U.S. Congressman Everton Blair Introduces Legislation to Bring Deported U.S. Army Veteran Godfrey Oliver Wade Home

Media Contact:

Allison Phipps, Allison.Phipps@mail.house.gov ; Amya Enlow, Amya.Enlow@mail.house.gov 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Everton Blair (GA-13), introduced a bill for the relief of Godfrey Oliver Wade, a Jamaican-born U.S. Army veteran and Covington, Georgia resident who was deported in February 2026 after living in the United States for more than 50 years. The legislation seeks to grant Mr. Wade lawful status, allowing him to return home to his children, grandchildren and the nation he has served with distinction.

Mr. Wade entered the United States lawfully in 1975 as a teenager and has called the nation home ever since. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Army, serving four years on active duty, including three years overseas supporting vital operations during the final years of the Cold War, before receiving an honorable discharge.

Despite his decorated military service and deep ties to the community, Mr. Wade was held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for nearly five months. He was deported earlier this year after an emergency stay of removal was denied, even while an appeal in his case remained pending.

"Godfrey Wade answered the call of service, enlisting in the U.S. Army, leaving behind a legacy of honorably protecting our nation," said Congressman Blair. "For over half a century, he built his life here as a lawful permanent resident, a father, and a grandfather. To deport an honorably discharged veteran while his legal appeals were still pending is a profound injustice. He fought for our country, so now it is time for us to fight for him and bring him home."

The relief bill would pave the way for Mr. Wade's immediate return to the United States and restore his status as a permanent resident.

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