In a story that spans continents and years, Nabeel Younis’ path to a U.S. green card began in Pakistan, where he fled persecution for being Catholic in a Muslim country.
Early Beginnings
Younis left his home in Pakistan almost six years ago, seeking safety and a chance to practice his faith freely. His first stop was Panama, where he spent two years learning Spanish and saving money for the next leg of his journey.
The Central American Trek
Four years ago, Younis and a group of Christian friends from Pakistan set off on foot across Central America. Their route took them through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and finally Mexico.
Mexico’s Hardest Challenge
“Mexico was definitely the hardest,” said Younis. “We slept outdoors for two weeks and that’s where we got caught.” The group was detained in a migrant center in Tijuana for more than a month before being released.
From Tijuana to the U.S.
After release, they were sent to a Salvation Army shelter. “We were told Tijuana was too dangerous for immigrants, so we decided to leave,” Younis recalled. They took a bus to Mexicali and crossed the border barrier near Calexico, California, about 120 miles east of San Diego.
Sponsorship and Early Struggles
Younis ended up in a Customs and Border Detention facility in Calexico while his friends were sent to other sites. After passing a credible-fear test and arranging for a sponsor, he was placed in San Luis Obispo, living with sponsor Fitzpatrick Kelly.
“Mr. Fitz” and College
“He openly helped me, coming here to the United States and allowing me to stay at his house,” Younis said. “When I first started at community college I didn’t qualify for in-state tuition right away, so ‘Mr. Fitz’ actually paid out of state tuition so that I can keep attending college.”
The Ankle Monitor
During the first two months in the U.S., Younis had to wear an ankle monitor. “It was very painful,” he said. After securing a pro-bono attorney based in Santa Barbara, the anklet was removed and he enrolled at Cuesta Community College.
Asylum Approval
In May 2023, a judge approved Younis’ petition for asylum. “After that, everything became easier, I was able to get in-state tuition and get a work permit,” he explained. The approval opened doors to further education and employment.
Academic Achievements
Younis quickly completed his coursework at Cuesta and then transferred to Cal State University Channel Islands. He majored in information technology with a minor in cybersecurity, finishing his degree in the spring of 2024.
The Green Card Moment
About the time he was finishing his degree, his attorney called with the news. “She called me and told me she had my green card and she showed me a photo of my green card I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Younis said. He reflected on the journey: “I began pondering my entire life, starting in Panama and walking through so many countries and having that ankle bracelet and finally getting my green card, it was totally beyond belief.”
Gratitude for Sponsorship
Fitzpatrick Kelly became Younis’ sponsor in the United States. Younis told Border Report he owed it all to Kelly, who said helping Nabeel is one of the highlights of his life. “Nabeel is an example of how things can work really well and very rapidly,” Kelly said. “The idea that he came to me with a green card, that was a very happy moment. It’s something I can look back on for a long time and just say yeah I did make a change in someone’s life.”
Looking Ahead
Younis now plans to seek U.S. citizenship, a process that usually requires five years before applicants can file paperwork. His story, from fleeing persecution to earning a green card, highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by many immigrants.
Key Takeaways
- Nabeel Younis fled Pakistan for religious persecution and spent years traveling through Central America.
- He was detained in Tijuana, crossed into the U.S. with the help of a sponsor, and endured an ankle monitor.
- After asylum approval, he completed a degree and received a green card, now aiming for citizenship.
The journey of Nabeel Younis underscores the resilience required to navigate immigration systems and the profound impact of community support in achieving a new life in America.
