Help Sammy Avoid Deportation

UPDATE 3/2: We have successfully reached our goal. ALHAMDULILAH! May everyone who contributed to Sammy’s safety and well-being be rewarded one hundredfold.

UPDATE 3/1: We are so close to reaching our goal! Unfortunately we have just found out that USCIS (Immigration Services) is requiring Sammy’s funds to reflect additional costs—transportation and book costs, on top of just tuition—in order for him to maintain eligibility for his student visa. The new amount needed is 10,841. Despite every obstacle Sammy has found ways to keep fighting, and the generosity of our community has allowed us to fight on his behalf. We’re asking for a strong final push to grant Sammy the safety he needs and deserves!

UPDATE 2/12: Thank you all so much for your support over the past month. By the grace of God, Sammy has been able to secure a one-month extension until March 2 to secure the funds necessary to maintain his student visa. The new amount we are looking to raise by then (including current donations) is 8,000. Sammy is so close to being able to be in a place of security in his life and not have to fear homelessness or death. Any amount given at this time is extraordinarily appreciated!

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A dear community member named Sammy is facing an urgent financial crisis, which could result in his deportation.

Sammy is a Muslim international student from Tunisia studying at Columbia University. He was forced to flee from Tunisia due to political circumstances and fear for his life. Sammy achieved the impossible and got a second chance at life by gaining admission to Columbia. However, if he cannot secure the cost of attendance by March 2, he faces the risk of being deported.

If we are unable to raise $8,000 to help Sammy remain a student, he will be facing the threat of torture, imprisonment, or the death penalty due to a pending arrest warrant in Tunisia.

Columbia has informed him that the only way for him to cover the cost of attendance is through private loans. Unfortunately, as an international student, he cannot secure a loan without an American co-signer.

Every dollar helps; whether you can give $5 or $100, any amount will help ensure Sammy's safety.

As you know, GoFundMe takes a portion of all donations, so if you would like to send funds directly to Sammy, feel free to do so through Venmo at @giving-for-community and use "<3" as the description.