In a recent interview on the Teju Babyface show, Nigerian comic actor, Bayo Bankole, popularly known as Boy Alinco, shared his inspiring yet challenging story of obtaining United States citizenship.
According to Bankole, he left his family in Nigeria to pursue US citizenship through marriage in 2015. The 56-year-old actor, famous for his role in the sitcom ‘Papa Ajasco’, revealed that he tied the knot with a US lady just seven months after meeting her.
However, Bankole’s journey to US citizenship was not without its challenges. He disclosed that the first two years of his marriage were marked by financial struggles, forcing him to work menial jobs to support his family in both the US and Nigeria.
“It was a bitter experience, but I eventually got my green card and was able to reunite with my children from Nigeria,” Bankole said.
The actor attributed his difficulties to the type of account he had with his wife and the lack of guidance and mentorship. He noted that his case was “unfortunate” because he had no one to advise him on the citizenship process.
“I have had the opportunity of traveling way back in 1999, and 2000 frequently. But I came to the US for the first time in April 2015,” Bankole said. “Then I met a lady. When I came back home in October 2015, I got settled and decided to get married. But it was a bitter experience for me. Eventually, I had to stay back. Two years of an experience that I will not want to recall.”
Bankole expressed gratitude that his life is better now and he has his children with him in the US. He also stated that he does not hold any grudges against his wife and is focused on moving forward.
“There are processes to citizenship. There are processes to getting a green card. Do you want to go through asylum? The process of immigration does not come easy. Some guys are fortunate. They get it so easily. But not all of us. If you bring 10 guys out, eight will have a nasty experience,” Bankole said.
“You have situations that if you go through marriage, if you are fortunate to have a good woman, thank your star for it. And if you do not have a good woman, please endure and enjoy it. The situation becomes so difficult when you have your loved ones back at home who depend on you. You are struggling with their survival here and at home.”
Bankole’s story highlights the challenges many people face when seeking to obtain US citizenship. He emphasized the importance of guidance and mentorship in navigating the complex process.
“I was not fortunate to arrive at a place where people could mentor me,” Bankole said.