Kenji's parents divorced in Japan when he was young. His father, who had legal custody, initially maintained contact but gradually became more distant. Eventually, his father decided to send Kenji to live with his aunt in Los Angeles, essentially transferring responsibility for his son to a relative in another country.
At 14, Kenji arrived in Los Angeles to live with his aunt. Initially, his father maintained some contact, but over time, the calls and messages stopped completely. His father provided no financial support and showed no interest in Kenji's life. The boy found himself effectively orphaned despite having a living parent.
Being abandoned by a parent is emotionally devastating at any age, but for a teenager it's particularly difficult. Kenji had to process his father's rejection while adapting to life in a new country. He struggled with feelings of worthlessness and abandonment while trying to succeed in school.
An immigration attorney recognized that Kenji's situation qualified him for SIJS. His father's neglect and abandonment, combined with the cessation of all support, met the legal requirements. The attorney filed for SIJS, documenting the father's complete disengagement from his son's life.
Kenji received SIJ status in 2023, but like many others, he is waiting in the visa backlog for his green card. The approval gives him protection and hope, but the wait is frustrating for a young person eager to fully embrace his future.
Kenji lives with his aunt in Los Angeles and attends school. He is healing from his father's abandonment and building a new life. His aunt has become his family, providing the support his father refused to give.
"Kenji says: 'I was scared and alone, but now I have hope for my future in America. Don't let your parents' failures define your worth.'"
"My aunt became the parent my father refused to be."
"I'm more than my father's abandonment."