Yordy Michikoj, 16, is like many teenagers, but unlike most, being separated from his mother thrusted him into an early adulthood. Lynda M. Gonzalez/NYT Institute

Lynda M. Gonzalez/NYT Institute

Yordy Michikoj, 16, is like many teenagers,
but unlike most, being separated from his mother thrusted him into an early adulthood.