Help Us Keep Ian in the U.S. & Secure His Future

Hi everyone,

I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d have to ask for help like this, but I’m reaching out because my 17-year-old nephew, Ian, and I are facing an urgent situation that could change his life forever.

I have raised Ian since he was a very young. His mother—my sister—passed away when he was just two years old, and his father has never been in his life. For the past five years, he has lived with me in the U.S., and I am the only family he has.

Ian is an incredibly bright and hardworking young man with big dreams of studying computer science, and he was recently accepted to the University of Wyoming! He’s so excited to start college, but right now, his ability to stay in the U.S. is at risk. If we can’t secure his legal status, he will have to return to Ecuador alone—losing not only his home but also the education and opportunities he’s worked so hard for.

Why We Need Help

We are trying to secure legal guardianship for Ian in Wyoming, the first step in his immigration process. Without this, he cannot apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which would allow him to stay in the U.S. permanently.

I budgeted $3,000 for this, but unexpected legal fees have exceeded $7,000, much more than I was originally told. As an F-1 student, I can only work part-time, and these costs are beyond what I can manage alone.

This is just the first step in Ian’s legal journey, but it’s urgent. Right now, I need to secure official court papers confirming my guardianship so he can qualify for SIJS. Without this, he will lose his dependent status and be forced to leave—losing his chance to attend college and build his future here.

How You Can Help

We are trying to raise $7,000 to cover these legal fees so Ian can stay in the U.S. and begin college at the University of Wyoming this fall. Every donation—no matter the amount—makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach others who may be able to support.

I know times are tough, and asking for help is not easy. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading Ian’s story and for any support you can provide. Your kindness and generosity could change his life.

With gratitude,

Andrea Cordova-Cruzatty