Lina is a Ghanaian living in the United States, where she has been for the past six years. She initially traveled on a visiting visa but later overstayed.
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Matters Dey show, she revealed that she once attempted to get her documents (Nkrataa) through a family member, but the process didn’t work out. According to her, the relative suggested using only the marriage certificate instead of compiling stronger supporting documents such as joint bank accounts and other evidence. Eventually, the attempt failed, she went through a divorce, and she stopped pursuing it.
Life without legal documents in the U.S. has been very difficult for her. Lina explained that there are frequent immigration raids, and sometimes officers even storm workplaces. “When you don’t have papers, you panic every time you go out,” she said.
She currently lives in Texas but wants to relocate to New York because, in her view, Texas is not immigrant-friendly. Without documents, she cannot access health insurance or free healthcare, forcing her to pay high medical bills out of pocket. “I once paid $1,000 just for a doctor’s appointment, and if I need serious treatment, it could cost up to $40,000,” she explained. Last year, she also spent $3,000 on a dental procedure.
Transportation has also been a challenge. Since buses do not run frequently in her area, she relies on Uber to commute to work, which is expensive. She added that recently immigration officers raided a bus, making undocumented migrants like her even more fearful of everyday activities.
Reflecting on her experience, Lina emphasized that life abroad is only manageable when you have legal documents. With papers, she said, one can access loans, financial support, and live more freely. Without them, survival is tough even though the system in America works.
She concluded by saying she is still single and not married yet.
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