Chicago Running Enthusiast Faces Deportation After Internship Setback

Joabe Barbosa, widely recognized for his ambitious project of running nearly every street in Chicago while draped in the city’s flag, is now at risk of having to leave the United States following an unsuccessful attempt to secure a clinical psychology internship in his final year at Roosevelt University.

Barbosa, 25, moved to Chicago from London in 2022 to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. Currently on an F-1 visa and slated to finish his degree in 2027, Barbosa now faces the prospect of returning to Brazil after failing to obtain a required internship placement for the 2024 cycle. U.S. visa rules require him to leave within 60 days after the academic year ends.

Courtney Kibble, director of the Psychology Program at Roosevelt University, confirmed that Barbosa’s situation reflects a broader shortage of internship opportunities for psychology doctoral candidates nationwide; this year, about 600 students went unmatched. Kibble noted that international students like Barbosa face even greater hurdles, as roughly one-third of internships are not open to non-citizens.

Barbosa’s family has started a fundraising campaign to cover travel expenses, which has raised over $5,300. He has openly shared his experiences and emotional journey on social media, where he has gained a significant following after setting out to run every street in Chicago—a journey he began as part of recovery from a hiking injury in August 2024. So far, Barbosa has completed more than 85% of the city's streets and plans to finish the effort with a public run on June 14 along Michigan Avenue.

In addition to his running feat, Barbosa holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest time visiting every CTA ‘L’ station, completing the challenge with his friend and brother in under nine hours. Despite his uncertain future, Barbosa has expressed gratitude for the support received from Chicagoans and hopes to return to complete his studies next year. His case underscores ongoing challenges for international students navigating education requirements and immigration rules in the U.S.

At present, Barbosa is preparing to depart Chicago if a last-minute solution is not found, with the internship application process opening again next year.