Immigrant Stories

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

Considering the fact that there are some new members here, I just want to say one thing: I have been in this country for close to 20 years and there has not been a single immigration bill that has passed (both chambers and signed by President into law). In fact, the last Immigration bill that was passed was in 1986 - Immigration Reform and Control Act, signed into law by Reagan.

When there is some frenetic activity going on like what's happening with S386, people like to wade in and think, "Wow, at least something is going to happen this time!". It never happens, the backlogs have been building for over a decade now like slow moving lava and if you look to legislation being passed to alleviate those, you will be sorely disappointed. Though antiquated and unfair from a merit standpoint considering you want to attract the best and brightest, EB immigration works for the majority of countries. This is not a pessimistic view, just a realistic one. There is not enough will on both sides to move the needle and strike a compromise. Usually you need both chambers and the WH to make anything happen (like the ACA for example). Absent that, things will just keep getting stalled because neither side wants to compromise on their ideologies and their core base.

From my standpoint, I am not going to waste any time in watching or following the Congress floor proceedings. In turbulent times like this, when we are mostly cut off from the outside world and friends, spend as much time with your family. Catch up with your kids; many of us where the parents are both full time workers are only used to seeing our kids during nights and weekends. Take this opportunity to spend more time with them and listen to their silly musings. For the most part, they will move away from our lives when they go to college, so cherish these times. The immigration fights are going to drag for a long time unfortunately.

[idliman]

Considering the fact that there are some new members here, I just want to say one thing: I have been in this country for close to 20 years and there has not been a single immigration bill that has passed (both chambers and signed by President into law). In fact, the last Immigration bill that was passed was in 1986 - Immigration Reform and Control Act, signed into law by Reagan.

When there is some frenetic activity going on like what's happening with S386, people like to wade in and think, "Wow, at least something is going to happen this time!". It never happens, the backlogs have been building for over a decade now like slow moving lava and if you look to legislation being passed to alleviate those, you will be sorely disappointed. Though antiquated and unfair from a merit standpoint considering you want to attract the best and brightest, EB immigration works for the majority of countries. This is not a pessimistic view, just a realistic one. There is not enough will on both sides to move the needle and strike a compromise. Usually you need both chambers and the WH to make anything happen (like the ACA for example). Absent that, things will just keep getting stalled because neither side wants to compromise on their ideologies and their core base.

From my standpoint, I am not going to waste any time in watching or following the Congress floor proceedings. In turbulent times like this, when we are mostly cut off from the outside world and friends, spend as much time with your family. Catch up with your kids; many of us where the parents are both full time workers are only used to seeing our kids during nights and weekends. Take this opportunity to spend more time with them and listen to their silly musings. For the most part, they will move away from our lives when they go to college, so cherish these times. The immigration fights are going to drag for a long time unfortunately.

I came to this country on F1 visa in July 2001 (two months before 9/11). So soon I will be reaching the 20 year mark. For people who are new here, it easy to get carried away on new immigration legislation as explained by Turbulent_Dragonfly. I have advised numerous co-workers and friends on the immigration process. They all got their GC's, Citizenship's and eventually left the company. I ended up being the last man standing on H1B in our part of company (covering a few locations). When I meet some ex co-workers from other countries, they inquire about my GC status and they say that it is unbelievable that you are still waiting. Other than the first PERM that was rejected on a technicality, I don't think I have made any blunders on immigration. Philosophically thinking, I sometimes wonder whether I should have taken up the teaching position in India when a professors team visited me in 2008 or so (immediately after my graduation and joining the industry job). Or maybe stayed in the University for a post-doc, more publications and EB1A route. I thought practical experience was better at that time. Still, I am where I am. Maybe God has better plans for all of us. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

[mcmilers]

Happy Anniversary @idliman. I came in July 2001 too. Went to UT Arlington.

[rabp77]

I came to this country on F1 visa in July 2001 (two months before 9/11). So soon I will be reaching the 20 year mark. For people who are new here, it easy to get carried away on new immigration legislation as explained by Turbulent_Dragonfly. I have advised numerous co-workers and friends on the immigration process. They all got their GC's, Citizenship's and eventually left the company. I ended up being the last man standing on H1B in our part of company (covering a few locations). When I meet some ex co-workers from other countries, they inquire about my GC status and they say that it is unbelievable that you are still waiting. Other than the first PERM that was rejected on a technicality, I don't think I have made any blunders on immigration. Philosophically thinking, I sometimes wonder whether I should have taken up the teaching position in India when a professors team visited me in 2008 or so (immediately after my graduation and joining the industry job). Or maybe stayed in the University for a post-doc, more publications and EB1A route. I thought practical experience was better at that time. Still, I am where I am. Maybe God has better plans for all of us. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

One thing that cannot be taken from you is the great experience of coming here and having the immigrant student experience. Those who come as student with a suitcase have a very different immersion experience.

Wishing you the best, that you would get freedom soon. You are close, i think there may be a benefit in downgrading, as you would already be current on eb3

[kash80]

I came to this country on F1 visa in July 2001 (two months before 9/11). So soon I will be reaching the 20 year mark. For people who are new here, it easy to get carried away on new immigration legislation as explained by Turbulent_Dragonfly. I have advised numerous co-workers and friends on the immigration process. They all got their GC's, Citizenship's and eventually left the company. I ended up being the last man standing on H1B in our part of company (covering a few locations). When I meet some ex co-workers from other countries, they inquire about my GC status and they say that it is unbelievable that you are still waiting. Other than the first PERM that was rejected on a technicality, I don't think I have made any blunders on immigration. Philosophically thinking, I sometimes wonder whether I should have taken up the teaching position in India when a professors team visited me in 2008 or so (immediately after my graduation and joining the industry job). Or maybe stayed in the University for a post-doc, more publications and EB1A route. I thought practical experience was better at that time. Still, I am where I am. Maybe God has better plans for all of us. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

Though not quite there to the 20 year mark, I can definitely empathize with you. Came here on F1 in December 2002, been on H1 since '05. Stupidly did not apply for GC with my first employer, suffering because of that.

[qesehmk]

I came to this country on F1 visa in July 2001 (two months before 9/11). So soon I will be reaching the 20 year mark. For people who are new here, it easy to get carried away on new immigration legislation as explained by Turbulent_Dragonfly. I have advised numerous co-workers and friends on the immigration process. They all got their GC's, Citizenship's and eventually left the company. I ended up being the last man standing on H1B in our part of company (covering a few locations). When I meet some ex co-workers from other countries, they inquire about my GC status and they say that it is unbelievable that you are still waiting. Other than the first PERM that was rejected on a technicality, I don't think I have made any blunders on immigration. Philosophically thinking, I sometimes wonder whether I should have taken up the teaching position in India when a professors team visited me in 2008 or so (immediately after my graduation and joining the industry job). Or maybe stayed in the University for a post-doc, more publications and EB1A route. I thought practical experience was better at that time. Still, I am where I am. Maybe God has better plans for all of us. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

idli, you post hit me because I came to US just a year before you. I just want to say to you and others who are here for 20 years or so that whichever choice one makes is always the right choice. Despite this rigged game against Indians, US is a great country you will be proud of and your chidren will flourish. As much as I love India, I feel sad about how things have gone in India. As NRIs if we espouse freedom, equality and justice in US, then we should espouse those same values back home as well. I will leave Indian politics out. But just rest assured, eventually you and your family will be happy. Godspeed to your GC.

[EB22010Dec]

idli, you post hit me because I came to US just a year before you. I just want to say to you and others who are here for 20 years or so that whichever choice one makes is always the right choice. Despite this rigged game against Indians, US is a great country you will be proud of and your children will flourish. As much as I love India, I feel sad about how things have gone in India. As NRIs if we espouse freedom, equality and justice in US, then we should espouse those same values back home as well. I will leave Indian politics out. But just rest assured, eventually you and your family will be happy. Godspeed to your GC.

I came to the US back in 2003 as a student. Worked for companies within Fortune 50, Big5, FANG buckets. 5 Companies applied green card for me thus far, and I have a gut feeling at-least one more will do it.
I think of GC/H1B as paperwork we have to do along the way for the privilege of making 100's of thousands of Dollars.
I keep chugging along, changing jobs and re-applying GCs and H1Bs.

My advice to others like me, DO NOT put your career on hold. I have friends who have waited 10 years at the same desi consulting company with the fear of reapplying for GC.
One thing they all realized is that, due to the extremely long wait, their skills eventually become very redundant and market value shrinks.

I am writing this here as I feel like it might inspire others to follow my path.

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

I came back in 2003, also as a student, worked for companies with in Fortune 50, Big5, FANG buckets. 5 Companies applied green card for me thus far, and I have a gut feeling at-least one more will do it.
I think of GC/H1B as paperwork we have to do along the way for privilege of making 100's of thousands of Dollars.
I keep chugging along, changing jobs and re-applying GCs and H1Bs.

My advise to others like me, DO NOT put your career on hold. I have friends who waited 10 years at the same desi consulting company with the fear of reapplying for GC.
One thing they all realized is that, due to the extremely long wait, their skills eventually become very redundant and market value shrinks.

Writing this here as I feel like it might inspire others to follow my path.

Exactly my sentiments too: Don't put things on hold like buying a nicer vehicle, a home or making other investments just because you don't have a GC. This is the prime of your life. Very true especially of home ownership. I have several of my friends who have been stuck like me for the past 10 yrs in backlogs who have refused to buy a home and have sent so much money down the drain in rent and have regrets now. Some have made real estate investments in India and can't use them because they never go there much. Honestly they have mentioned how much they have feel they have deprived their children of living in their own living space which we all look forward to after living in crowded conditions back in India our entire life there.

[qesehmk]

Exactly my sentiments too: Don't put things on hold like buying a nicer vehicle, a home or making other investments just because you don't have a GC. This is the prime of your life. Very true especially of home ownership. I have several of my friends who have been stuck like me for the past 10 yrs in backlogs who have refused to buy a home and have sent so much money down the drain in rent and have regrets now. Some have made real estate investments in India and can't use them because they never go there much. Honestly they have mentioned how much they have feel they have deprived their children of living in their own living space which we all look forward to after living in crowded conditions back in India our entire life there.

Totally echo that. Two things that kids enjoy the most - a home of their own and a Dog. I think not having AC21 makes it tough to own a house. So perhaps rent it (if financially viable).

[android09]

Exactly my sentiments too: Don't put things on hold like buying a nicer vehicle, a home or making other investments just because you don't have a GC. This is the prime of your life. Very true especially of home ownership. I have several of my friends who have been stuck like me for the past 10 yrs in backlogs who have refused to buy a home and have sent so much money down the drain in rent and have regrets now. Some have made real estate investments in India and can't use them because they never go there much. Honestly they have mentioned how much they have feel they have deprived their children of living in their own living space which we all look forward to after living in crowded conditions back in India our entire life there.

I would second that and say don't worry about what you don't have but rather be happy about what you do have. If you have your wife/husband/partner, kids, parents...you are extremely lucky. If you and your family are in good health, have a roof over your head and have a choice in what food you'd like to eat at any given time, then you are among the top 5% lucky persons on the planet. If you have a job, a steady source of income, savings and have had opportunities for education, professional changes etc and have a career instead of a job then in Toto combination, you are perhaps the luckiest person on the planet.

[EB22010Dec]

Totally echo that. Two things that kids enjoy the most - a home of their own and a Dog. I think not having AC21 makes it tough to own a house. So perhaps rent it (if financially viable).

AC21 and homeownership are totally independent of each other. There are many ways in which you can protect your investment in case you lose your Visa.

Do your due diligence, but remember, next year, your kids will be one year older and one year closer to leaving your house.

[qesehmk]

AC21 and homeownership are totally independent of each other. There are many ways in which you can protect your investment in case you lose your Visa.

Do your due diligence, but remember, next year, your kids will be one year older and one year closer to leaving your house.

If people can protect the downside, the joy of homeownership particularly for kids is priceless.

[EB32010]

Though not quite there to the 20 year mark, I can definitely empathize with you. Came here on F1 in December 2002, been on H1 since '05. Stupidly did not apply for GC with my first employer, suffering because of that.

Are you me in disguise? . Landed here in Dec 31,2000 as student and here since. I have no complaints. I had a great life so far here in US.

[smuggymba]

Totally echo that. Two things that kids enjoy the most - a home of their own and a Dog. I think not having AC21 makes it tough to own a house. So perhaps rent it (if financially viable).

Exactly, live life and enjoy don't just trudge along. Actually I followed the same principle in India too.

Came in 2005 on H1-B (Took the GRE and got a great score but didn't get any scholarship so thought of going to US on job and doing an MBA later). Jumped ship in 3 years and moved to a Big4 consulting firm, an energy company and then a texas based global company where I still am. Bought my dream car in 2010 (when I was on H1-B) and bought a house in 2012 (even before the dates moved to May 2010 and EAD came along). So far other than the current RFE on EAD and another RFE many years back on wife's F1, things have been ok but it's still a pain to travel (it used to be once a month before covid) and come back to secondary processing every time. An immigration officer at SFO secondary told me they should have a chair for me with my name on it since I have so many AP stamps on the passport

[qesehmk]

Exactly, live life and enjoy don't just trudge along. Actually I followed the same principle in India too.

Came in 2005 on H1-B (Took the GRE and got a great score but didn't get any scholarship so thought of going to US on job and doing an MBA later). Jumped ship in 3 years and moved to a Big4 consulting firm, an energy company and then a texas based global company where I still am. Bought my dream car in 2010 (when I was on H1-B) and bought a house in 2012 (even before the dates moved to May 2010 and EAD came along). So far other than the current RFE on EAD and another RFE many years back on wife's F1, things have been ok but it's still a pain to travel (it used to be once a month before covid) and come back to secondary processing every time. An immigration officer at SFO secondary told me they should have a chair for me with my name on it since I have so many AP stamps on the passport

LoL!! I gotta ask you what is your dream car?

Mine back then was a black BMW and had decided to buy it once I become a director - which I did in 2008. But then when I did I had no desire to buy my dream car. I guess I am just a cheap bastard

[Turbulent_Dragonfly]

Ha ha! My dream car was a Porsche Boxter. So I drive a Prius and a Santa Fe Sport now. Lol!

[alpha0]

Exactly, live life and enjoy don't just trudge along. Actually I followed the same principle in India too.

Came in 2005 on H1-B (Took the GRE and got a great score but didn't get any scholarship so thought of going to US on job and doing an MBA later). Jumped ship in 3 years and moved to a Big4 consulting firm, an energy company and then a texas based global company where I still am. Bought my dream car in 2010 (when I was on H1-B) and bought a house in 2012 (even before the dates moved to May 2010 and EAD came along). So far other than the current RFE on EAD and another RFE many years back on wife's F1, things have been ok but it's still a pain to travel (it used to be once a month before covid) and come back to secondary processing every time. An immigration officer at SFO secondary told me they should have a chair for me with my name on it since I have so many AP stamps on the passport

I finished my masters in 2005..joined big 4..lost job during market crash..found a job in fin tech...started GC in 2009..was expecting to get it in 3-4 years..still waiting..i rented a nice townhome so that my kid does not miss the house...

[kumareb2]

My story .... Came here in 2005 , took full time in 2007 on the condition that they start my GC process after one year of my employment start date. The first round of layoffs (due to 2008/2009 recession) in my company (in the same group) happened on the same day my PERM petition was scheduled to be filed, and HR stopped my application saying that they can''t file my PERM petition due to layoffs, and i have to wait another 6 months. since then we had layoffs every quarter, and my petition was delayed as usual, and finally i got my chance in 2009 December. couple of my colleagues filed their petition in 2008(on the same day as they are in another group), got their GC/citizen ship. just one day made all the difference :-( i don't want to sound pessimist, but life is never fair ..Thanks for the good words folks, Q,Turbulent_Dragonfly ,eb32010,android09...

[GCdreamz]

Don't wait for GC to buy home. My idea is - Buy Home when you have 5% for down payment and keep paying EMI like you do Rent payment. In worst case, sell or do foreclosure if you cant sell. Foreclosure will ding you credit history but it is not Criminal thing to do (Be honest on Loan application). In best case, you will enjoy being homeowner and build equity with appraisal/payments. Consider housing market conditions but Don't wait for GC. When buying home, we plan on living in the home forever and don't plan on selling but Americans buy home when they have money for down payment, upgrade when family is bigger and downgrade when kids go to college. Plan on buying home if you have money for downpayment. Not an advice but my thoughts.

[smuggymba]

LoL!! I gotta ask you what is your dream car?

Mine back then was a black BMW and had decided to buy it once I become a director - which I did in 2008. But then when I did I had no desire to buy my dream car. I guess I am just a cheap bastard

In India I was obsessed with BMW X5 so as soon as I had the money, I got a black brand new BMW X5 (with quite a few options) and paid 59K for it in 2010. It was a very happy drive back home and all of my friends in US/India (and colleagues here in US) were jealous LOL. I still have it and love it everyday. I plan to keep it and run it to the ground (because of my travels it has only 60K on it)

After that I also bought a 2016 Audi A4 Quattro but sold it after 3.5 years to buy a bigger Infiniti since we wanted more than a 5 seater.

My best friend from college just bought a home (Dec 2010 PD, still on H1-B) i.e. 8 years after I did. His kids now say why the heck didn't you buy a house earlier. So, yes, while this GC journey will keep you pinned down, make the most of it.

[AceMan]

Totally echo that. Two things that kids enjoy the most - a home of their own and a Dog. I think not having AC21 makes it tough to own a house. So perhaps rent it (if financially viable).

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.

[mrperfect]

I came to this country on F1 visa in July 2001 (two months before 9/11). So soon I will be reaching the 20 year mark. For people who are new here, it easy to get carried away on new immigration legislation as explained by Turbulent_Dragonfly. I have advised numerous co-workers and friends on the immigration process. They all got their GC's, Citizenship's and eventually left the company. I ended up being the last man standing on H1B in our part of company (covering a few locations). When I meet some ex co-workers from other countries, they inquire about my GC status and they say that it is unbelievable that you are still waiting. Other than the first PERM that was rejected on a technicality, I don't think I have made any blunders on immigration. Philosophically thinking, I sometimes wonder whether I should have taken up the teaching position in India when a professors team visited me in 2008 or so (immediately after my graduation and joining the industry job). Or maybe stayed in the University for a post-doc, more publications and EB1A route. I thought practical experience was better at that time. Still, I am where I am. Maybe God has better plans for all of us. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

Same Here idliman .. Yesterday (07/23) was my 19 year anniversary stepping into this country.. Made a tough decision leaving a company in 2006 that cancelled my pending I-140 application with an approved PERM.. can't use it .. and got stuck with 2009 PD.. 5th time renewing my EAD... fingers crossed hoping it would be last time..

[qesehmk]

while this GC journey will keep you pinned down, make the most of it.

That's the bottom line!

[Zenzone]

LoL!! I gotta ask you what is your dream car?

Mine back then was a black BMW and had decided to buy it once I become a director - which I did in 2008. But then when I did I had no desire to buy my dream car. I guess I am just a cheap bastard

I like this discussion better than Immi matters . My fav. used to be a BMW too used to own a series of those back in the times (all shades of blue especially that Monaco Blue). Now back to vans and large SUVs. My latest love is a cool pick-up something like a GMC Canyon or a Sierra (blame it on my mid-life crisis).

[Zenzone]

I came to this country on F1 visa in July 2001 (two months before 9/11). So soon I will be reaching the 20 year mark. For people who are new here, it easy to get carried away on new immigration legislation as explained by Turbulent_Dragonfly. I have advised numerous co-workers and friends on the immigration process. They all got their GC's, Citizenship's and eventually left the company. I ended up being the last man standing on H1B in our part of company (covering a few locations). When I meet some ex co-workers from other countries, they inquire about my GC status and they say that it is unbelievable that you are still waiting. Other than the first PERM that was rejected on a technicality, I don't think I have made any blunders on immigration. Philosophically thinking, I sometimes wonder whether I should have taken up the teaching position in India when a professors team visited me in 2008 or so (immediately after my graduation and joining the industry job). Or maybe stayed in the University for a post-doc, more publications and EB1A route. I thought practical experience was better at that time. Still, I am where I am. Maybe God has better plans for all of us. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

Good luck my friend.