Mathew, a Ghanaian based in California, returned as a guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. During the interview, he expressed deep concern about the ongoing crackdown by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in California.
According to him, ICE operations are creating widespread fear and panic among immigrants, separating families and putting lives at risk. He revealed that several of his friends have already been arrested. One Ghanaian woman was also arrested, but she was fortunate enough to receive a pardon because she has a child in the U.S. and her husband is deceased. Without that, she would have been deported.
Although Mathew himself is not undocumented, he admitted that he’s scared for many people living without legal status. He shared that he has been stopped twice while driving—once while in a company vehicle—and officers asked for his documents. He also mentioned a recent incident where 10 people were arrested at a casino racetrack, and efforts are underway to deport them.
Mathew explained that when you’re pulled over, both the driver and passengers must show identification. If you have a speeding ticket or any record and lack proper documentation, it can be used against you in deportation proceedings. Many undocumented immigrants now hide in their patients’ homes (for those doing home care) and are afraid to even step outside.
He emphasized that many of the jobs illegal immigrants do—especially the menial ones—are ones most Americans won’t take. If these immigrants are deported, it could negatively impact many employers. Still, he advises that the safest option is to go back home.
Mathew added that even those seeking asylum are not safe, as ICE can arrest them at their hearing or by tracking the address provided in their application. “It’s not worth the stress of living in the U.S. without papers,” he warned. “It’s better to return to Ghana and work hard.”
He revealed that he has personally advised at least three people to return to Ghana. Even with valid visas—such as 5 or 10-year ones—overstaying could lead to deportation.
He shared the story of a Ghanaian woman who paid $18,000 for a five-year visitor’s visa without proper documents. She stayed in the U.S. for five months working hard and eventually returned to Ghana in November last year. She was still paying off the cost of the visa while in the U.S.
Mathew concluded with a strong warning:
“If you’ve overstayed your visa or don’t have the right documents, it’s better to return to Ghana before the stress and consequences become unbearable.”
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