Serge’s story: former basketball star & loyal father deported after assylum is denied
Update from Serge, May 2011: A year ago on May 12, 2010 I was arrested at my house by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). I was in prison for 99 days before being deported to Cameroon, leaving behind a wife of 5 years, a 3 years old son and a 1 year old son. Since my return to my homeland, I have filed all the proper applications, petitions, and forms required for my re-entry to the United State. On May 4th 2011, I had an immigrant visa interview at the US Consular in my country. As expected by US immigration laws, my immigrant visa was denied for living unlawfully in the USA for more than one year, but I do qualify for a Waiver of Inadmissibility. On May 11, 2011 I filed the most important petition and application of all: the Waiver of Inadmissibility. After being processed in my country the waiver package will go to Accra, Ghana where it will be adjudicated. This is the make or break of my return home to the US and to my family.
My name is Serge Babo. After living in the US for 11 years I was deported on August 19, 2010 to my home country of Cameroon. I left behind a wife and two sons. At this date I’m working through Consular Processing to be able to obtain an Immigrant Visa after a waiver in order to return home to my family.
I came to the US on July 22, 1999 on a B1/B2 Visa to play in a basketball tournament. I played well in the tournament and was asked to attend and play basketball at a high school. I accepted and with the help of an attorney they provided, I applied for Asylum in January, 2000. The case was eventually denied in September 2002 and I was granted voluntary departure. I never left because the case was appealed all the way to the 7th Circuit Court, which eventually dismissed the motion in April, 2010. On May 12 of that year I was picked up by ICE agent at my house.
During my 11 years in the US I managed to graduated high school and college with a Bachelor Of Sciences in Computer Information Systems. The US government issued me four Employment Cards and a Social Security Number. In October, 2005 God blessed me with the love of my life – Brittney Nicole, a United States Citizen - and we married in August, 2006. Together we have had 3 beautiful sons: Kendrick Cameron who passed away in July, 2006; Jeremiah Christian who was born in September, 2007; and Jabari Jayden who was born in August, 2009. Around the time of Jabari’s birth we bought a house so we could live the American Dream and raise our kids.
Until I was abruptly removed from my home by federal agents, I was a productive resident of Mineral County, West Virginia. As a youth mentor for The Burlington Children’s Services, Inc. my contribution to the public good has been recognized and highly appreciated.
I recognize that I broke an immigration law and if I was given the chance to do it again, I would do it differently. I have learned from what has happened and I will not put the blame of my misconduct on anyone but myself. I assume full responsibility of my actions. However, doesn’t it seem logical that a well respected and loyal husband, father, friend, and volunteer for young children in the community should be given a second chance?
Follow me and my family on facebook: www.facebook.com/sergebabo
