Kamil Philip was born in post-Communist Poland and came to the U.S. with his family on a one-month visa that turned into a lifelong fight for survival. Growing up in a Long Island junkyard, Kamil’s version of the American dream spiraled into gun charges, forged documents, and years of run-ins with the law. But his biggest battle wasn’t prison—it was deportation. After losing his mother and being targeted by a detective determined to ruin his future, Kamil faced being sent back to the country his family risked everything to leave. Against all odds, a judge let him stay, and he rebuilt his life from scratch. Today, he’s a successful business owner who employs ex-cons, mentors young people, and teaches others how to build their own second chance. From selling guns and fake documents to nearly being deported, Kamil’s story is a powerful journey of survival, redemption, and what it really takes to overcome the system.

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