Help Gerson Achieve His American Dream

Hello friends and family,

My name is Gerson Bonilla. I was born and raised in Costa Rica. I have been a teacher for 17 years, and for the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching high school Spanish in the United States.

I’ve dedicated my life not only to educating young people but also to building community and contributing to the country I now call home.

Throughout my teaching career, I’ve been honored to receive several recognitions , including being named Teacher of the Year (2020–2021) at Hilton Head Island High School in South Carolina.

Unfortunately , my current school district has decided not to sponsor my Green Card process. Without this designation, my time in the U.S. under my current visa will soon come to an end.

For this reason, I am independently pursuing the EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), a pathway that recognizes the value of my work and allows me to apply for permanent residency in the United States. This is more than just paperwork; it represents security, stability, and the chance to keep investing in my students, community, and future without fear of uncertainty.

Why This Matters? ❤️

The EB2 NIW process is long and complex, but it would grant me the right to live and work permanently in the U.S., eventually leading to a Green Card.

This means:

• Continued service to my students and school district

• The ability to build a stable future here

• Freedom from the constant uncertainty of temporary visas

The Costs

Immigration is expensive. Over the past 8 years, I’ve already invested more than $40,000 in various visa programs.

My current visa will expire next year, and I’ve committed to pursuing the EB2 NIW process with a private law firm. While I’ve already made sacrifices to cover the first installment, the journey ahead is still costly.

Here’s a transparent breakdown:

• Already paid: $3,012.67 (deposit + fees)

• Remaining attorney fees (I-140 stage): $11,375

• USCIS fees: $1,015 (I-140) + $1,800 (Adjustment of Status)

• Optional premium processing: $2,805 (to speed up I-140 decision)

• Future attorney support for AOS: $3,000 (minimum, likely more in 2 years)

• Estimated additional legal fees & cost increases: $2,000

Estimated total: $25,000

How You Can Help? ✅

I’m asking for your support to help make this dream possible. Every donation, big or small, brings me closer to securing my residency and continuing to give back to the community I love.

If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this campaign with others would mean the world.

From My Heart ❤️

This journey hasn’t been easy, but I believe that with faith, hard work, and the support of my community, I can make it through.

Thank you for standing with me in this important step of my life.

With gratitude,

Gerson Bonilla