Black Barber From Georgia Faces Deportation After Decades in U.S.

Nationwide –Rodney Taylor, a Black barber from Georgia, is now facing deportation to Liberia after living in the U.S. most of his life. His immigration status became an issue due to a decades-old criminal charge, even though he was pardoned for it years ago.

Taylor came to the U.S. on a medical visa when he was 2 years old to undergo surgeries for a congenital condition affecting his hands and feet. The U.S. became his home, but his immigration status was never fully resolved.

Over the years, Taylor built a successful career as a barber, known for making clients look good while chatting with them in his chair. He also used his barbershop to educate Black men about lung cancer risks and screenings, creating a trusted space for health awareness.

However, a past felony charge for burglary at age 16, which was later pardoned by the Georgia Parole Board, led to his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite his pardon, ICE classified him as an aggravated felon, and he’s now facing deportation.

Source: Black Barber From Georgia Faces Deportation After Decades in U.S.