Nigerian comedian Bayo Bankole, better known by his stage as Boy Alinco, has talked about his difficult path to U.S. citizenship.
On a recent episode of the Teju Babyface show, Bankole, who is well-known for his part in the sitcom “Papa Ajasco,” told his experience.
The 56-year-old actor revealed that he left his family in Nigeria to pursue US citizenship through marriage in 2015.
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Bankole said he tied the knot with a US lady just seven months after meeting her but the first two years of their marriage were a “bitter experience” marked by financial struggles.
The actor said he worked menial jobs to support his family in both the US and Nigeria.
Bankole attributed his difficulties to the type of account he had with his wife and the lack of guidance and mentorship.
He said his case was “unfortunate” because he had no one to advise him on the citizenship process.
Bankole expressed gratitude that his life is better and he has his children from Nigeria with him in the US.
He said he does not hold any grudges against his wife and is focused on moving forward.
“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,” he 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. It was just like what I wrote when I eventually got my green card that truly I am an Asunkungbade — one who fights to earn his crown. At the end of the day, all glory be to God.
“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.
“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.
“I was not fortunate to arrive at a place where people could mentor me.”
