01/22/2024
While doing my daily scroll on Facebook almost two weeks ago, I saw a GoFundMe shared by a friend. I felt the urge to find out more and see how we can help. I had the chance to talk to one of Kofi’s relatives, and here is all I learned about him.
“So, Kofi is at Idaho State University. He is studying Industrial Cyber Security in the Computer Science Division. He is on a F-1 student visa. He has been here since August of last year I believe. He has completed one semester of school.
So, long story short. Kofi is my son in law's nephew. Kofi was accepted to Idaho State, but with paying out-of-state tuition. My son in law tried to explain to Kofi and his mother how expensive that tuition was. But I just don't think they really understood it. Kofi also had other people telling him he could get student loans, etc to pay for his education. Anyway, he came and out of state tuition was ridiculously expensive (I think it was like 17 or 18 thousand a semester). He sold plasma and did what he could to earn money, he put his tuition on a payment plan and paid what he could to it. Well, eventually it all came due and he owes a lot of money still.
The school told him they were going to deport him if he didn't get it paid. He got a letter on Monday (1/8) that basically told him he had 2 weeks, it was also sent to immigration is my understanding. So basically on or close to 1/22 he will be sent back home to Ghana if it isn't paid.
Kofi is not working, because the school has not allowed him to work. Where they control his visa, it's been explained to me they have to approve him working and where. School wanted him to be in school and do that for a semester or 2 before they approved work. So selling plasma and doing odd jobs that pay cash is what he has been doing.
Kofi is LDS. He has been accepted into BYU-I, and he wants to transfer there as soon as he can. Tuition will be much cheaper there. However, Idaho State will not release his transcripts to BYU-I for transfer until tuition is paid.
Kofi wants to transfer to BYUI and then serve a mission in the next year or so.
Kofi turned 18 in November. He came here as a bright eyed naive 17 year old kid, trying to make a go in this new country. He is such a great kid! He is eager, he is optimistic. He really wants to succeed. He has been so upset and just devastated at the thought of having to leave. I wish I had the money, I would pay it if I could. I truly think he will do great things in his life and I think the USA will benefit from having him here.
I hate that he has had to learn life lessons the way he has, but he has learned them. I just hate to see it destroy his future because he jumped the gun and came here before he financially should have.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you being willing to look into this and help if you are able! We have really seen the hand of God and miracles at play in all this.”
IF YOU HAVE READ THIS FAR, YOU ARE AMAZING!
IF HE IS ABLE TO RAISE $7,000 THROUGH THIS GOFUNDME WITH YOUR HELP, Let's Help The Next WILL MATCH THE DONATION WITH WILL COVER THE REMAINING BALANCE OF HIS FALL 2023 SEMESTER.
Please MAKE A DONATION, SHARE THIS POST, or THE LINK OF HIS GOFUNDME on your Facebook or IG page to spread the word, and hopefully get Kofi out of this situation. Much Thanks!
Mishma Buisson
Dear friends and families, I hope this message finds you well… Gad Arhin needs your support for Help me Avoid Deportation and Continue my
