One man who has spent countless hours helping the elderly and disabled in Alabama now needs the public’s help to stay in the United States.

Since Rodney Smith Jr. — many people in north Alabama know him as the lawnmowing man — announced on Facebook that his application for a green card was denied by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Smith has received an outpouring of support, including from two of the state’s legislators.

The founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, Smith helps provide free lawn services to the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans.

In his post, Smith asks the public to send letters to the USCIS in favor of the Raising Men Lawn Care Foundation.

Born in Bermuda, Smith said he has called the United States home for 15 years. While in the states, Smith said he has developed a passion for helping Americans during his time in the states.

“I applied for the EB-1 visa, which is for foreign nationals who demonstrate extraordinary abilities in their field. The denial letter stated that I have ‘not provided documentary evidence that my work is an original contribution of major significance to the field’ (my field being social work). It also stated that the USCIS “does not find the beneficiary to be an individual of extraordinary ability,” Smith wrote.

“Needless to say, I do not agree with its assessment of my foundation or me. I believe what the foundation does is unique. It helps people who cannot mow their lawns due to physical or financial limitations. To date, the foundation has mowed 2,500-plus lawns. This does not include the 4,000 lawns mowed by kids who completed the Challenge. When the 1,300 kids who are currently taking on the Challenge complete it, they will have mowed 65,000 lawns at no charge for people in their communities.”

Since posting on Face book Smith has received support from U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-5th District, who posted on Twitter that he was getting involved on Smith’s behalf.

 

Thanks to everyone who let my office know about @iamrodneysmith‘s situation. I sent this letter to @USCIS and my office will continue to help on Rodney’s behalf. https://t.co/RAIgEwM6u7 pic.twitter.com/GvGNtO0wyE

— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) October 27, 2020

He hs also received support from U.S. Senator Doug Jones:

 

Thanks to everyone who let my office know about @iamrodneysmith‘s situation. I sent this letter to @USCIS and my office will continue to help on Rodney’s behalf. https://t.co/RAIgEwM6u7 pic.twitter.com/GvGNtO0wyE

— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) October 27, 2020

On Twitter, Smith said he is thankful for all of the support he has received since he asked for help.

 

Family, Thank you so much for all of your support . I greatly appreciate all the messages & phone calls . I have been flooded with messages & will do my best to get back to all of them . I do have faith things will work out.❤️

— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) October 27, 2020

You too can support Smith’s efforts. You can mail your letters to P.O. Box 2182 Madison, Alabama 35758. Smith says the letters will be compiled and mailed to USCIS as he walks through the appeals process.