Support Alan's H1B visa application

My name is Alan and I’m a science reporter for WHYY, the NPR station in Philadelphia. I’ve been doing this for almost three years. I love my work, and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I came to the U.S. for college in 2009 and realized that public radio is where I can do the work that I enjoy and am at least somewhat good at. 


You can read and listen to some of my stories on WHYY,  This American Life , NPR , Public Radio International , Vulture , or on my website . 


Unfortunately, I am not American. I need an H1B work visa  to continue working in this country. This costs $8,000 in filing, processing and lawyer fees. To make things even more difficult, it is illegal for me to pay for any of this myself. This is why I’m turning to you for help.


Here is a great post  that explains my current predicament, featuring more accomplished science journalists facing the same problem.


I cannot receive any of this money. Instead, it will go to a family friend, Sabrina Lee, who has offered to receive the money to pay all the necessary fees. She has supported me in many ways since I arrived in the U.S. It goes without saying that I trust her completely. 


I should also explain that, even if this campaign raises $8,000 and my lawyer files all the necessary paperwork, there is a chance I will not get an H-1B visa. I still have to go through a visa lottery. However, with your help, my chances will not be zero .


Living here means keeping the job I love, staying connected with my wife Clara , my friends, my colleagues, the dragon boaters in Philadelphia, and the community around the podcast Buffering the Vampire Slayer . Also, I am very sure my cat Giles  would not enjoy being on a plane for hours so you’ll be helping him out too! 




Thank you for reading this far and thinking about supporting my dream. Any amount you can contribute will go a long way. If you have any questions about this process, me or my work ... please leave a message below and I will definitely respond quickly. 


"Without a birthright claim to the land, I am only in the U.S. because I have something to offer, a specific set of skills that the government deems valuable, like a price tag on a commodity. Unlike him, my simply being is not enough."