Besnik “Nik” Shembitrasi lived in the United States for nearly twenty years before his unexpected deportation. During his time in the U.S., he established a life in the Chicago area, working as a barber, marrying an American citizen, and raising a daughter. However, in May 2026, his residency ended when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near his Illinois home and subsequently deported back to Albania.
The incident has generated discussion within both the American and Albanian communities regarding immigration pathways. Speaking on the matter, his uncle, Frank Shemitraku, who owns several barber shops in Illinois, alleged that Nik was misled during his attempt to immigrate. According to Shemitraku, the process involved deceptive promises.
“They promised, ‘I will get you a visa.’ There were many young men like him. But the visa was fake. It was not his fault.
He paid the money to come to the U.S.,” Shemitraku stated. The circumstances surrounding his departure have drawn attention to the issues of immigration fraud affecting individuals from the Albanian community. The deportation marks the abrupt end to his two-decade life in the country.
The testimony provided by his family suggests that financial exploitation may have been a significant factor in his journey to the United States, highlighting concerns about the legitimacy of visas sought by others in similar situations.
Topics: #his #albanian #deported
