Released Laugh: A fundraiser for Fernan Rock & special guest Andrew Frank

Released Laugh is the first of a series of stand-up specials where immigration policy meets punchlines. I set out to raise one million laughs—but at a dollar per laugh, that’s the only way I can afford my EB-5 visa. My choices? Fall in love or raise a million bucks. And let’s be honest—love these days costs way more.

So instead, I’m taking you on my hero’s journey: from seven years of asylum limbo, ankle monitors, and a two-week ICE abduction (spoiler: not the kind that gives you superpowers) to a stage full of catharsis, absurdity, and joy. With the support of Seattle’s comedy and theater family—who literally bailed me out once—I’m exorcising trauma one laugh at a time.

Come join me and my special guests for a night where we flip the script: laughs become currency, pain turns into punchlines, and together we prove that freedom may be expensive, but comedy is priceless. One for all, and all for One! This fundraiser consists of raising money for Fernando Rocha’s new legal application expenses thru selling of tickets and purchase of his book and other merch in order to raise the amount necessary. -Fernan Rock