Juan Carlos Parraga and Marielvis, 13, wait for news on his work permit, in the Bronx, New York City, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Parraga had made the long arduous journey from Venezuela, carrying Marielvis for five days through the treacherous 60 mile Darien Gap on the border with Columbia and Panama with hopes of finding support and school for her in New York City and work for himself. So far, few of those dreams have been realized.