An Immigrant Hopes to Keep the Life He's Built in America

When Carlos was 14, he became a marked man. He’d witnessed a gang execution in his Latin American hometown, and suddenly, his life was precarious. He fled. Entering the United States, the teenager registered with authorities and asked for asylum.

That means Carlos is not a lawful permanent resident, and his ability to remain here depends on the outcome of his application. Despite limited English and without his parents to help, Carlos graduated from public high school in my western Colorado town, bolstered by caring teachers and friends who got to know him through their own children. Now 18, h...