Huntsville nonprofit leader at risk for deportation asks for community’s help

Huntsville nonprofit leader at risk for deportation asks for community’s help

New this evening... the man behind the "raising men and women lawn care service" is asking for your help.

You've likely heard of rodney smith junior - usually he's the one helping others.

He's a rocket city resident who made it his mission to mow a lawn for someone in need in all 50 states!

His nonprofit also encourages kids to take the "50 yard challenge" - where the mow 50 yards for the elderly, disabled, single parents, or anyone who needs their assistance.

Waay 31's alexis scott spoke with him today - about how he needs your help remaining in north alabama.

Rodney smith junior says he's spent most of his life in huntsville - but now his time here may be limited.

He was born in bermuda - and shared that his latest visa application was denied.

Rodney smith jr, 5:14-5:18 "whatever the outcome, this is the path god wanted me to go on so this is a part of the journey," rodney smith junior started the "raising men and women lawncare service" to help give free lawn care to veterans... the elderly... health care workers... and even breast cancer survivors.

He's been to all 50 states to mow lawns for those who need him.

And he says his nonprofit helped raise more than 17- thousand dollars last year - and more than 13-hundred children are involved in his "50 lawn challenge."

But now - that could all come to an end.

Smith told me he applied for an e-b one visa.

It's for those who have quote "extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim."

It usually goes to professors or researchers - but smith thinks it can apply to his work as well.

4:45-5:02 "i just need someone to look at the case and see what we're doing and reconsider that what we're doing is not only helping those we're working for, but the kids... and we have so many kids taking part.

It's just a lot of emotions you know," not shot yet now... he's asking for help from - the people he's helped.

He's starting a letter-writing campaign stating his work is exceptional to help him stay a legal resident of the united states.

1:12-1:26 "i will submit all the letters when i file an appeal.

They denied the first one so i'll gilan appeal for reconsideration and then if they happen to deny that one, that's when i will appeal it and take it to federal court," smith told me he has until november 7th to recieve the letters and send them off to the united states citizenship and immigration services.

Reporting in hsv, alexis scott waay-31 news.

Smith said he's live in huntsville for 15 years.

He earned his bachelor's and master's degree from alabama a&m.

Smith told us - if you want to be part of his letter writing campaign - you can send the letters to the address on your screen.

That's p-o box 2-1-8-2 in madison alabama ... zip code 3-5-7-5-8 it's also on our