Amadou Ly’s Story
“I was a 13 year old undocumented and homeless immigrant living in new york. Not able to travel because Ice arrested and took my passport. Not having family members and having to survive by myself. ”
— Amadou Ly
Amadou Ly was born in Senegal in 1988. In 2001, he moved to New York where he attended school. In 2006, Mr. Ly made headlines in The New York Times and received international attention after his high school robotics team he led won the New York Regional Robotics Championship by outclassing America's most elite schools. Unfortunately, at the time, Mr. Ly had an active immigration case and was facing deportation, which didn't allow him to travel and compete internationally.
His story
Millions of Americans, including then-President George Bush, Senator Hillary Clinton as well as members of Congress, Hollywood superstars including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt came to his rescue.
The United States Congress introduced a bill on Amadou's behalf, and as a result, Mr. Ly received his US citizenship.
The New York Times articles written by Nina Bernstein celebrated Mr. Ly’s citizenship.
The United States Congress presented him with the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, which is one of the highest honors in the United States.
He was supported by the Senegalese community with very special support from then-President Abdoulaye Wade who invited him to visit Senegal in 2009. Mr. Ly received the Leadership Award from the American Immigration Council.
Mr. Ly moved to Hollywood to pursue an acting career, he played the role of Henri, a French vampire in the hit movie Twilight: Breaking Dawn. The film grossed over $ 1.7 billion worldwide.
“I want this organization to do for people what I didn’t have: a one stop hub that gives new immigrants what they need to make their American dreams come true.”
- Amadou Ly
