Student's Prize Is a Trip [To Atlanta for Natationals] Into Immigration Limbo

[KenWittlief]

Ive been thinking about this over the last day or so.

No matter how you feel about Amadou's immigration status, he was left in this country by his mother, he fended for himself, he has done well in HS and has been accepted into college

but more importantly, WE (the FIRST community) have been telling young people: study math and science and technology because it will enrich your life, and improve the standard of living of all of us.

Amadou listened to us, he believed our message, he joined his HS FIRST team, and they won their area regional and are now at the Championship.

Amadou is one of us. Now he needs our help.

I know his team and mentors are in Atlanta today, so there is not much we can do for the next few days, but when they get back home next week we need to find a way to:

1. Get him legal help so he can stay in the US and finish his HS education.

2. Find a way for him to attend college here (funding, scholarships and legal assistance).

3. Find a way for him to become a citizen if that is what he wants to do.

Amadou believed in us. He believed in the message of FIRST. Now its up to us to stand behind him and show that what we shout from the high places is also true down on the street.