Osdair Ruiz is a 32 year old Photographer and Graphic Designer. He is also a Mexican immigrant who resides in Atlanta. There is even more to him than that. He was first born in Naples, Italy of Mexican parents. His mom was an admiral in the Mexican Army that was stationed in Italy, near Mount Vesuvius, where he was born.

1997: Has been in the United States ever since.

2001:

• Had to go back to Mexico for 3-4 months, to enlist in the Mexican army (as all Mexican men must do before they turn 18)
• Once he came back to the states, only weeks before the terrorists attacks, still had his permit but wasn’t able to renew it once it expired.
• After the terrorists attacks of 9/11, laws have changed drastically for immigrants

But he and his family had a house. How could they leave if they already had their house and whole life in the United States?

2002-2004: After returning to the U.S. he was illegal for two years, following and due to his voyage to Mexico.

Stayed in the United States although he was illegal for 1 years. Lost license privileges and moved for a few months to North Carolina where the state laws were different. Then moved to New York City for college and the same reasons.

2005: Osdair was a store manager at a local Subway restaurant when he got shot while on the job. Since he was a victim of a crime and a key witness in the witness protection program, he was able to stay even further in the U.S. He had police surveillance once in a while.

• Got a temporary permit until his case was closed in 2009.

2009: Luckily, a new law was introduced in which Osdair was eligible for a 3 year permit.

2012: He became a permanent resident.

2016: Osdair remains a permanent resident and is eligible to apply for citizenship in 2 years.