Help Eliot return to the U.S. to raise his child

If you've been around NYC soccer in the past few years you've probably crossed paths with Eliot Katz. A fun-loving Englishman from London, Eliot is a father to one child, and those of us who have been lucky enough to share the pitch with him as our referee know that he adds something to the playing experience, which is incredibly difficult to do as a referee. Eliot has a passion for the rules of the game and is (until his imminent departure) on the board of Eastern New York's Referee Association. He is an advocate for women and has helped to create pathways for women to become referees. As League Commissioner of Gotham NYC, he has facilitated fun, safe environments to play in NYC and around the U.S. 

Eliot came here in 2017 with his wife and child. Eliot’s wife was on a work visa and, he, a spousal visa. After 6 months in a new country and much to his dismay, his marriage ended and his spousal visa had an expiration date which just came to pass as his ex's and child's green cards were approved in Mid-August 2023 and the clock for departure is now 60 days. Eliot has exhausted every option to stay here in the U.S. with his child via visa applications. His very last resort to move back and raise his child is to apply for a green card, which is a lengthy and expensive process. The application and legal support to file is expected to rise to $30k and will take at least a year, if not longer. 

There are a couple of ways you can help: 

1. Donate

2. If you have any information that may help Eliot, please share in the comments or message him directly IG @eliotkatz. 

Thank you so much!