta for Oz to earn enough to contribute to the cause.
By bringing Oz home, you can be part of the solution for a family impacted by a broken immigration system. We hope you will join us in bringing peace and financial security to Oz, Katie and their children who love and respect him deeply.
In 2001, at the young age of 17, when most teenagers are anticipating high school football games and college selection, Oz came to the U.S. from Mexico seeking better opportunities to help support his family back in La Junta. A hard-working and skilled craftsman, he quickly began to build a career in construction management.
During these 10 years working in the US, Oz was able to send money to help his family in Mexico, a common practice for many who have immigrated to the U.S. in hopes of building a better life. The shared funds became enough to install electricity, including air conditioning and other modern appliances. So, Oz made the trip back to La Junta to tackle the manual labor with his own hands.
Upon returning to the US after helping his family, Oz met Katie and the two fell in love, were married, and started a family. Katie and Oz built a beautiful life together. They were making ends meet financially, providing for their growing children and able to send money to help Oz's family in Mexico.
When Oz first entered the United States at 17, he was undocumented and he did his best to provide a decent living for his parents and siblings back in La Junta. He was a steady worker, taxpayer and active contributor to the well-being of his young family and community. Trouble began when he was in the process of being a legal United States resident.
During his final step to become a documented U.S. citizen – and interview in Mexico – the immigration officer asked if he had previously entered the states illegally. Oz answered honestly; he did enter illegally at age 17 and again after installing electricity in his childhood home. Unfortunately, those two prior entrances now barred him from entering again for an entire decade. Oz is essentially missing his son and daughter's childhood, leaving his family without a present father and contributing partner
Now, Oz and Katie have an opportunity to work with their immigration attorney – their only hope for navigating this arduous process and getting a waiver to allow Oz to come back home sooner rather than later. However, the $11,410 in legal and other fees is high for Katie's salary as a Catholic school teacher. And there are not many opportunities in La Junta for Oz to earn enough to contribute to the cause.
By bringing Oz home, you can be part of the solution for a family impacted by a broken immigration system. We hope you will join us in bringing peace and financial security to Oz, Katie and their children who love and respect him deeply.