Joabe Barbosa, a Brazilian student known for running through every neighborhood in Chicago, may have to leave the United States after failing to secure a clinical internship, he said on Mar. 31. Barbosa, who has lived in Chicago since 2022 and is working toward a doctorate in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University, said his F-1 student visa depends on being matched with an internship program.
Barbosa’s situation highlights challenges faced by international students when limited training spots prevent them from completing their studies and maintaining legal residency. Without an internship placement, Barbosa cannot legally remain in the country and must depart within 60 days of finishing his program.
Barbosa announced his predicament in a recent Instagram post while running through Hermosa. His father has started a GoFundMe page to help him continue pursuing his degree. “I was devastated when I found out,” Barbosa said. “I’ve paid all this money and I’ve worked so hard for something to just be out of my control.” He added: “People here have treated me so well, and not being able to stay here —,” before pausing as he wiped away tears. “I’m so sad.”
Courtney Kibble, director of the Psychology Program at Roosevelt University, said that this year there were about 600 more students seeking internships than available sites nationwide: “He’s a well-qualified student, and he’s done phenomenally in our program. It’s just the limitations on current training availability.” Patti Kimbel, another professor at Roosevelt University, noted that Barbosa was voted student speaker at last year’s commencement ceremony: “His speech was very motivational, but also brought some to tears,” she said.
Chris Bergin, an immigration lawyer working with Centro Sin Fronteras in Chicago, described how national policy changes have made overstaying visas riskier for international students: “In the past if a student overstayed it wasn’t a priority for ICE… Now… it’s a different calculus for international students. There’s this whole effort to make it uncomfortable for anybody to stay in the United States.” Students must now leave within two months if they do not secure required placements.
During his time in Chicago, Barbosa set records including visiting every stop on the ‘L’ train system and running nearly every block of the city—accomplishments documented by thousands of followers online. He plans one final run downtown on June 14 before leaving Chicago but hopes someday he might return or pursue similar feats elsewhere.
“Wherever I go in the world I’ll think of Chicago and how well I’ve been received,” Barbosa said.
