Nigerian comedian Bayo Bankole, popularly known as Boy Alinco, has opened up about his challenging journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Teju Babyface Show, Bankole, widely recognized for his role in the sitcom Papa Ajasco, shared his experience.
The 56-year-old actor revealed that in 2015, he left his family in Nigeria to pursue U.S. citizenship through marriage.
He disclosed that he married an American woman just seven months after meeting her. However, the first two years of their marriage were filled with hardships, particularly financial struggles.
The actor revealed that he took on menial jobs to support his family both in the U.S. and Nigeria.
Bankole attributed his struggles to the type of joint account he had with his wife and the absence of proper guidance and mentorship.
Describing his situation as “unfortunate,” he admitted that he had no one to advise him on navigating the citizenship process.
Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude that his life has improved and that his children from Nigeria are now with him in the U.S.
Bankole emphasized that he holds no grudges against his wife and is focused on moving forward.
“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.”