My name is Roman, and for the past two years, I have proudly worked as a school bus driver in Sacramento, California. I love my job—getting kids with special needs safely to school is a responsibility I take seriously. On January 9, 2026, my life was turned upside down. Despite my best efforts to renew my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) on time, bureaucratic delays have forced my employer to place me on unpaid administrative leave. Overnight, I went from being a dedicated employee to having zero income.

I am an asylum seeker from Russia, and I am here alone. I have no family in the US to fall back on. I have a small amount of savings, but the cost of living in California is high. Without a paycheck, I am at risk of losing my housing very soon. Along with my job, I have lost my employer-sponsored health insurance, which is terrifying as I have no safety net if I get sick.

I am doing everything I can to expedite my documents, including reaching out to my Congressman, but these processes take time—time I cannot afford. I am raising funds to cover my basic survival expenses (rent, utilities, and food) for the next 2-3 months while I fight to get my work permit back. Every dollar you donate goes directly to keeping a roof over my head so I can return to the job I love as soon as my paperwork clears. Thank you for your support.