Immigrant Stories

[qesehmk]

I loved dogs, however my spouse and son are just too scared of dogs. I have tried taking my son to petting zoo, but he just won’t pet them.
Anyways he is getting into his teens, i was telling him a St. Bernard among dogs is akin to a Ferrari in cars . It can attract lot of attention from girls.
Siberian Husky can be a Lamborghini.

Even I was fearful of dogs. But believe me it goes away very quickly. They are just like babies. Lots of work but totally worth it. Perhaps you can start with a puppy 2 months old.

I was not at all interested in getting a dog. Two years back my older kid blackmailed me by saying he will leave for college soon ... and my daughter made that "daughter face". So I yielded. But I am very happy with the decision. Huskies are majestic. Labs are great too. Ours is a lab pit mix.

[srisri]

I didn’t know many people here are like me, who are here since 2001 and waiting for green card. I have not applied for green card in the hope to go back and had to change my mind In my final year of H1. My advice to all on H1-Bs and new comers buy a home as soon as you’re ready and not hold off due to GC.

Not running behind GC initially helped me take up jobs that I liked and am happy of my career progression. I feel the pinch now as I’m not able to accept interesting opportunities in new technologies. Had to forego a promotion in 2016 as the role required technologies not in my perm and thinking I’ll be greened in couple of years, had I known then it would take this long I would have accepted the promotion and restarted my GC process.

[skpanda]

Since everyone is sharing their history... here goes mine...

Being lower middle class / borderline poor, I always dreamt of coming out of the financial shit hole since childhood. Always topped the exams. Always state top 3 or better in board exams/competitive exams. Dreamt even bigger to come to US. Great GRE (2260) score.. great admissions in good Us in US (UMass for my course was ranked 9th in those days) . My mom sold the last piece of jewellery she had (her mangalasutra) to pay for the US university application fees. However this was around 9/11 and no scholarships! Could not afford to come to US.

Was going to Germany (free education - only living costs) for MS in Digital Communications that is when by chance I was offered a good paying job (3.65 LPA for a fresher was huge in those days) in India by a US MNC. Decided to take the job. Worked my ass off 18hx7dx365. Recognized by the company as a whole, Global level awards...H1B applied. Landed in US in 2005.

Did not care / know much about GC process. Employer wanted to file GC in 2006, I procrastinated. Missed July 2007 fiasco. Changed employers several times and finally applied for GC in 2010 with a PD of Dec 2010.

However I never really compromised with quality of life. Below is what I count as my blessings.

1. Was able to lift my entire family out of poverty.
2. Sponsored education of my nephews and nieces.
3. Bought homes for family members in India.
4. Bought my first car in 2006. Changed car every few years. Now I have Honda Odyssey (for family) and Hyundai Santa Fe - both with loaded features. My dream car is BMW but like Q i am cheap (Exact same story.. wanted to buy it when I become a Director.. but when I did become a Director did not buy it)!
5. Bought my First home in 2010. My friends were like.. are you crazy.. its risky blah blah...
6. Married a beautiful and accomplished Girl. Inspite of being from privileged background she has perfectly blended in my life, values, culture.
7. Bought a larger home in 2012 with all privileges a home can offer. Enjoy every bit of it with family!
8. 2 Beautiful kids (Boy and Girl) who give us immense joy.
9. Multiple investment homes in US fetching sizable rent.
10. Doing a job that I like..in a top company... promoted multiple times.. now in a Senior management position.

However, I am still on H1B. No regrets or complaints in life though! I joke sometimes that before I get GC, my child will be able to sponsor for Parent GC.. if US does not ban that too!!

Cheers guys! Enjoy your life!

[kumareb2]

wow..good story, a true american dream it seems

[kumareb2]

Since everyone is sharing their history... here goes mine...

Being lower middle class / borerline poor, I always dreamt of coming out of the financial shit hole since childhood. Always topped the exams. Always state top 3 or better in board exams/competitive exams. Dreamt even bigger to come to US. Great GRE (2260) score.. great admissions in good Us in US (UMass for my course was ranked 9th in those days) . However this was around 9/11 and no scholarships! Could not afford to come to US.

Was going to Germany for MS in Digital Communications that is when by chance i was offered a good paying job in India by a US MNC. Decided to take the job. Worked my ass off 18hx7dx365. Recognized by the company as a whole, H1B applied. Landed in US in 2005.

Did not care / know much about GC process. Employer wanted to file GC in 2006, I procrastinated. Missed July 2007 fiasco. Changed employers several times and finally applied for GC in 2010 with a PD of Dec 2010.

However I never really compromised with quality of life. Below is what I count as my blessings.

1. Was able to lift my entire family out of poverty.
2. Sponsored education of my nephews and nieces.
3. Brought homes for family members in India.
4. Brought my first car in 2006. Changed car every few years. Now I have Honda Odyssey (for family) and Hyundai Santa Fe - both with loaded features. My dream car is BMW but like Q i am cheap (Exact same story.. wanted to by it when I become a Director.. but when I did become a Director did not buy it)!
5. Brought my First home in 2010. My friends were like.. are you crazy.. its risky blah blah...
6. Married a beautiful and accomplished Girl. Inspite of being from privileged background she has perfectly blended in my life, values, culture.
7. Brought a larger home in 2012 with all privileges a home can offer.
8. 2 Beautiful kids (Boy and Girl) who give us immense joy.
9. Multiple investment homes in US fetching sizable rent.
10. Doing a job that I like.. promoted multiple times.. now in a Senior management position.

However, I am still on H1B. No regrets or complaints in life though! I joke sometimes that before I get GC, my child will be able to sponsor for Parent GC.. if US does not ban that too!!

Cheers guys! Enjoy your life!

wow.., a true american dream it seems

[lville]

My Story : Came here on Jan 10, 2003. Filed H1 in 2005, filed GC on May 22, 2009. Finally my date is current and Interview on July 27, 2020. I really hope it goes smooth and I have my card in hand soon. We will wait and see, I'm nervous since it's been such a long time.

[skpanda]

My Story : Came here on Jan 10, 2003. Filed H1 in 2005, filed GC on May 22, 2009. Finally my date is current and Interview on July 27, 2020. I really hope it goes smooth and I have my card in hand soon. We will wait and see, I'm nervous since it's been such a long time.

All the best.. finally almost free...cheers!

[redtogreen]

My Story : Came here on Jan 10, 2003. Filed H1 in 2005, filed GC on May 22, 2009. Finally my date is current and Interview on July 27, 2020. I really hope it goes smooth and I have my card in hand soon. We will wait and see, I'm nervous since it's been such a long time.

All the very best. Do update on how it goes. Cheers!

[AceMan]

Since everyone is sharing their history... here goes mine...

Being lower middle class / borerline poor, I always dreamt of coming out of the financial shit hole since childhood. Always topped the exams. Always state top 3 or better in board exams/competitive exams. Dreamt even bigger to come to US. Great GRE (2260) score.. great admissions in good Us in US (UMass for my course was ranked 9th in those days) . However this was around 9/11 and no scholarships! Could not afford to come to US.

Was going to Germany for MS in Digital Communications that is when by chance i was offered a good paying job in India by a US MNC. Decided to take the job. Worked my ass off 18hx7dx365. Recognized by the company as a whole, H1B applied. Landed in US in 2005.

Did not care / know much about GC process. Employer wanted to file GC in 2006, I procrastinated. Missed July 2007 fiasco. Changed employers several times and finally applied for GC in 2010 with a PD of Dec 2010.

However I never really compromised with quality of life. Below is what I count as my blessings.

1. Was able to lift my entire family out of poverty.
2. Sponsored education of my nephews and nieces.
3. Brought homes for family members in India.
4. Brought my first car in 2006. Changed car every few years. Now I have Honda Odyssey (for family) and Hyundai Santa Fe - both with loaded features. My dream car is BMW but like Q i am cheap (Exact same story.. wanted to by it when I become a Director.. but when I did become a Director did not buy it)!
5. Brought my First home in 2010. My friends were like.. are you crazy.. its risky blah blah...
6. Married a beautiful and accomplished Girl. Inspite of being from privileged background she has perfectly blended in my life, values, culture.
7. Brought a larger home in 2012 with all privileges a home can offer.
8. 2 Beautiful kids (Boy and Girl) who give us immense joy.
9. Multiple investment homes in US fetching sizable rent.
10. Doing a job that I like.. promoted multiple times.. now in a Senior management position.

However, I am still on H1B. No regrets or complaints in life though! I joke sometimes that before I get GC, my child will be able to sponsor for Parent GC.. if US does not ban that too!!

Cheers guys! Enjoy your life!

Applaud your achievements and appreciate what you value as the quality of life.

[Zenzone]

Since everyone is sharing their history... here goes mine...

Being lower middle class / borderline poor, I always dreamt of coming out of the financial shit hole since childhood. Always topped the exams. Always state top 3 or better in board exams/competitive exams. Dreamt even bigger to come to US. Great GRE (2260) score.. great admissions in good Us in US (UMass for my course was ranked 9th in those days) . My mom sold the last piece of jewellery she had (her mangalasutra) to pay for the US university application fees. However this was around 9/11 and no scholarships! Could not afford to come to US.

Was going to Germany for MS in Digital Communications that is when by chance i was offered a good paying job in India by a US MNC. Decided to take the job. Worked my ass off 18hx7dx365. Recognized by the company as a whole, H1B applied. Landed in US in 2005.

Did not care / know much about GC process. Employer wanted to file GC in 2006, I procrastinated. Missed July 2007 fiasco. Changed employers several times and finally applied for GC in 2010 with a PD of Dec 2010.

However I never really compromised with quality of life. Below is what I count as my blessings.

1. Was able to lift my entire family out of poverty.
2. Sponsored education of my nephews and nieces.
3. Brought homes for family members in India.
4. Brought my first car in 2006. Changed car every few years. Now I have Honda Odyssey (for family) and Hyundai Santa Fe - both with loaded features. My dream car is BMW but like Q i am cheap (Exact same story.. wanted to buy it when I become a Director.. but when I did become a Director did not buy it)!
5. Brought my First home in 2010. My friends were like.. are you crazy.. its risky blah blah...
6. Married a beautiful and accomplished Girl. Inspite of being from privileged background she has perfectly blended in my life, values, culture.
7. Brought a larger home in 2012 with all privileges a home can offer.
8. 2 Beautiful kids (Boy and Girl) who give us immense joy.
9. Multiple investment homes in US fetching sizable rent.
10. Doing a job that I like.. promoted multiple times.. now in a Senior management position.

However, I am still on H1B. No regrets or complaints in life though! I joke sometimes that before I get GC, my child will be able to sponsor for Parent GC.. if US does not ban that too!!

Cheers guys! Enjoy your life!

Lovely! Kudos to you. Your storyline and mine has many similarities including the PD

[qesehmk]

Since everyone is sharing their history... here goes mine...

Being lower middle class / borderline poor, I always dreamt of coming out of the financial shit hole since childhood. Always topped the exams. Always state top 3 or better in board exams/competitive exams. Dreamt even bigger to come to US. Great GRE (2260) score.. great admissions in good Us in US (UMass for my course was ranked 9th in those days) . My mom sold the last piece of jewellery she had (her mangalasutra) to pay for the US university application fees. However this was around 9/11 and no scholarships! Could not afford to come to US.

Was going to Germany for MS in Digital Communications that is when by chance i was offered a good paying job in India by a US MNC. Decided to take the job. Worked my ass off 18hx7dx365. Recognized by the company as a whole, Global level awards...H1B applied. Landed in US in 2005.

Did not care / know much about GC process. Employer wanted to file GC in 2006, I procrastinated. Missed July 2007 fiasco. Changed employers several times and finally applied for GC in 2010 with a PD of Dec 2010.

However I never really compromised with quality of life. Below is what I count as my blessings.

1. Was able to lift my entire family out of poverty.
2. Sponsored education of my nephews and nieces.
3. Brought homes for family members in India.
4. Brought my first car in 2006. Changed car every few years. Now I have Honda Odyssey (for family) and Hyundai Santa Fe - both with loaded features. My dream car is BMW but like Q i am cheap (Exact same story.. wanted to buy it when I become a Director.. but when I did become a Director did not buy it)!
5. Brought my First home in 2010. My friends were like.. are you crazy.. its risky blah blah...
6. Married a beautiful and accomplished Girl. Inspite of being from privileged background she has perfectly blended in my life, values, culture.
7. Brought a larger home in 2012 with all privileges a home can offer.
8. 2 Beautiful kids (Boy and Girl) who give us immense joy.
9. Multiple investment homes in US fetching sizable rent.
10. Doing a job that I like.. promoted multiple times.. now in a Senior management position.

However, I am still on H1B. No regrets or complaints in life though! I joke sometimes that before I get GC, my child will be able to sponsor for Parent GC.. if US does not ban that too!!

Cheers guys! Enjoy your life!

panda - truly admire your story. Particularly admire you sponsoring your relatives education / home purchases. Big deal and big heart. Your mom's mangalsutra story is quite touching. I bet you are likely from Maharashtra Karnataka or Gujarat heritage.

A lot of people may not know this but Mangalsutra is a predominantly Maharashtrian (and hence also a Gujarat / Karnataka) thing. Mangalsutra captured imagination of women all over India after Nirupa Roy in 1975 iconic film Deewar used it to ward off bad guys !!

p.s. - You are very smart with poor spelling though. 3 times you spelt "Bought" as "Brought". See I am from Pune. So I can't help but point this out

[skpanda]

Lovely! Kudos to you. Your storyline and mine has many similarities including the PD

Glad to know.. All the best!!

[vedu]

1. Was able to lift my entire family out of poverty.
2. Sponsored education of my nephews and nieces.

This is the best part of the journey! Paying it forward and making a difference.

[Zenzone]

Here is my story -

1) Although I finished Engg. (2000 passout) and had a good GRE score couldn't apply and come to the USA (due to financial inability). Didn't have money to apply! Took a job that paid small sum instead and supported family and myself for the initial 3 years then moved to work for large banks in India which is when the progress started.
2) Finally came to the US to study in one of the top 20 business school globally in 2005 (700 plus GMAT and 90% scholarship). After years of careful planning and saving money to apply and afford a plane ticket/initial living expenses. Came here without any loans because I had no collateral to pledge for it. Had to work 20 hours and live in a couch for the first year to keep expenses at check while taking a basic required health insurance.
3) Scored near perfect GPA all through my MBA and got placed in a highly reputed Fortune 10 enterprise.
4) Over the years, moved from being an analyst to a Managing Director. Worked my A** off and navigated so much politics at times but largely I love my employer for being fair to the performers at the end of the day. Didn't care much about applying for GC n stuff instead was hell bent on growth and learning so procrastinated applying for GC until I became a Manager in mid-2010 and hence the Jan 2011 PD!
5) First car was a BMW and then a couple upgrades. After marriage and having my lovely boy and girl, me and my childhood sweetheart wife decided to trade our nice cars for utility workhorses a.k.a Minivans and SUVs!
6) Proud owner of a good sized single family home that houses all human comforts needed to raise a happy family. Bought a nice home for my parents also in India who never owned a home in their lifetime.
7) I'm a long distance runner, love cooking and eating healthy. As my username suggests, I love meditation too!
8) Being in the GC waitline doesn't bother me much unless I hear unnecessary changes that will adversely impact our separate h1b/GC tracks of me and the wifey. Otherwise, I too joke that my son will sponsor us!!

Overall, I'm thankful to god and this country for giving me the life I dreamt for and I have no regrets because I know at this stage of my career my job will actually follow me wherever I go and my family is my number one priority! I did this because of many random acts of kindness that many many people I met in my journey did to me without any expectation. Needless to mention the sacrifices of my parents and near and dear within our family. Sometimes, I feel I don't deserve any of it and get humbled by it. Giving back is the only way out by helping others to achieve their true potential and help them get to a better spot in their lives too, I see that as a duty rather than an option

[skpanda]

panda - truly admire your story. Particularly admire you sponsoring your relatives education / home purchases. Big deal and big heart. Your mom's mangalsutra story is quite touching. I bet you are likely from Maharashtra Karnataka or Gujarat heritage.

A lot of people may not know this but Mangalsutra is a predominantly Maharashtrian (and hence also a Gujarat / Karnataka) thing. Mangalsutra captured imagination of women all over India after Nirupa Roy in 1975 iconic film Deewar used it to ward off bad guys !!

p.s. - You are very smart with poor spelling though. 3 times you spelt "Bought" as "Brought". See I am from Pune. So I can't help but point this out

Thanks Q... I am from Odissa but entirely brought up in Andhra Pradesh. My first job was in Pune... lived in Pradikaran...

Mangalasutra is important in Andhra too. We have sort of adopted Andhra culture. So it was an important (and more importantly the last) piece of jewellery.

Btw.. I am obsessed with proper spelling too... Just typos while quick typing. I usually fix spellings after I write fast (spell check tools has made me lazy over the time though)

[skpanda]

Here is my story -

1) Although I finished Engg. (2000 passout) and had a good GRE score couldn't apply and come to the USA (due to financial inability). Didn't have money to apply! Took a job that paid small sum instead and supported family and myself for the initial 3 years then moved to work for large banks in India which when the progress started.
2) Finally came to the US to study in one of the top 20 business school globally in 2005 (700 plus GMAT and 90% scholarship). After years of careful planning and saving money to apply and afford a plane ticket/initial living expenses. Came here without any loans because I had no collateral to pledge for it. Had to work 20 hours and live in a couch for the first year to keep expenses at check while taking a basic required health insurance.
3) Scored near perfect GPA all through my MBA and got placed in a highly reputed Fortune 10 enterprise.
4) Over the years, moved from being an analyst to a Managing Director. Worked my A** off and navigated so much politics at times but largely I love my employer for being fair to the performers at the end of the day. Didn't care much about applying for GC n stuff instead was hell bent on growth and learning so procrastinated applying for GC until I became a Manager in mid-2010 and hence the Jan 2011 PD!
5) First car was a BMW and then a couple upgrades. After marriage and having my lovely boy and girl, me and my childhood sweetheart wife decided to trade our nice cars for utility workhorses a.k.a Minivans and SUVs!
6) Proud owner of a good sized single family home that houses all human comforts needed to raise a happy family.
7) Being in the GC waitline doesn't bother me much unless I hear unnecessary changes that will adversely impact our separate h1b/GC tracks of me and the wifey. Otherwise, I too joke that my son will sponsor us!!

Overall, I'm thankful to god and this country for giving me the life I dreamt for and I have no regrets because I know at this stage of my career my job will actually follow me wherever I go and my family is my number one priority! I did this because of many random acts of kindness that many many people I met in my journey did to me without any expectation. Needless to mention the sacrifices of my parents and near and dear within our family. Sometimes, I feel I don't deserve any of it and get humbled by it. Giving back is the only way out by helping others to achieve their true potential and help them get to a better spot in their lives too, I see that as a duty rather than an option

Wow .. what a strikingly similar story... Happy for you!..you did accomplish already something I wanted to but have not been able to so far... To study in US.. it's in the horizon though... trying for...Executive MBA.. from good school in near future..

[qesehmk]

Thanks Q... I am from Odissa but entirely brought up in Andhra Pradesh. My first job was in Pune... lived in Pradikaran...

Mangalasutra is important in Andhra too. We have sort of adopted Andhra culture. So it was an important (and more importantly the last) piece of jewellery.

Btw.. I am obsessed with proper spelling too... Just typos while quick typing. I usually fix spellings after I write fast (spell check tools has made me lazy over the time though)

Great story. I am sure almost everybody here has some story. Thanks for sharing. Pradhikaran is a good place. I have some relatives there. Even I misspell all the time. Don't mind it ... I am just being a Punekar.