Support César's Urgent Green Card Journey
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My Immigration Journey & The Path Forward
When I first launched this GoFundMe, my goal was to secure my Green Card through my mother’s immigration petition. Unfortunately, after discussions with my attorney, I learned that this is not an option for me. This left me in a difficult position—if I want to stay in the U.S., I need to find another path forward.
After several sleepless nights of research, trying to understand this complex system, and consulting with my attorney, I have decided to pursue an EB-2 or EB-3 visa through my nonprofit, Ceez Industries.
Why This Path?
Some may wonder why I’m not trying to get a visa through traditional employer sponsorship or marriage. Here’s why:
The Risk of an Employer-Sponsored H-1B
- Most H-1B applicants must go through a lottery system, meaning even if I found an employer, I may never be selected.
- If an employer withdraws their sponsorship, I would have only 60 days to find a new one before falling out of status.
- If I stay out of status for more than 180 days, I could face a three-year reentry bar—if it’s over a year, I could be banned from reentering for ten years.
- Mandatory Consulate Visit Risk – Even if an H-1B petition is approved, I would be required to leave the U.S. and visit a consulate abroad to get the visa stamped. This visit introduces significant risk, as visa issuance is never guaranteed. If denied, I could be stuck outside the U.S. indefinitely with no way to return.
Marriage Isn't an Option for Me
- I’m not hopeful in the dating world, and I don’t want the pressure that comes with it. I want to build my future on my own terms.
- Marrying purely for immigration benefits is fraudulent, and I refuse to go down that path.
Given the current political climate, I need a long-term and stable solution—which is why we are focusing on an EB-2 or EB-3 visa through my nonprofit.
What is Ceez Industries?
Ceez Industries is a nonprofit I founded to develop lightweight, non-bulky exosuits for people with physical disabilities. Using 3D printing and assistive technologies, we aim to create personalized mobility solutions that empower individuals to gain independence in their daily lives.
Inspired by comic book heroes, our goal is to bridge the gap between cosplay and assistive technology, offering real-world solutions that enhance mobility and functionality.
How This Ties Into My EB-2/EB-3 Visa
For an EB-2 or EB-3 visa, Ceez Industries must sponsor my Green Card as my employer. This involves several steps:
1️⃣ Labor Certification (PERM Process) – The Department of Labor (DOL) requires us to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for my position at Ceez Industries.
- ⚠️ Risk: This process can take 6-12 months, and if any U.S. citizen applies for the role, it could complicate approval.
2️⃣ Filing the I-140 Petition – Once labor certification is approved, we must file the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker with USCIS.
- ⚠️ Risk: If USCIS doesn’t believe my role qualifies under EB-2 or EB-3 criteria, my petition could be denied.
3️⃣ Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing – If my priority date becomes current, I can apply for a Green Card. However, some visa categories have backlogs, meaning even after approval, I could face a waiting period.
This is a complex and uncertain process, but it is the best and most stable path forward.
How Your Support Helps
Unlike donations to Ceez Industries, which fund the nonprofit’s mission, this GoFundMe supports me personally so I can focus on making this process successful.
✅ Legal Fees & Immigration Costs – The EB-2/EB-3 process includes lawyer fees, government filing fees, and the labor certification process.
✅ Caregiver Support – One of my biggest challenges is ensuring I have the right level of daily care to continue working on Ceez Industries and handling the visa process.
✅ Ensuring Financial Stability – Immigration cases are unpredictable, and having funds available allows me to adapt if we encounter setbacks.
Updated Fundraising Goal
I am increasing the fundraising goal to $30,000 to reflect these new needs. Here’s a breakdown of how the funds will be used:
1. Immigration-Related Costs ($12,000 – $18,000)
- Attorney Fees: $5,000 – $10,000
- PERM Labor Certification: $3,000 – $5,000
- I-140 Petition Filing Fee: $700
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: $1,225
- Medical Exam for Green Card: $300 – $600
- Premium Processing Fee (if needed): $2,805
2. Caregiver & Nonprofit Support ($12,000 – $18,000)
- Caregiver Expenses – Ensuring I have consistent care while focusing on my nonprofit and legal process.
- Estimated Timeframe Before Ceez Industries Can Sustain Me – 6-12 months
- Nonprofit Administrative & Operational Costs – Covering essential nonprofit expenses to keep things running.
I will continue to adjust the goal if needed and will be transparent about how every dollar is spent.
Final Thoughts
This is an extremely difficult and uncertain path, but I believe in Ceez Industries’ mission and my ability to make this work.
Your support isn’t just keeping me in the U.S.—it’s allowing me to build something that can help others for years to come.
I will keep everyone updated as I go through this journey, sharing both victories and setbacks. Thank you for standing with me.
With deep gratitude,
Cesar
Co-organizers (3)
Cesar Ibanez
Organizer
Lehi, UT
Amy Jensen
Co-organizer
Luke Odell Edwards
Co-organizer