Musicians Rally For OKC Philharmonic Violinist After Her Green Card Was Denied

Local musicians, friends and students rallied behind a local musician whose green card was just denied.

Due to the pandemic, Angelica Pereira’s green card application process was first delayed.

The Colombian-born violinist came to Oklahoma in 2008 on a music scholarship.

She's earned a master's degree, plays violin in the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and teaches underprivileged kids.

She was also part of a Grammy winning performance in 2015.

Yet, she thinks her application was denied because she doesn't have a full time job.

“Being an artist and sustaining your craft is a full time job in itself,” said Pereira.

Both Sen. Jim Inhofe and Congresswoman Kendra Horn have written letters on Pereira's behalf.

Due to her employment situation, Pereira’s applied for her green card using an “extraordinary abilities” clauses.

It is one of the toughest categories to get a green card.

On Tuesday, her fellow musicians and friends showed their support by staging a rally outside the house Pereira now owns.

“She has been the fabric here for so long that taking her away is like taking someone from the family away,” said Sam Formicola, a Oklahoma City Philharmonic musician.

Unless someone at the federal level steps in to help, Pereira will be going back to Columbia in ten days while her case is appealed.

“I believe in the law more than anything. It’s my belief that doing things the right way pays off more than doing things wrong, even if it takes longer,” said Pereira.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for legal and travel expenses.