but there's one thing that still eludes him. what is all this stuff? >> it's photos, pay stuff. first birth certificate. marriage certificate. my birth certificate. >> i'm joining vincent for an appointment with jeannie, an immigration advocate. she's working pro bono to help guide vincent through the complicated process of getting a green card. what's his status right now? >> basically his case is pending. we submitted his petition and we haven't received an approval yet. >> reporter: so how long have you been waiting? >> previously application was about may 2006. >> so you've been trying to get a green card for 11 years? >> right. at least 11 years. >> vincent's wife is a permanent resident and his children are u.s. citizens, but unless vincent gets a green card, he faces the possibility of deportation. why is it so important for you to try to get a green card? >> what if the people from immigration just stop me on the highway, arrest me and deport me