S. Samuel
Former Bad Boy Records rapper Shyne wants that ol' thing back with reports claiming the deported hip-hop artist has launched a campaign to obtain a United States visa.
Details on his fight to come back to the United States emerged online over the weekend.
Levi has been fighting for the right to overturn his U.S. travel ban and re-enter the county ever since, and the 33 year old has now taken matters into his own hands by creating a formal petition in a bid to win favour from members of the Department of Homeland Security. The petition, posted on the official White House website, reads, “Moses Michael Levi served 9 years in a United States America (sic), while in prison, Moses was a model prisoner and was released and although Moses has spent (the) majority of his life in Usa, he was departed (sic) on October 28, 2009 back to Belize. Upon arrival to Belize he visited prisons and spoke to imates (sic), Moses has visited many schools in Belize and Jerusalem (Israel), speaking on the bad decisions he made when he was young. “Moses would like to continue his work in the United Sates of America and help troubled youth and be their voice. Moses is the current Cultural Ambassador of Belize.” As WENN went to press, Shyne was still in need of more than 24,000 signatures before a deadline of 15 June (12). (Contact Music)
Recently, the 33 year-old rapper talked about finally getting an opportunity to take on his current ban.
“We’re working on it. It’s been three years, so I finished my parole. The ban from America starts from three to 10 [years], so now it’s time to start making those applications. And also, I do a lot of work for my country. So I feel that’s important for the administration, homeland security and state department to respect that. I’m a young kid that made a mistake and I turned my life around, I shouldn’t suffer for the rest of my life. America is an important part of my life. It’s an important way for me to help my country, and more importantly Shyne Po still ring bells on every block. The kids are listening to me, man. So if anyone is going to tell them to put the guns down, or to go to Harvard and try to educate themselves and try to stay from out of prison, they’re going to listen to me. So I feel once we put our presentation together and present it to the powers that be, I don’t see it being a problem.” (Huffington Post)
Back in summer 2010, he reflected on getting banned from America and deported to Belize.
“I always knew it was a possibility I might be deported. I had lawyers, and I had people with serious relationships working to get me a f*ckin’ opportunity to continue my life in the place that raised me and developed me and grew me, after payin’ my debt, ya dig?” (XXL Magazine)
Reports of his immigration woes hit the Internet in early October 2009.
His release is now under review, as representatives for the rapper revealed that the Brooklyn MC is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at an unspecified facility in Western New York State. Officials are determining whether or not to deport the rapper, who was born in Belize, a rep explained. “Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined,” the rep said in a message to MTV News. Shyne attorney Oscar Michelen emphasized to MTV News on Tuesday afternoon that Shyne has not been released, contrary to media reports. (MTV)
Check out a recent Shyne interview below:
