King Frederick, a Ghanaian based in the United States, is a regular guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami. In a recent interview, he shared valuable insights about life abroad, especially for undocumented immigrants.
According to King Frederick, living in America can be safe and rewarding if you avoid trouble. “If you keep a low profile, work hard, and don’t draw attention to yourself, you can survive—even without legal papers (nkrataa),” he said. He advised immigrants not to display obvious Ghanaian identifiers, like flags, in their cars, especially in states like California, as it can alert ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers to their foreign status.
He also criticized some immigration lawyers, accusing them of misleading clients. “Some lawyers know your asylum case has no chance, yet they’ll still push you to appear in court. That’s when ICE shows up to arrest people,” he explained. However, he clarified that paying taxes and staying out of trouble keeps most undocumented immigrants off ICE’s radar.
King Frederick also recounted how his family worries for his safety in the U.S., even though he’s not afraid. “I once posted a video from a police station where I was working, and my family panicked, thinking I’d been arrested. But I was just doing my job,” he said. He emphasized the importance of overcoming fear: “Even dogs can sense fear. I’ve learned to be bold.”
On politics, Frederick didn’t hold back his criticism of former President Donald Trump. “Trump doesn’t care anymore—he knows he’s not running again, so he’s breaking every rule and punishing people.”
He also warned against the herd mentality of Ghanaians abroad. “When Ghanaians hear of a particular city, they all rush there. That’s not always wise,” he said, recalling the death of a friend who was killed by young gang members in an alley during a mistaken turn.
Speaking on raising children abroad, King Frederick shared his own experience. “My children are doing well. My youngest has been to college and traveled to Spain. But I always tell people, if you’re living in Ghana and want to bring your children here, be careful. Sometimes, you’re harming them more than helping,” he said. He believes children raised in Ghana have more respect and discipline than those born and raised abroad.
He praised a Ghanaian friend in Maryland who owns one of the largest healthcare centers in the state. “She chose to invest in the U.S. rather than Ghana—and now she wins big state contracts. Her decision paid off.”
Reflecting on life lessons, he said, “Having money without wisdom is dangerous. I once spent $150 on boots at a club. A guy bumped into me, spilled alcohol on me, and didn’t even apologize. I later learned he was a dangerous gang member from Denver. That encounter could’ve ended badly.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of common sense and inner peace. “COVID-19 taught us that happiness isn’t in the outside world. Sometimes, the best life is enjoyed quietly—indoors, with peace of mind.”
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