I'm just wondering why you believe he should go to the States?
If it's because of an emotional bond between the two of you that is understandable. But if only for altruistic reasons then is he really going to be better off there?
The way you describe his life in Cambodia he sounds quite happy. You say he earns a good living for that country and he has an established clientele. He has learned to look after himself despite not having parents and has not responded well to attempts to "educate" him in the past. Maybe he is happy as he is?
Going to the US would be a tremendous culture shock. Beyond the obvious material differences the US has a much faster pace of living and people are more remote from each other compared to I assume Cambodia. Is it fair to take him away from what he is familiar with and what he knows? He has probably been successful because he has spent years building up his local knowledge and establishing relationships with his clients. Teaching him a new language whether sign or verbal will not be easy at his age either and would require significant commitment both from him and his guardians.
If you have established an emotional bond though and he is a young teenager then it may be worth approaching an adoption agency to see if he could be adopted by you? I understand that there is an adoption program between Cambodia and the US.
Sorry I hope I don't come across too negative and I think it's wonderful that you care so much about him. I'm just wondering what he thinks about it all and whether from his point of view he is happy as he is?
