Henry Dorvil may be known as “the hardest-working man in Sanford,” but right now it’s Sanford residents working hard to get him back to town. 

  • Henry Dorvil, Sanford resident, trying to apply to be a U.S. citizen
  • Currently stuck in Haiti because of application process snag
  • Community trying to help get him back to the U.S.

Dorvil, who lived and worked in Sanford, is stuck in Haiti over immigration issues.

Dorvil has worked at about a half-dozen places in the city, working some of those jobs all at the same time.

At just 24 years old, he just developed his own production company.

“With that company I’m able to help out my mother financially,” said Dorvil.

Dorvil grew up in Orlando. His parents moved there from Haiti when he was just five months old. Dorvil says his father eventually became a U.S. citizen on his own. His mother re-married and gained permanent U.S. residency. All of Dorvil’s siblings, who were born in the U.S., are U.S. citizens. But Dorvil, who was born in Haiti, is not. So Dorvil went to Haiti in December 2016 to apply for citizenship.

“I was a little worried about going back, but I wanted to get the case straightened out,” said Dorvil.

But Dorvil says when there was a snag with the application process and it appeared it would take months, and he decided to leave, he wasn’t allowed to come back to the U.S. He says he’s now appreciating what he used to have more than ever.

With no electricity and scarce internet service where he's staying in Haiti, Dorvil had to answer questions through a series of Facebook messenger voicemails.

Dorvil says Haiti is nearly a year behind on immigration reviews, so he’s trying to get an expedited immigration review. In Sanford, Dorvil’s friends have launched the #HelpHenry campaign.

“After the push we’ve had on social media, we’ve got over 61 letters for Henry right now,” said Christina Hollerbach-Simmons, Dorvil’s friend.

Hollerbach-Simmons and others are collecting letters from residents, business owners and even city leaders, who all hope they can show immigration officials why Sanford needs Dorvil back.

One letter reads in part, “He’s a wonderful asset to our town, and we were also happy to see his smiling face and chat with him.  I’d be a very proud parent if my six-year-old child grew up to be like him.”

Another reads, “Henry is an amazing young man and a blessing to the city of Sanford, especially the downtown area. Henry was always ready and willing to help.”

And now Sanford is returning the favor.

“It’s really boosting my spirits to know how much love comes from a small community, and I promise you all I’ll be home soon,” said Dorvil.

The organizers of the #HelpHenry campaign say they’re accepting letters of support through Friday. They’re going to present the letters of support to Dorvil’s attorney who’s working on getting him back to the U.S.