A Journey to Citizenship

At every turn of Eduardo’s journey to becoming a US citizen, there has been one consistent reality: Luz Ostrognai at Catholic Charities. 

Before he first arrived in the US as a young child, his mother turned to Luz for help in reuniting with her son who was still in Mexico.  

Left, Luz Ostrognai; Right, Eduardo

“I need to get my son over here,” she had said to Luz at the time. 

Those words from a nervous young mother started a two-decade journey for Eduardo, who with the help of Luz and Catholic Charities, would finally be able to grow up with his mother and step-father in Fort Wayne. 

When Eduardo considered going to college, another hill in his journey arrived: he was unable to gain valuable scholarships to attend the universities he had been accepted to attend. As was true before, Eduardo turned to Luz. 

“If I didn’t have Luz in my corner, the whole thing would be incredibly confusing,” he says. “My file at this point is the size of a three inch textbook.” 

With the help of Catholic Charities, receiving DACA status allowed Eduardo to attend Purdue Fort Wayne, where he earned a degree in art and design — and where he met his now wife. 

With marriage came the final hill to climb in his path to full citizenship. After working with Luz again — including all the paperwork, physicals, getting shots up to date and blood drawn — Eduardo looks back at where he’s been and who’s been with him along the way. 

“We always have a mini recap of my journey every time we meet,” he says. “My file at this point is the size of a three-inch textbook -- big story of my life!” 

A story that Luz was there to help him write. 

“Luz kept all my fear and anxiety at bay and she guided me to a better future,” he says.