Samuel Kangethe, a Kenyan man who lived in the United States for 16 years, has made the difficult choice to leave the country on his own. He says he wants to avoid the pain of being arrested or deported in front of his children.
Samuel moved to the US in his early twenties. He came as a student, later got a job, and started a family. He earned a master’s degree in finance, worked as an accountant, and made many friends. Michigan became home for him, his wife Latavia, and their three children.
But in 2014, the US government said his earlier marriage was fake. Because of that, his immigration status became unclear. Even though Samuel has never committed a crime, officials still consider him deportable.
In the past year, things got worse. With more pressure on immigration cases, Samuel feared he could be arrested at any time. After many talks with his wife, he decided to leave the US voluntarily.
“It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Samuel said. “But I don’t want to be taken away in front of my children. If I go, at least my family will know where I am.”
His wife Latavia is heartbroken. She worries about raising the kids alone, paying bills, and keeping their home. The children, especially the youngest, don’t understand why their dad has to leave.
Samuel has spent his last days in the US quietly, enjoying time with his family. He plays soccer with his five-year-old daughter and cherishes these moments.
Friends and coworkers are sad to see him go. His former boss Dan Henry called him hardworking and trustworthy. Many people have promised to help his family after he leaves.
government pushes undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily. New rules offer money and travel support to those who choose to self-deport.
Though Samuel is returning to Kenya, he leaves behind a life he built with love and sacrifice.
