Hello, my name is Marcel T. Kouete, and I am a postdoctoral researcher in ecology and disease modeling, currently working remotely for the University of Montana. I’m reaching out to ask for your help during a deeply challenging time.

Since January 2025, I have been stranded in Cameroon, my home country, due to a persistent visa issue. Despite applying to renew my J-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, I’ve been blocked from scheduling an interview due to a recurring error message: “SEVIS Invalid.” The SEVIS number I’m using is the same one I’ve used for two previous renewals and has been verified by the University of Florida (my original visa sponsor) as correct and active. Despite months of emails and phone calls, the embassy has not resolved the issue.

As a result, I have been unable to return to the U.S., and my position at the University of Montana was recently changed to leave without pay, despite my ongoing responsibilities. I am now facing severe financial strain while still paying for rent, utilities, and premium health insurance in the U.S., even though I’m stuck abroad.

Most urgently, this visa issue is putting my career in serious jeopardy. My current contract ends in September 2025, and if I don’t resolve this issue soon, I risk losing not only my job but potentially my long-term future as a researcher. The situation also risks triggering the two-year home residency requirement, which would prevent me from returning to the U.S. for several years.

________________________________________

How You Can Help

I’m raising funds to cover the cost of legal assistance to resolve my visa issue.

So far, I’ve contacted several immigration attorneys. One has responded and is offering a consultation for $350, but total legal costs are currently unknown and may run into the thousands depending on the complexity and urgency.

I’ve set a fundraising goal of $3,000 USD, which will cover:

• $350 for an initial legal consultation

• Estimated $1,500–$2,000+ in attorney fees for case support

• Any applicable filing or document processing costs

• GoFundMe platform and processing fees

• Costs associated with maintaining communication with the U.S. embassy, including internet access, document printing, and international phone calls

Any funds not used for legal or immigration expenses will be transparently accounted for or returned upon request.

________________________________________

A Little About Me

I earned my PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida and have dedicated my research to understanding wildlife diseases and protecting biodiversity. I’ve worked on projects involving amphibians, bats, and disease modeling funded by the National Science Foundation and have published peer-reviewed research on the microbiome and host-pathogen interactions. I’ve always believed in the power of science to help solve real-world problems—and now I need help solving one of my own.

________________________________________

How You Can Help

1. Donate whatever you can—no amount is too small.

2. Share this campaign with your network: friends, colleagues, students, researchers, and allies.

3. If you know a reliable immigration lawyer or someone who’s faced a similar situation, please reach out.

________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. This means everything to me—not just for my career, but for the ability to continue doing meaningful work that protects ecosystems and public health.

With deep gratitude,

Marcel