News Summary
Simon Guobadia, known for his appearance on ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’, is facing significant immigration issues that may jeopardize his journey to citizenship. Born in Nigeria, Simon’s history of visa overstays has led to multiple legal battles and even recent detention by ICE. Simultaneously, he navigates a contentious divorce from Porsha Williams, adding to his struggles. The unfolding drama highlights broader immigration concerns and personal relationships under scrutiny.
Atlanta in the Spotlight: Simon Guobadia’s Immigration Struggles
Atlanta is buzzing with the latest developments surrounding Simon Guobadia, the estranged husband of Porsha Williams from the popular reality show “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Simon’s journey toward U.S. citizenship has been anything but smooth. He has been grappling with immigration issues for decades, and his situation has recently taken a turn that has both fans and followers concerned.
Long Road to Citizenship
Born in Nigeria, Simon first entered the United States in 1982 on a temporary visa. However, things took a turn when he overstayed his visa, leading to a black mark on his immigration record. By 1985, he was already deemed _deportable_. Making another effort, he returned to the U.S. in 1986, but unfortunately fell into the same pattern of overstaying his visa, again complicating his case.
Simon’s troubles escalated in 1987 when he was arrested for bank and credit card fraud, which ended in a guilty plea. Over the years, he faced several arrests that brought further scrutiny to his immigration status, and by 1992, he was deported. However, he managed to make his way back to the U.S. within just a month.
Upon his return, he was granted permanent residency under an undisclosed identity, a move that has later come under question. In 2016, when Simon applied for naturalization, his request was denied based on the premise that his previous immigration status might have been “unlawfully granted.” This denial was not his first setback—he has filed multiple complaints and appeals since then to no avail.
ICE Detention: A New Development
Amidst these ongoing struggles, Simon was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a part of stringent immigration enforcement measures. Currently, he is being held at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. This news comes during a tumultuous time in his personal life, especially considering his ongoing divorce from Porsha Williams.
Divorce Drama Unfolds
The couple began their relationship in the public eye with a proposal in May 2021 and a wedding in November 2022. However, by February 2024, Porsha filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after just 15 months of marriage. The divorce proceedings have turned contentious, with Simon filing a lawsuit against Porsha, seeking $75,000 in damages over allegations of defamation and emotional distress. He claims social media posts from Porsha implied he has health issues, causing significant personal turmoil.
Porsha has called the situation “disheartening.” She seems to be focusing on staying strong for their family amidst the chaos of the divorce and Simon’s immigration troubles. Despite the challenges, Porsha was recently granted exclusive possession of their home, allowing her to continue filming “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and maintain some level of normalcy.
Next Steps in the Legal Saga
The couple has a prenuptial agreement in place, but that does little to ease the ongoing legal battles. As Simon remains determined to clear his name and status, he has hinted at upcoming revelations regarding the disputes with Porsha, promising to expose what he terms _false narratives_ surrounding him.
As Atlanta watches this unfolding drama, the situation highlights broader issues surrounding immigration, personal relationships, and public scrutiny in the social media age. With Simon’s long and winding road toward citizenship still being navigated amid personal upheaval, everyone is eager to see what comes next for both him and Porsha in this challenging chapter of their lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Page Six
- Us Weekly
- Baller Alert
- Google Search: Simon Guobadia immigration
- Collider
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.


