Massandje becomes a citizen!
Donation protected
Hey all!
Most of you know who Massandje Boduo is in my world, shes someone who I learn from and love every single day. In 2004, Massandje came to America at 4 years old to escape a brutal civil war that took place in her home, Liberia.
She arrived in America with her mother, Oretha Boduo. When they arrived they were sent to Cleveland, Ohio with several others coming from Liberia. I met Massandje in 2009 when I came to Cleveland to do a VBS with my church's youth group. And when I moved to Cleveland in 2011, Massandje was the first to greet me. Her mother was diagnosed with HIV in 2012 on the date Massandje graduated 8th grade. I thought that was going to be the hardest day of my life, but then in 2016 after a long and hard fight Oretha passed away.
Massandje has been my best friend in Cleveland since 2009. While I had guardianship over her for two years, that did not grant her citizenship NOR did it grant her ANY benefits, INCLUDING healthcare even though I fell beneath the poverty level with a household moving up to 2 people. However, regardless of financial stressors... I would eat PB&J and ramen noodles for the rest of my life if it meant I get to have Massandje in my life.
While living in the U.S, Massandje went through all 12 years of school. And, while it may not seem like a huge accomplishment, had zero records in her juvenile records, which is HUGE now a days.
Graduated from high school in 2017, went and received her Nursing Assistant state certification and now studying to become a pharmacy tech. And in April of this year she enlisted in the U.S Army. Her greatest aspirations in life are to help people, and to become a medical professional. Massandje doesn't know Liberia and in fact is terrified of Liberia even though I have been there several times. Massandje IS my family. Massandje IS a citizen of the US, but not on documents. Her permanent residency runs out at the end of this year and we need to file the applications ASAP despite finances.
However, due to minimal finances we are asking for your help to get her the proper documents she needs. The application fee is $725 with a background check fee for $85 and then also a biometric fee which the amount has not been given to me yet. I have tried several times to get this fee waived, as it is an option... however, I have been told by immigration to use a credit card. She could have her fee waived through the Army, however, she will not be in basic training until AFTER her card expires... which presents another whole issue entirely.
Additionally now, we are needing assistance to hire an immigration lawyer, this will cost roughly $900
I was always taught "closed mouths don't get fed".... and I think Massandje deserves a fair shot just like the rest of us. Any little bit you can do will help, I've been putting everything I can away just to save for this application.
Thank you and be blessed!
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33-34)
Most of you know who Massandje Boduo is in my world, shes someone who I learn from and love every single day. In 2004, Massandje came to America at 4 years old to escape a brutal civil war that took place in her home, Liberia.
She arrived in America with her mother, Oretha Boduo. When they arrived they were sent to Cleveland, Ohio with several others coming from Liberia. I met Massandje in 2009 when I came to Cleveland to do a VBS with my church's youth group. And when I moved to Cleveland in 2011, Massandje was the first to greet me. Her mother was diagnosed with HIV in 2012 on the date Massandje graduated 8th grade. I thought that was going to be the hardest day of my life, but then in 2016 after a long and hard fight Oretha passed away.
Massandje has been my best friend in Cleveland since 2009. While I had guardianship over her for two years, that did not grant her citizenship NOR did it grant her ANY benefits, INCLUDING healthcare even though I fell beneath the poverty level with a household moving up to 2 people. However, regardless of financial stressors... I would eat PB&J and ramen noodles for the rest of my life if it meant I get to have Massandje in my life.
While living in the U.S, Massandje went through all 12 years of school. And, while it may not seem like a huge accomplishment, had zero records in her juvenile records, which is HUGE now a days.
Graduated from high school in 2017, went and received her Nursing Assistant state certification and now studying to become a pharmacy tech. And in April of this year she enlisted in the U.S Army. Her greatest aspirations in life are to help people, and to become a medical professional. Massandje doesn't know Liberia and in fact is terrified of Liberia even though I have been there several times. Massandje IS my family. Massandje IS a citizen of the US, but not on documents. Her permanent residency runs out at the end of this year and we need to file the applications ASAP despite finances.
However, due to minimal finances we are asking for your help to get her the proper documents she needs. The application fee is $725 with a background check fee for $85 and then also a biometric fee which the amount has not been given to me yet. I have tried several times to get this fee waived, as it is an option... however, I have been told by immigration to use a credit card. She could have her fee waived through the Army, however, she will not be in basic training until AFTER her card expires... which presents another whole issue entirely.
Additionally now, we are needing assistance to hire an immigration lawyer, this will cost roughly $900
I was always taught "closed mouths don't get fed".... and I think Massandje deserves a fair shot just like the rest of us. Any little bit you can do will help, I've been putting everything I can away just to save for this application.
Thank you and be blessed!
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33-34)
Organizer
Becky Trout
Organizer
Cleveland, OH
