Being the only one in the house that works, Yabio enjoys his quiet mornings as he’s often the only one up that wakes up early. Photograph by Sam Maller

Yabio leaves home every morning shortly after 8 am., to give himself enough time to stop at the corner store to buy a fruit drink and cigarettes, and get to work early. Photograph by Sam Maller

While waiting for the State Department to grant his children entry to the U.S., Yabio is studying for his learner's permit and plans to use his savings to buy a car. Photograph by Sam Maller

Wet rugs are hoisted up by a motorized pulley and dried before Yabio trims their fringes. Photograph by Sam Maller

After only three months, Yosef is still learning the ways of the shop. Though Yabio works slower than Yosef, he is more thorough and calculated with his actions. Photograph by Sam Maller

Yabio has excelled since arriving in February, and has taken some of the stress off Pat and Jeff's shoulders by taking on new roles. Photograph by Sam Maller

Yabio doesn’t always understand Pat’s directions, but will always smile at the sound of her voice. A strong relationship has been fostered between them that transcends the typical boss-employee dynamic. Photograph by Sam Maller

As his English continues to develop every day, visual direction continues to be far more effective for Yabio. Photograph by Sam Maller

Pat covers her face as she realizes that Yosef's wife is pregnant with their fifth child. The day before, he had to leave early because his landlord shut off the electricity and the water in his apartment. Photograph by Sam Maller

Each morning, Yabio and Yosef roll carpets that were laid out to dry the night before. Yabio's status is evident even here, where he will take on the larger rugs and leave the easier ones for Yosef. Photograph by Sam Maller

In his favorite part of his day, Yabio straightens and trims the fringes of an oriental rug that has hung and dried overnight. Photograph by Sam Maller

Every evening after work, Yabio rides through downtown Syracuse and takes in the aged walls of the city on his way home. Photograph by Sam Maller

In one of the few quiet moments in his day, Yabio takes a final drag on his cigarette before heading home. Photograph by Sam Maller

After working for more than 50 hours during his six-day week, Yabio falls asleep in the middle of his living room on Saturday evening. Photograph by Sam Maller

Headlights shine on the front door of Yabio's home. He’ll sit with his housemates listen to cultural music on their shared laptop until they go to sleep. Photograph by Sam Maller