Image

Javier's Story

Javier’s story is a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of immigrants who contribute to the fabric of the United States in countless ways.

When he made the courageous decision to leave his small town of El Grullo, Mexico at just 18, he wasn’t just seeking a better life for himself—he was pursuing the same dream that countless others share: the chance to build something greater for his family, to contribute to a society that offered hope, and to carve out a future full of possibility.

Like so many immigrants, Javier began with humble beginnings, taking on the toughest jobs in construction. He worked tirelessly, enduring long hours and physical strain, yet there was always pride in his work. Every brick he laid, every wall he helped raise, was a symbol of the future he was building—not just for himself, but for his family back home, and the family he was starting here in the U.S. Though it wasn’t easy, there was always a sense of purpose that drove him. Javier’s dream was simple: to one day own a home, be able to provide for his children, and, above all, to ensure they had opportunities he never had.


But life, as always, is unpredictable.

“I never imagined to have never been able to walk again”

In November of 2021 while working on a job site, Javier fell off a 25 foot roof, and the fall upon impact, paralyzed him. In an instant, his life was turned upside down. The strength and independence that had defined him for years were now replaced by the stark reality of needing help for even the most basic tasks. The job that had been his lifeline was no longer possible. Javier was devastated. His plans for the future now seemed so distant, almost unreachable.

It was in the midst of this overwhelming uncertainty that Javier found out his youngest son, Fernando, had enlisted in the U.S. Navy. The pride and joy he felt as a father were immeasurable, but there was also something else—Fernando’s decision to serve in the military would offer Javier a chance at a new beginning. As a military dependent, Fernando could sponsor his father for a green card, giving Javier a sense of security after his life alternating accident.

“At first I was scared and shocked to have learned that he had enlisted in the Navy, but it made him happy and I supported his every decision”
Image

Military Parole in Place, a longstanding form of relief, is more than an application and words on a page. For Javier and his family, it was a profound symbol of the deep interconnection between service, sacrifice, and opportunity. Javier’s son, Fernando, chose to serve his country, and in doing so, created a pathway for his father to remain in the land that Javier had poured his sweat and spirit into. For twenty two years, Javier had lived in fear of being deported, of losing everything he'd worked for. The green card represented not only a lifeline but the promise of stability. It meant he could stay in the country he had worked so hard for, the country that had given him the opportunity to live out his American Dream, even if his circumstances had changed. His son’s service had provided a path to permanence, a sense of belonging, and a peace of mind that Javier had long yearned for.

“Thanks to CLSEPA I was able to get my green card and see my father for the last time before he passed”

After twenty-eight years since leaving his home and family in Mexico at the age of 18, Javier, now 46, was finally able to return to see his family. The first thing he did was visit his father one last time before he passed away. His mother had passed years prior, but unfortunately, due to his immigration status, he was not able to say goodbye to her. Javier, like many immigrants, sacrifice family for security and the promise of a better future without knowing if one day it will come.

“Before my accident, I dreamt of having my residency. I had many plans. I always said ‘okay, once I get my residency I can search for a good job without the fear of being denied.’ Since my accident, my way of looking at things has changed. Although in this country there are a lot of possibilities for people with disabilities, it is not the same.”

Image

Immigrants like Javier enrich the United States not just through their hard work, but through their ability to persevere, adapt, and give back. They are the builders, the caregivers, the volunteers, and the soldiers who shape the future of this country. They are the embodiment of the American Dream—one that is built not only on personal ambition but on a commitment to contribute to a greater whole.

Both of Javier’s sons serve in the U.S military: one in the Marines and another in the Navy. He is so proud of all of the opportunities that the military has given his sons for their dedicated service. Although Javier’s life may have been changed by his injury, his story reminds us that immigrants are contributors to the growth and strength of the nation. In their service, their sacrifice and their resilience, they make America a richer, stronger and more compassionate place.