Tim Hirschel-Burns, a white guy, shared a touching story about his friend Anicet from Benin, who once provided him with free accommodation when he visited Benin. In a gesture of gratitude, Tim decided to help Anicet fulfill his dream of visiting the United States, offering to cover all his travel expenses.
Tim took it a step further and signed documents to show his commitment to finance Anicet's trip when he applied for a tourist visa to the United States. However, to Tim's disappointment, Anicet's visa application was denied after an eight-month wait for his immigration interview, despite Tim's assurance to cover the costs.
Tim expressed his frustration on Twitter, stating that the US embassy often presumes that those applying for tourist visas have no intention of returning to their home countries. Anicet's application was rejected even after he paid a visa fee of $185 (N141,458.40).
Tim went on to share his close friendship with Anicet, recounting how they met and how Anicet had hosted him during his visits to Benin. Anicet also played a significant role in administering Tim's fund for providing health, food, and educational support to the local community, selflessly taking no money for his efforts.
The ordeal highlighted the challenges of the immigration system and how factors like wealth, passport privilege, and skin color often play a significant role in visa application outcomes. Tim's story shed light on the complexities and inequalities within the immigration process.
It was driven home to me today how our immigration system isn't about coming "the right way"—it's about having money, the right passport, and the right skin color.
After waiting 8 months for a visa appointment, Anicet—my longtime best friend from Benin—was rejected in 2 minutes pic.twitter.com/wb3gTCQh1x
— Tim Hirschel-Burns (@TimH_B) October 16, 2023[/blockquote>
