When Julio arrived in the United States from Cuba in May 2024, he came legally through a humanitarian parole program, hopeful for a fresh start and a safe future for his family.
Like many newly arrived families, he expected challenges. What he didn’t expect was how quickly circumstances beyond his control would upend the stability he had worked so hard to build.
For eight months after arriving, Julio searched tirelessly for employment. When he finally secured a job in early 2025, it felt like life was beginning to move forward. He was able to provide for his family, contribute to his workplace, and begin building a future.
Then everything changed.
The Beginning of Uncertainty
Changes in federal immigration policy affected Julio’s humanitarian parole status and, with it, his authorization to work. Although his employer wanted to keep him on staff and allowed him to continue working for a short time, they ultimately had no legal way to employ him without a valid work permit.
In May 2026, Julio lost his job.
“I wanted to find every legal way possible to continue working,” he shared. “But eventually they told me they couldn’t help me anymore.”
The loss of employment created a ripple effect throughout every area of life. The company where he worked even offered employee housing, but because he no longer had secure work authorization, he was not eligible to live there.
Today, Julio, his wife, their daughter, and his mother live together with his father, who is currently the only member of the household able to work. Supporting five people on one income has placed tremendous financial strain on the family.
During this challenging season, World Relief Texas was able to come alongside Julio and his family with practical support, made possible through the generosity of donors. The family received a Walmart gift card, a food box filled with pantry staples, and toiletries and hygiene supplies for the household.
These resources may seem simple, but for a family navigating the uncertainty of lost employment and limited income, they can provide meaningful relief—helping meet immediate needs while they work toward a more stable future.
As if losing his job weren’t enough, Julio also lost the ability to legally drive.
On May 23, 2026, Julio lost his driver’s license. He has been unable to renew it because he no longer has the identification documents required by the state. Without a driver’s license, he cannot drive for Uber or take on delivery work, further limiting the ways he can earn an income.
“I have freedom,” Julio said, “but no freedom.”
He has never received a traffic citation or committed any driving violations. Yet without updated documentation, he remains unable to drive legally while trying to navigate an already uncertain future.
Adding to the emotional weight is the fear he carries for loved ones. Julio has watched friends and family members return to Cuba, forced to start over once again after building lives in the United States.
“There are no words to explain how I feel,” he said. “I’m frustrated. I don’t know what to do.”
Day By Day
Despite these hardships, Julio continues to take life one day at a time. He remains hopeful that he will regain the documentation needed to work legally, renew his driver’s license, and once again provide for his family.
His story is one of many that illustrates how policy changes can have immediate and life-altering consequences for families seeking safety and stability. Behind every headline are parents striving to care for their children, individuals eager to work, and families longing for the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.
And in the midst of uncertainty, community support matters.
Because of generous donors, World Relief Texas can provide practical assistance to families like Julio’s when unexpected circumstances leave them without the resources they need. A grocery box can help put food on the table. A gift card can help a family purchase necessities. Hygiene supplies can ease the burden of another everyday expense.
These acts of generosity don’t solve every challenge, but they remind families that they are not alone.
At World Relief Texas, we continue walking alongside families like Julio’s as they navigate complex legal systems, unexpected setbacks, and uncertain futures. Through compassionate support, advocacy, and the generosity of our community, we remain committed to helping our newest neighbors pursue stability, dignity, and opportunity.