RE: An Early Christmas Gift For Victor Chukwueke

Compliments of the season to everyone out there reading this blog I update once in a quarter or so :) Do you remember Chukwueke who was featured here and here some months back? Well, Victor has since graduated from Wayne State University with degrees in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology and still living with the missionary nuns who arranged for him to be treated in the U.S. He is a dean’s list student who volunteered in the chemistry and pathology labs, and was chosen to speak at his commencement ceremony. Victor is in the news again and this time, the Michigan lawmakers have passed a rare, “one-man Dream Act” in his favour. Victor still have dreams of becoming a surgeon and was accepted into the University of Toledo medical school but on the condition that he had to become a legal resident of the United States. 

His visa expired 10 years ago, and he has been living in the U.S illegally ever since. According to Michigan Radio, some of his advocates, including Detroit businessmen and Wayne State University, worked with Michigan Senator Carl Levin for more than a year to get a bill passed that will grant Victor a legal status in the US. These “private relief” laws, as they’re known, allow an individual to apply for permanent US residency. Though they aren’t unheard of, but they’re long shots. According to other media reports, about 83 similar bills were filed recently, but getting them passed was a different story entirely. Of the 83 bills proposed, only one made it through both the Senate and the House: Victor’s bill. The House passed a special bill granting Victor Chukwueke legal status in the U.S. Already approved by the Senate, the legislation now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature. Chukwueke expressed his appreciation on  victors hope, a website dedicated to sharing his story. He said, "Today, December 18, 2012, is one of the happiest days of my life; the passage of this my private bill is the best Christmas present ever.. And it wouldn’t have happen without all your incredible efforts. Words cannot express my extreme appreciation for your support during this process. I am truly humbled and blessed in so many ways by your kindness. Having been in the U.S. for 11 years, it seems like nothing less than a miracle to have reach this point in my life. This confirms my opinion that only in this country can so many miraculous and wonderful things happen to someone like me. And now the private bill has been approved, I will be able to move forward with my medical school aspiration.Thank you and God bless."

According to Michigan Radio, he rushed to call his friends and advocates to share the news. He even placed a call to his family in Nigera – they speak a couple times a month – but couldn’t get in touch with them. Despite his condition and the years he’s spent away from his family, Victor says he never sees himself as a victim. “I’ve been very fortunate in my life. You can’t control what happens to you. You can only control what your reactions will be.” 

This is great!!!! He has an awesome attitude and I have learnt a lot by following his story. Many thanks to the U.S for giving him a chance to become what he wants to be.