“I’ve no intention of overstaying in the USA. I want my health restored that’s all I want,” said Momodou Lamin Sanneh after his visa application to travel to the USA for a life-changing medical treatment was rejected.

The 44-year-old, who is battling Chronic Lymphadenitis, was due to travel from Banjul to Minnesota on Saturday to receive treatment at the famous Mayo Clinic.

In a letter, the US Consulate wrote: “This is to inform you that you have been found ineligible for a nonimmigrant visa under section 214 (b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.  A denial under  section 214 (b) means that you were not able to demonstrate that your intended activities in the United States would be consisted with the classification of nonimmigrant visa for which you applied.”

According to Momodou, the consular officer was not convinced that he would return to The Gambia after completion of his treatment.

“I’ve my hospital bill paid for by one Muslim charitable organization in Turkey and they were also the one who paid for my flight ticket, hotel accommodation and other expenses. But the US Embassy decided to reject me just like that,” he said.

The Bundung-born continued: “I’ve been diagnosed with a very severe leg infection for more than two decades and counting and this was my golden opportunity to get treatment and everything has been taken care of by the charity organization in Turkey. I also have a GoFundMe page, where I raised 11,000 US Dollars.

“I’ve been suffering for many years and counting and almost everyone knows about my life in Bandung and its surrounding.”

Momodou appealed to the US Embassy to reconsider their decision.