Ohio welder faces deportation to Laos after 40 years in the United States
- Rahaman Hadisur
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff
H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA
A welder and father of four who arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee from Laos four decades ago now faces deportation, highlighting the human impact of the country’s ongoing immigration enforcement. Boudylam “Lam” Simmavanh, 48, has lived in Orrville, Ohio, since 1986 and has built a life around his family, his work, and his community.
Simmavanh’s family began gathering letters from relatives, friends, and community members in February, vouching for his character and contributions to Orrville. They sought to demonstrate why he should be allowed to remain in the town he calls home.
Former Orrville mayor David Handwerk, who taught Simmavanh and his siblings, described him as a positive role model. Simmavanh’s son-in-law, Korbin Sprowls, praised his loyalty and devotion to family, while a friend, Rachel Wallace, warned of the devastation deportation would bring to his wife and children. NBC News obtained more than two dozen such letters describing him as a hardworking mentor and community member.
Simmavanh has worked as a welder for 25 years. On Oct. 28, after 18 years of regular ICE check-ins, he was detained at an appointment, his family said. They argue that his case illustrates how law-abiding individuals contributing to the country can be swept up in aggressive immigration actions.
DHS has said Simmavanh is in the country illegally and has faced removal orders, while his supporters emphasize that the charges stem from a 1999 domestic incident for which he received probation after contested representation. They contend the case is more complex than DHS portrays.
As advocacy continues, Simmavanh’s family and supporters say they are fighting to keep a devoted husband and father in the United States, where he has built a life, a family, and a career.
