Eric M.

Eric was born and raised in Ecuador, a country known for its diverse landscapes from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. However, Eric's childhood was far from the postcard images of his homeland. Growing up in difficult circumstances, he dreamed of opportunities that seemed impossible in his situation.

In March 2020, just as the world was shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 14-year-old Eric made the difficult journey from Ecuador to the United States. He arrived alone, scared, and uncertain of what the future held. Shortly after arriving, Eric experienced a falling out with his mother, which left him displaced and without family support in a foreign country during one of the most challenging times in modern history.

Eric faced the triple challenge of being a minor, being undocumented, and being essentially homeless during a global pandemic. Schools were closed, social services were overwhelmed, and the usual support networks were strained to their limits. He had to navigate an unfamiliar system while dealing with the emotional trauma of family separation and displacement.

Eric's case came to the attention of VOLS (Volunteers of Legal Service), an organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to New Yorkers in need. Given Eric's age and the urgent circumstances of his situation, his case was prioritized. The legal team worked diligently to establish that Eric qualified for SIJS based on parental abandonment and that it was not in his best interest to return to Ecuador.

In November 2021, Eric received his green card - a moment that transformed his life completely. The approval came faster than many cases due to the expedited handling given his circumstances. Eric describes the moment as 'receiving a second chance at life.'

With his immigration status secured, Eric has thrown himself into education with remarkable determination. He is now pursuing higher education, something he once thought impossible. He works part-time while studying and has become an advocate for other immigrant youth facing similar challenges.