Rodney Smith Jr’s US Green Card Denied
Bermudian Rodney Smith Jr — well known for his charitable lawn mowing initiative in the USA — has had his application for a green card denied by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS].
An AL.com story said, “An Alabama man who has garnered national attention for his time spent traveling the U.S. to mow lawns says his bid to gain a permanent resident card under U.S. immigration laws has been rejected.
“Rodney Smith Jr. cuts lawns for free for the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and veterans, and has been involved in several nationwide projects to encourage youth and law enforcement. The Huntsville-area man posted a two-page message to his Twitter account this morning, saying that his bid for a green card has been turned down.
“Smith, a native of Bermuda, said he has lived in the United States for the past 15 years. Attempts to contact him for comment were not immediately successful.
“Serving the people of the United States is my passion, and it is here where I want to spend the rest of life,” he wrote. “However, my stay here is in jeopardy. I may be forced to leave the country.
“I have followed all the appropriate and legal protocols, but things have not gone my way. My application for a green card was recently denied by the [United States Citizens and Immigration Services]. I will continue to fight to earn permanent residency, and ultimately my citizenship, but my options are limited.”
“Smith said his denial letter stated he was rejected because he had not provided ‘documentary evidence that my work is an original contribution of major significance to the field’ of social work.
You can read the full story here on the AL website.
Mr. Smith also tweeted the two-page message below, saying: “Family, I need your help. Please read.”
And this is news because?…… Happens regularly to residents of Bermuda.
This is a classic case of ” no good deed goes unpunished”. The gods are wise, he has contributed above and beyond the necessary application . The world would be a forest(or a jungle) if we didnt keep the grass cut.
Sad thing is, this same situation has happened to countless “none Bermudians” that went to school and grew up in Bermuda…Even heard situations of children born in Bermuda, to none Bermudian families, and still having to leave. Hopefully Bermuda never goes independent so Bermudians living in England won’t have this sad situation happen to them.
Rodney, hope your situation works out for you and is resolved. It’s tough. Specially as you was such a positive young black influence in a country that struggles with strong black male role models.
Peace be with you brother.
Come on now, be honest. While it’s disappointing, do you really believe that mowing lawns, social work and setting up a foundation constitutes “extraordinary ability”?