Ozami never had trouble applying or being accepted into college.
He graduated high school in only three and a half years, had the full support of his family, earned a scholarship during his first two years at college and worked part-time to pay for his expenses.
Born in Mexico City, Ozami came to New York when he was 12 years old. The original plan was to stay only one year to improve his English and reunite with his father who was already living in the United States.
But once Ozami began school his father decided it was best for his son to stay in New York until he earned a college degree.
Now as that day fast approaches, Ozami faces a difficult decision: to stay in New York City, the place that has become his home for nearly ten years with his friends and girlfriend or to return to Mexico with his parents.
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As an accounting major, Ozami’s wishes he could work at a top New York firm, not as a consultant or having to hide his immigration status, but as a full time employee.
And as he considers his employment options upon graduation, reality sets in that his opportunities for work in the accounting profession are limited, especially compared to those of his friends and peers, some who already have jobs.
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For Ozami, life in New York is more to him than just school or a job.
But the thought of staying alone without legal status, and without the support of his family makes his future unclear.
For more on Ozami, check out the work of Mariana Vasconcellos: