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  "path": "/news/2026/05/18/joabe-barbosa-visa-brazil-run",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-18T23:17:34.924Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>When Joabe Barbosa set out to run on every street in Chicago, he didn't know how long he'd be allowed to stay in the United States.</p><p>Now, as the Roosevelt University graduate student prepares to complete his journey next month, he does so knowing Chicago will remain home.</p><p>Two weeks ago, Barbosa found out he would be able to stay through 2028 after Roosevelt University arranged for him to teach undergraduate classes while continuing coursework. That followed an outpouring of support from the thousands of followers who tracked his journey through Chicago's streets.</p><p>And it came with a few proposals.</p><p>While his future in Chicago remained uncertain, Barbosa said his inboxes were flooded with close to 500 marriage proposals and several offers for his adoption.</p><p>But his mom refused, he said, laughing.</p><p>\"The people of Chicago were definitely very helpful in providing me so many opportunities. And just knowing that, if it didn't work out, I had so many people to depend on,\" Barbosa said.</p><p>Barbosa, <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/04/01/brazilian-student-who-is-nearly-done-running-on-every-street-in-chicago-faces-departure-as-visa-expires\" >a native Brazilian who grew up in London</a>, moved to Chicago in 2022 on an F-1 visa to pursue a doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University. But after going unmatched for an internship during his final year, Barbosa faced the possibility of being forced to return to Brazil. </p><p>Since then, Barbosa has continued to run through the streets of Chicago for more than 400 days, gaining more than 50,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. </p><p>\"I didn't count, but I probably have someone from every one of the Chicago neighborhoods that I could probably stay with for a year for free,\" he said.</p><p>Barbosa said the university gave him financial support, offsetting the burden on his family so he could continue his studies. As an international student, he said his family has taken on debt to help him cover the cost of his education.</p><p></p><p>On June 14, he will make his final run down Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Ida B. Wells Drive. </p><p>Despite not being American, Barbosa said Chicago has become his home. </p><p>\"Truly, after this last lap, it'll show how much community and how much love there is for people here and how much love there is for people that truly embrace Chicago,\" he said. </p>",
  "title": "Brazilian’s quest to run on every Chicago street can continue despite visa scare",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-18T23:46:49.838Z"
}