Hello everyone, my name is Kazumi. I met Robert a few years ago through our mutual friend, Anthony - who has been one of Robert's close friends for many years. Over the time I've known him, I've gotten to know Robert on a deeply personal level, and I've seen firsthand just how much he carries on his shoulders, and how hard he works - all to support his family and work toward bringing them together.

Robert has worked incredibly hard to build a life not just for himself, but for his family. He recently graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with his bachelor’s degree in accounting. Shortly after that, he went through the long and difficult process of becoming a U.S. citizen - something he did with a lot of patience, grit, and hope for the future.

I recall many late nights we’d stay up on call chatting about the work he was doing to get his citizenship, and the quizzes we would all help him with to prepare for his final citizenship test. Soon after he graduated and received his citizenship, he was hired as a Lease Accountant for Whataburger, where he worked tirelessly for over a year. He was salaried, but often worked well beyond the hours expected of him, doing everything he could to build stability for himself and his family.

He was doing all of this with one big goal in mind: to help his father immigrate from Bolivia and finally live together again after many years apart. Robert was the main financial support listed in the immigration process, and his steady job was key to moving things forward.

Unfortunately, despite all his dedication and long hours, Whataburger let him go. Now he’s left without the income he needs to help continue the immigration process - and his father’s chance to come here and reunite with his family has been put on pause.

This fundraiser is to help Robert, his mom, and their family keep moving forward. The goal is to raise enough to continue the legal and logistical steps of bringing his dad to the U.S. - something they’ve been working toward for years.

The legal immigration process in the U.S. is incredibly expensive, and costs can add up quickly. Just applying for a family-based green card can range from $1,200 to $5,000 depending on legal fees and application costs alone (Boundless, n.d.-a). USCIS filing fees for immigrant visa petitions, medical exams, translations, and consular processing each come with their own price tags. If a family chooses to hire an immigration attorney - something many do to avoid costly mistakes - that can add an additional $3,000 to $7,000 or more (Immigrant Support Center, n.d.). Even with the most streamlined process, immigration from abroad often requires years of documentation, government fees, travel expenses, and continued communication with legal professionals, all of which can be financially draining (Placement International, 2023; Boundless, n.d.-b).

Because of this, there isn’t a set number we’re asking for - any amount truly helps.

In the meantime, funds may also go toward supporting Robert and his family with essential needs - things like rent, food, utilities, and day-to-day living expenses - while Robert searches for another position. He’s been doing everything he can for years to hold his family together and create a more stable future. Right now, he just needs a little support to get through this incredibly difficult chapter.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for reading, sharing, or donating - whatever you’re able to give means more than I can express. Your support truly makes a difference.

Sources for Estimated Costs (Referenced Above):