Help Learnmore Jonasi Get His Green Card

Hi, I'm Dominick Racano, festival director of All The Laughs (ATL) Comedy Awards. This is how I met, the very talented, and hard working, Long John the Comedian, and here is his story ...

Firstly, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed in any way towards my dream of coming to the USA. I’m here now and the dream is beginning to fully fledge just as we envisioned!! Words fail me to fully express what love and solidarity you have shown towards the Village Boy and his quest for world dominance. I could not have done any of this without you and if you are new here-,

Hi. My name is Learnmore Mwanyenyeka known as Long John the Comedian. I'm a Multi Award Winning Zimbabwean Comedian currently in Pittsburgh, USA

I've been doing stand-up comedy for more than 10 years around Africa and a brief stint in the UK. I’ve had the privilege of treading stages with some of the biggest names in the industry and one of my biggest dreams has been to bring my comedy to the USA. About 2 months ago with your help, I’ve seen this turn from being just a dream to being reality. I’m doing great! I’m holding my end of the bargain by working harder and continuing to hone my skillset. You showed faith in me and the best I can do is serve you with world class entertainment to the best of my ability. I’m currently residing at the Steel City Arts Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania here in the US. I've Performed in Atlanta, New York, Erie , Akron , New York , and Pittsburgh just in the past couple months! I’m still a long ways from where I want to take my skillset but I’m working and recently I competed at the World Series of Comedy competition in Atlanta and came in SECOND PLACE. America has been receptive to the Village Boy and a lot of doors are opening. I’m getting ridiculously great offers to perform at some auspicious Comedy festivals such as Rubber City Comedy Festival, Vail Comedy festival and more…

….But the Problem is....

Currently I'm on a B-1 /B-2 visa which has so many restrictions in terms of prospects that I would like to pursue and advancing my career in the US. Under it I'm not able to get paid for my work and there’s a lot of limitations like not being allowed to be on TV - a major source of exposure that I much need to propel me to the next level. I've had to turn down life changing opportunities because my visa could not allow me to take part in those - a network wanted me to audition for them but needs to wait until I get a different visa.

Per my immigration lawyer, I qualify for a Green Card as an Alien of Extraordinary Ability (EB-1 visa). Getting this Green Card will enable me to work without limitations in the US and make pursuing my career in Comedy / entertainment less difficult.

Surviving in USA is not easy, so having the flexibility to have a paying job and seize such opportunities and make a living would help me continue my career journey.

The process is quite expensive, so anything you can spare is greatly appreciated - below is a breakdown of the fees to get the visa. I am aiming to file in August / September , and would like to pay my lawyer by end of July. My current visa expires in January but I have to leave the USA in August per my current visa, so if I’m able to retain my immigration lawyer by then I will be able to extend my stay and not leave.

Schedule of Fees for EB-1/Adjustment of Status Petitions

Legal Retainer to start the visa paperwork $4000

USCIS Filing Fees: $700 - $3200 (regular or premium processing times)

$1225 Upon Approval of Adjustment of Status

Final Legal Services Fee: $4000

Total: $9,925 - $12,425

The biggest goal right now is to get to $4k so I can have my lawyer file the paperwork so I don’t have to leave the country in August. I would be so grateful for anything you could give. Your support enables me to stay in the United States and pursue my goals and accept opportunities that I've had to turn down because of my current immigration status. Thank you for changing my life! I am forever grateful to you!!