I risked my life in pursuit of a better life for my family. This country offers opportunities, but it comes at a steep price. I grew up in Brazil in a challenging environment. I always dreamed of coming here, and one day, I seized the chance. I tried to get a visa, but I received only rejection. Desperate, I joined about 80 others on a dangerous journey in a truck. We thought we might die, but miraculously, we were saved after two hours. I spent 17 days in jail before being released in Massachusetts.

I started a family, but one day, the police informed me about a deportation order from 2001. They told me to find a lawyer, and that’s when I met Dr. Antonio. He cared about my case, and I’m here now.