The kid who left home to save his family: The story of his journey to citizenship.
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Stories of Resilience: Episode 5 of Archivos de Inmigrantes
In this episode, we dive into the story of Pablo Ríos, a man who, at the incredible age of 11, made a decision that would change his destiny forever. Driven by a deep desire to help his parents and 12 siblings fight hunger in Mexico, Pablo set out on a lonely journey to the United States, facing dangers that would shape his life.
Pablo has vivid memories of the moment he decided to leave: seeing his parents stop eating so their children would have something to eat. Without telling anyone, carrying just a change of clothes in a plastic bag, he set out on a journey that led him to sleep in sewers and walk through the desert for 15 days, surviving—along with one other person—as the only two survivors of a group of 18 migrants.
" I got up at midnight, threw a change of clothes into a plastic bag, and left... I didn't want to get in trouble for trying to leave, but I knew I had to find something for all of us to eat".
After years of hard work in the fields of Florida and Ohio, Pablo’s life took a legal turn thanks to the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, passed during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. With the support of an employer who believed in his work ethic, Pablo was able to obtain his permanent residency (Green Card) as a farmworker.
This chapter is a powerful testament to how the support of a sponsor and immigration reform can transform the life of someone who has lived in the shadows.
After decades of living as a resident, Pablo finally decided to take the step toward naturalization. His story highlights the importance of having an immigration attorney to safely navigate this process, avoiding mistakes that could compromise his stability after so many years of hard work.
""For me, it was much easier and simpler to have the support of a lawyer... it made me feel more confident"
Don't miss this story of faith, hard work, and Pablo's emotional reconnection with his roots after 20 years of silence.
Do you have questions about the citizenship process or renewing your residency? At Archivos de Inmigrantes, we want you to know your legal options. Pablo’s story shows us that, even though the journey may be long and difficult, achieving legal stability is possible with the right guidance. Leave your questions in the comments or share this inspiring story.
Comments