A lawyer sits across from his client, delivering a grim ultimatum.
“You have one month to secure a co-signer for your visa,” he warns. “Failure to do so will result in your departure from the US.”
Another dreary day unfolds at Khalil Immigration Law, where individuals facing unfavorable outcomes seem to vanish without a trace. Even the ornate gold plaque adorning the waiting room offers no false hope, bearing the lackluster motto, “We’ll do our best!”
This seemingly absurd setting is just one of the many peculiar locations viewers will encounter in the newly released movie “Problemista,” tracing the protagonist Alejandro’s desperate struggle to remain in the United States and pursue his aspirations.
In an early scene, the protagonist, portrayed by Julio Torres, engages in a dialogue with his attorney, Mr. Khalil, played by Laith Nakli. The urgency of Alejandro’s predicament propels Khalil to brainstorm potential solutions at lightning speed. Could a newfound acquaintance serve as his sponsor?
“We shall see,” Alejandro responds nonchalantly.
To Khalil’s surprise, this casual remark sparks a revelation. Rather than unveiling a groundbreaking legal strategy, Khalil envisions a new motto for the office, exclaiming, “We shall see! That’s a far superior slogan for us.”
Such moments of levity punctuate “Problemista,” shedding light on the uncertainties embedded within the US immigration system and the surreal hurdles faced by those entangled in its web.
As Alejandro perseveres against formidable odds, contending with the erratic behavior of his boss, art critic Elizabeth Asencio (portrayed by Tilda Swinton), the narrative unfolds with a blend of humor and poignancy.
For Torres, the film is not merely a work of fiction but a reflection of personal experiences.
“I’ve harbored these emotions for so long that it was inevitable they would manifest in a movie,” Torres shared in a recent interview with CNN. Having migrated from El Salvador to the US as a college student, he vividly recalls the anxiety of transitioning from a student visa to a work visa post-graduation.
Long before assuming the role of the well-intentioned yet ineffective immigration lawyer in “Problemista,” Nakli experienced a similar sense of dread. Recalling his own tumultuous journey, Nakli empathizes with Alejandro’s narrative, shedding light on a facet of his life seldom disclosed to the public.
For over three decades, Nakli has grappled with the repercussions of a 1998 arrest in New York on federal charges, a tumultuous period that culminated in deportation proceedings. Despite the shadow cast by his past, Nakli transitioned from a career in bodybuilding to pursue acting—a lifelong passion.
As Nakli’s acting career flourished with notable roles in film and television, his legal predicament remained a closely guarded secret, concealed from all but a select few confidants due to feelings of shame and apprehension.
While the specter of deportation looms over Nakli, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of a presidential pardon application submitted in 2022. If granted, this pardon could herald a new chapter in Nakli’s life, potentially paving the way for US citizenship and a fresh start.
In a poignant juxtaposition, Nakli’s advocacy for a pardon underscores the inherent paradox faced by many immigrants, encapsulating the unforgiving nature of the US immigration landscape.
“Problemista,” lauded for its whimsical narrative and social commentary, resonates with viewers by juxtaposing surreal elements with the stark realities of immigration bureaucracy. Torres, drawing from personal experiences, intricately weaves a tale of resilience and creativity amid adversity.
As Torres navigated the labyrinthine process of securing a work visa, he encountered challenges that mirrored Alejandro’s tribulations, resorting to unconventional means to sustain himself financially.
The film’s narrator, voiced by Isabella Rossellini, encapsulates Alejandro’s plight through a metaphorical depiction of an insurmountable maze, symbolizing the intricate visa application process fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.
While “Problemista” sheds light on the immigrant experience, Torres emphasizes that the film is a narrative centered on individual struggles rather than a scathing critique of the immigration system.
As Nakli embraces his role as a fellow “problemista” in both reel and real life, he finds solace in Torres’ authentic portrayal of the immigrant journey, resonating with the emotional complexities depicted on screen.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding his pardon application, Nakli remains steadfast, buoyed by the support of friends and colleagues who attest to his character and contributions to their lives.
In a poignant reflection on his past, Nakli acknowledges his mistakes, expressing a newfound sense of openness and resilience. His journey, once shrouded in secrecy, now stands as a testament to redemption and second chances—a narrative he hopes will culminate in a brighter future.
As Nakli awaits a pivotal decision on his pardon application, he remains resolute, prepared for any outcome that may shape his future. Unlike the ephemeral figures depicted in “Problemista,” Nakli’s indelible presence in the realm of acting and advocacy ensures that his story will endure, transcending the confines of fiction to inspire real-life transformations.
CNN’s Julie In and Hayley Wilson contributed to this report.