Henry Akim Gama came to America in 2000, hoping for political asylum after fleeing his native Zimbabwe. It's an African country locked in political turmoil where Akim has estimated that as many as 30,000 members of his African tribe have been killed.
In September 2007, he was arrested in Glenwood Springs at his place of work, Rivers Restaurant, after missing an immigration court date. Akim could be blamed for missing the court date but as an outsider to this country he put his trust in the hands of his legal representatives, and they let him down.
He now has a new legal team trying to help.
Akim currently awaits deportation from an Aurora, Colo. detention center, where he is currently.
There's some good news. An emergency stay of removal motion has been filed on Akim's behalf by the Immigration board of appeals.
This doesn%u2019t guarantee he will be granted asylum but it's a start.
Akim entered the country legally, has paid taxes and has always been employed. He's had a tremendous impact on this community, and has talked to local students at schools about the troubles of Zimbabwe.
He's a man who deserves a chance at asylum. He demonstrated that he was a valuable member of this community.
The Post Independent is providing this link for people who want to show their support for Akim or post a message for him. We at the newspaper will forward messages to members of congress and senate as well as getting the personal support comments to Akim.
We the undersigned,
support a decision for asylum in the United States for Henry Akim Gama.
Akim entered the country legally, has paid taxes and has always been employed. He%u2019s had a tremendous impact on this community, and has talked to local students at schools about the troubles of Zimbabwe.
Hundreds of people gathered in Glenwood Springs attending a fundraiser to support Akim in his effort for asylum.
Henry Akim Gama came to America in 2000, hoping for political asylum after fleeing his native Zimbabwe. It%u2019s an African country locked in political turmoil where Akim has estimated that as many as 30,000 members of his African tribe have been killed.
His father was killed in 2000. Akim fears that the same fate awaits him if he is forced to return to Zimbabwe.
His mother died one year ago-Akim could not attend her funeral.
In September he was arrested in Glenwood Springs at his place of work, Rivers Restaurant, after missing an immigration court date. Akim could be blamed for missing the court date but as an outsider to this country he put his trust in the hands of his legal representatives, and they let him down.
He now has a new legal team trying to help.
Akim currently awaits deportation from an Aurora, Colo. detention center, where he%u2019s been locked up for the past five months.
He%u2019s a man who deserves a chance at asylum. He's demonstrated that he is a valuable member of his community.
