The clock is ticking for an immigrant activist whose final asylum hearing is next week at Federal Plaza.

Marco Saavedrea has been fighting to stay in the country for nearly a decade.

Saavedrea and his family have built an authentic Mexican restaurant and safe haven for the past 10 years in Mott Haven. From being held in a detention center to turning himself in at the United States border in Arizona with eight others, Saavedrea is fighting for his own asylum to keep working with his family.

Customers who have become friends of Saavedrea over the years say they support what he has done in the South Bronx and across the country.

"Best case scenario is that it all ends on Nov. 7 for me, but the greater fight for immigrant rights continues, " said Saavedrea.

The final asylum hearing is public. He is expecting community members, his family and clergy to be there and is encouraging the community to attend as well.

He says if things don't go his way, he has two chances to appeal.