With the dust of the desert still clinging to him after three nights hidden with his family, Sandro González stepped onto U.S. soil carrying a dream that remained untouched: to graduate from college. While others were still coming to terms with their new reality, he was already figuring out how to continue his education. He knew it wouldn’t be easy.

At the border, Sandro was given an I-220A—a controversial document that offers no defined immigration status and blocks access to federal aid, scholarships, or student benefits. For him, that meant if he wanted to attend college, he’d have to fund it entirely on his own.

But giving up was never an option. At 26, while studying Interdisciplinary Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), Sandro works as a lead concierge at an apartment complex and runs his own health insurance business. His story mirrors that of many immigrants in the U.S.—arriving with towering dreams and daunting challenges, but with a determination that knows no borders.

Leaving Cuba Behind

Before migrating, Sandro spent two years studying Automatic Engineering at Havana’s Technological University (CUJAE). He later moved to Mexico after earning a scholarship to Universidad Anáhuac in Cancún.

“I was there for eight months until COVID hit. I had to return to Cuba and finish my studies at CUJAE. Besides studying, I also ran my own small business back then,” he recalls.

When Sandro and his family—his parents and younger brother—decided to leave, they first traveled to Mexico on tourist visas. From there, they began their journey to the U.S. border.

Upon crossing, his parents and brother were granted humanitarian parole, but Sandro received an I-220A, a document that places individuals under “order of release on recognizance” while they await immigration proceedings. Unlike parole, it confers no legal status or access to federal assistance. Although he was happy for his family, being stuck in legal limbo was painful.

“I always dreamed of going to college, but I knew it would be hard without support. The thought of not continuing my education really weighed on me. Still, I decided I wouldn’t give up. If I had to work or take out loans, I would—my dream was bigger than the obstacles.”

A Fresh Start

Adjusting to life in the U.S. was difficult, as it is for any immigrant starting over. But with the support of people who helped them along the way, Sandro and his family slowly found their footing.

“My family has been essential during this time, giving me the support I needed to keep going,” he says.

Back in Cuba, he left behind his maternal grandmother, uncles, and many lifelong friends. He also lost his paternal grandmother during his first year in the US.

What he misses most are the friendships that stretched from childhood through college. “I wish they could be here experiencing this with me. And I miss my grandmother deeply.”

College, Work, and Family: A Delicate Balance

Sandro arrived in the U.S. in 2022. One of his first steps was to visit Miami Dade College to understand how to enroll, what requirements he needed to meet, and how to organize his new academic path.

He had to wait nearly a year to qualify for in-state tuition, which is significantly more affordable. With no access to federal aid, he found a way to finance his education himself. That’s why, in addition to his studies at FIU, he works two jobs—his concierge position and running his insurance business.

“I didn’t want to go into debt or put more financial pressure on my parents, who were already sacrificing so much. That was my personal decision—my goal is to graduate and become a professional,” he says.

He's strategic with his finances, investing in education over luxuries. “Some people spend $600 or $700 a month on a car. I’d rather invest that in my education—it’s the best way to build a solid future.”

Sandro chose Interdisciplinary Engineering because it combines his passions for technology and entrepreneurship—something he felt was missing in his studies back in Cuba.

While he began in Automatic Engineering, he realized working with electronic circuits wasn’t for him. In Mexico, he discovered a love for leadership, management, and business, which nearly led him to switch majors. Interdisciplinary Engineering, however, allowed him to bring it all together.

“This major lets me design products and processes that improve lives, lead teams and projects, and translate technical engineering concepts into everyday language.”

Starting college in the U.S. felt like starting from scratch, but armed with experience from Cuba and Mexico, Sandro has been able to stand out both academically and professionally.

To stay connected with the Cuban community and grow as a future changemaker, Sandro joined the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership and Education (CAALE), a New Jersey-based organization offering leadership programs for Cuban-American college students.

CAALE also awards the prestigious Pinos Nuevos merit scholarship, which grants $10,000 to students recognized for academic excellence, community leadership, and professional potential.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the CAALE Class of 2024. It was the first organization in the U.S. that believed in me and my work. That changed my life and gave me the strength to keep fighting for my dreams.”

Juggling Jobs, Classes, and a Business

Fluent English has been crucial in Sandro’s success. “Thanks to my language skills, I’ve been able to land good jobs. I found my current position online, applied, interviewed, and got it.”

At the same time, he runs his own health and life insurance business. It all started through a childhood neighbor from Guanabacoa who introduced him to the field. Initially skeptical due to negative perceptions of the industry, he decided to give it a try after seeing honest people like her thrive.

“I love working with people and helping them, which is why I started this project. I’m slowly building up my social media presence to grow it further.”

Balancing everything hasn’t been easy. “Sometimes classes are scheduled at times when I can’t attend. I have to completely rearrange work, ask for time off, and adjust everything to make it happen.”

This often means tough negotiations with his employers. “When you’re working, you’re generating income for your boss. If you’re constantly changing your schedule, it can create issues. It’s a risk you have to take.”

Luckily, he’s found supportive managers. “I’ve had great bosses—understanding people who’ve helped me stay in school while meeting my work responsibilities.”

Responsibility has been one of his strongest assets. “I’m the type who says yes to any task and follows through. Customer service has also played a key role in my professional growth—I enjoy engaging with people and offering the support they need.”

Organization is critical in his day-to-day. “I wish I could say I have a perfect schedule, but I don’t. My life revolves around school—it’s my number one priority. Everything else—work, family—gets organized around that. My main goal for this year and the next is to graduate, and everything needs to align with that. If it doesn’t, I set it aside.”

During breaks at work, he studies. “I use those moments to catch up on reading or lectures. Once I’m home, it’s a study marathon. In my free time, I meet with insurance clients and apply for internships to get my foot in the door with a good company.”

Living with his parents and brother has given him stability. “Being together gives me peace. We help each other out, which lets us move forward and achieve more.”

A Message for Other Immigrant Youth

Looking ahead, Sandro’s goals are clear: build his career in the U.S., grow his business, and inspire other young immigrants to keep going.

“One thing I’ve learned is that opportunities are out there—but you have to go after them. Don’t be afraid of sacrifice, because in the end, it pays off.”

His advice to young immigrants in similar situations? Use your access to information wisely. “Our phones are powerful tools. Instead of wasting time on social media, use it to research college admissions, scholarships, and resources. Everything’s online—you just have to know where to look.”

Above all, don’t give up. “Even when the path feels hard, this country is full of opportunities. And remember, success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It could mean starting your own business, becoming a great nurse, or whatever your goal is. What matters is persistence and not comparing yourself to others.”

Having clear goals helps. “If you know what you want, stay focused. My short-term goal is to get an internship and build practical experience before I graduate. Medium-term, I’d like to work at a top company, maybe in project management or the finance sector. Long-term, I want to earn an MBA and continue expanding my insurance business.”

Before saying goodbye, Sandro shares one last thought: he wants to give back to the immigrant community, just as others supported him.

“I’ve learned that sharing what you know can make a huge difference for someone just starting out. Never forget where we come from—our culture and values. Being Cuban is something to be proud of. Our roots give us strength and push us to keep moving forward.”