So today I went to the US embassy for the second time for a Student F1 visa application interview and I have been refused a visa for entry into the United States. Last time I was denied it was laid on the bases that I did not provide any compelling evidence at the time of my interview to compel me to return home after completing my studies.  I understood and they were completely right for doing so but this time around all the evidence was there, I was so convinced that finally I will be granted a Student visa to pursue a computer science education in the United States…… but once again the sweet consular woman said “… I am sorry to inform you that the law has not change and that I still find you to be ineligible for a US visa...” Coming think of it, I think what it comes down to is that she doesn’t like me for some reason… I mean what I have done to deserve that. Last time she only interviewed me for barely a minute and this time around I can swear it was less than 30 seconds.

All she asked me was that “... has anything changed in your application from the last time that you applied…” I replied yes and I pointed to her that there is a letter from my sponsor emphasizing my ties to the Gambia and original documents showing evidence that my family owns a home and land in the Gambia and also a brief talk in writing about my career goals upon returning to The Gambia. Then she asked me why do I want to go to the particular school and I said “… I have found out that it's a good school which lays strong emphasis on technology and it suits me financially...” but oh no that was not enough to convince her.

I was not even given the chance to defend my self and no suggestions where made to me on how to overcome the refusal just in-case I choose to reapply in the future. The most hurtful part of the whole thing just like in my first time is that, as it was clearly stated in their rejection letter that I cannot appeal their decision. It’s like being convicted of a crime that you did not commit and the justice system won’t allow you to make an appeal. Where is the sense of justice and equal rights for all that the United States is so outspoken for? To me that is clearly missing here. I have nothing against the United States, in-fact I am a great admirer of its people for they are in the forefront of creating innovative ways, research and technologies that make the life of everyone one earth productive and may I say worth/interesting living. Anyways, it all cones down to one thing, if you are from my race and my continent you’d probably gotten used to the double standards everyone else applies to you. I am talking about poor Gambians here including my self who have lost $131 or more just like that without the chance to appeal the consulate’s decision and not forgetting to mention a refund of at-least some of their money. They will tell you that, that the money goes in to the Visa processing but wait I filled in the form and I printed it from their website then I went to the bank, paid $131 in to their account and stood before the consular on my interview day and I was asked 1 question and then refused a visa without a chance of an appeal or refund and you tell me that is Visa processing.

There has to be a stop to this reign of Visa Terror by the US Embassy because to me it certainly is if you, like me lost so much money and resources and not to mention precious thinking time you devote to the whole process. It’s time someone takes the lead and put an end to this injustice. I am going to report this to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), the United States Embassy in The Gambia (they can just ignore it like my last email if they like) and I am going to find ways to report this to all major international new media providers like CNN and BBC including our local media, the US and Gambia governments. Also to publicize this on social media buzz websites I will…. You know just a little something to create awareness of what’s happening.  Even if I will never benefit from a compensation or money refund once the whole thing is resolved, I know my fellow citizens certainly will.

So, that is $262 the US government owes me for the two F1 student visa applications I’ve applied for. I know that they say the visa application fee is non refundable but I don’t care because that is money I worked hard for and I want it BACK. Somehow they are just going to have to pay me back and I mean it.

I will probably never apply for a US student visa again because it is a very humiliating experience when you get rejected and your chances of getting one after two earlier rejections is very slim. With that goes all me hopes and dreams and my chances of getting a computer science education of my choice all shattered in-front of my eyes. I have a compulsive urge to pursue education in the field of what love and i have to admit that it is extremely painful and difficult and it hurts getting denied of that. Right now I feel like just sitting here and cry out loud like a little child… no kidding.  I wont WHY? Because I am a grown up and I believe when one door closes another one opens and who knows, everything happens for a reason and this one of those things part of my destiny…. Perhaps this is what is best for me right now. I think that i have the whole thing figured out. I know exactly what I want and what I am capable of doing, going to school was one way of  getting there. I have known that without going to school it will be a long and difficult road but I guess now it is time to take the trek head on. I suppose It's time to bust my head out of the my egg shell and start to life my life.

I am a very defiant and an extremely rebellious person by nature but still very law abiding (more that normal) and peaceful (I suppose it all has do with my religion). They can’t hold me down, now more than ever I am more determined than I have ever been my entire life. We are all meant for a purpose and I will certainly server mine.

God willing next time I apply for a US visa, it will be to attend a Microsoft developer conference or something and I will be the owner and CEO of Gambia largest software development firm. I think it’s time to realize the BarrowBros. dream but it’s a  long and difficult road and OH boy where do I start?

 Anyway, till then, but right now I need to relax. I had a terrible ordeal today.
 Cheers!!!!