Nationwide –Rodney Taylor, a Black barber from Georgia, is now dealing with deportation to Liberia after residing within the U.S. most of his life. His immigration standing turned a difficulty attributable to a decades-old legal cost, despite the fact that he was pardoned for it years in the past.
Taylor got here to the U.S. on a medical visa when he was 2 years outdated to bear surgical procedures for a congenital situation affecting his palms and toes. The U.S. turned his residence, however his immigration standing was by no means absolutely resolved.
Over time, Taylor constructed a profitable profession as a barber, recognized for making purchasers look good whereas chatting with them in his chair. He additionally used his barbershop to coach Black males about lung most cancers dangers and screenings, making a trusted house for well being consciousness.
Nonetheless, a previous felony cost for housebreaking at age 16, which was later pardoned by the Georgia Parole Board, led to his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Regardless of his pardon, ICE categorized him as an aggravated felon, and he’s now dealing with deportation.
“They picked me up and mentioned I used to be an aggravated felon. They handled me like I used to be a legal,” Taylor informed 11Alive. “They informed me computerized deportation. I can’t see a choose; I can’t get a listening to.”
Immigration lawyer Charles Kuck defined that whereas U.S. immigration legal guidelines have remained unchanged for many years, enforcement practices have develop into extra aggressive. Taylor’s case highlights how even people pardoned by the state can nonetheless face deportation years later.
Taylor was arrested by ICE in January, simply days after proposing to his fiancée. He has spent the previous three months in detention with no court docket date, enduring overcrowded situations the place detainees sleep on the ground. Regardless of his scenario, Taylor continues to serve others by providing haircuts to fellow detainees, serving to them keep a way of normalcy.
Taylor’s fiancée and supporters proceed to advocate for his launch, however with no court docket date set, his future stays unsure.
“I pray that my immigration standing is authorized,” Taylor mentioned. “That’s the one factor that may get me out of this example.”
