US immigration says 21 Savage is actually British

04 February 2019, 10:37 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(21 Savage)

Rapper 21 Savage could be deported after US immigration discovered he's actually a British citizen.

Nick Valencia from CNN broke the news yesterday (3 February) on Twitter, revealing that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had said, "His whole public persona is false. He actually came to the US from the UK as a teen and overstayed his visa."

The rapper, real name Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, has long declared himself from Atlanta, and recently dropped his latest album i am > i was, which featured the likes of J. Cole, Post Malone, Childish Gambino, and more. Valencia managed to gain more information from ICE, who revealed his visa ran out in 2006.

BREAKING- @21savage initially entered the U.S. legally in July 2005, but subsequently failed to depart under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa and he became unlawfully present in the U.S. when his visa expired in July 2006: @ICEgov
— Nick Valencia (@CNNValencia) February 3, 2019

According to Valencia, ICE only made the discovery when another rapper was arrested with 21 Savage in the same vehicle. A "Law Enforcement source" explained, "There is no misunderstanding. 21 Savage is a British National."

BREAKING- @21savage was in the car with another rapper who was the target of a criminal arrest. 21 was taken into custody by law enforcement after they learned of his immigration status. “There is no misunderstanding. 21 Savage is a British National.”: Law Enforcement source
— Nick Valencia (@CNNValencia) February 3, 2019