The Perils and Rewards of the US Green Card Process
It is no secret that the visa and Green Card program in the United States is excessively complex and expensive, designed to limit the influx of immigrants. This complexity often serves no logical purpose, but rather perpetuates bureaucracy and, at times, unwarranted racism. This essay is a reflection on my personal journey through the US immigration process, which has spanned 11 years and continues to test the patience and perseverance of my family in a Southeast Asian country.
A Multilayered System that Feeds on Bureaucracy
Compared to the Visa and Green Card program, the system feels like a tangled web of red tape, offering no clear path to success. This system has also inadvertently created a thriving industry consisting of: US Attorneys Overseas Attorneys Immigration clinics and hospitals These entities exist solely to navigate the convoluted process, suggesting that the intention behind the complexity is not purely administrative, but perhaps also to profit from it.
My Personal Journey: An Unfortunate Wait
My visa application started 11 years ago, with the promise of an eventual Green Card. Over the years, my priority date has either remained current or was reverted back, leaving me to wonder if I am the most unfortunate person ever to apply for a Green Card.
A Decade of Waiting
I have been living and traveling around the world with my Indian passport, experiencing a wide range of cultures and situations. Despite the effort and financial strain, the Green Card continues to elude me. It is a situation that has forced me to prioritize my family and children above the promise of a path to permanent residency in the US.
Is the US Green Card Worth the Wait?
The answer to this question is, as always, subjective. It all depends on your individual circumstances. From my perspective, waiting 10-12 years, or even longer, for a Green Card is not a passport or residency worth the time and effort. As a child, I dreamed of having a "great" passport, but the reality is that success, not a Green Card, is the best passport anyone can have.
The Path to Success
Instead of investing time and effort into obtaining a Green Card, individuals should focus on self-improvement. The effort you put into your personal and professional development will yield far greater rewards than a Green Card. Success on your own terms is a passport to success in any country.
Considering the Future
Given the current pace, obtaining a US Green Card may take upwards of a few decades, if not a century. While this may seem daunting, the process is almost guaranteed with little cost, as long as you are willing to wait and plan your life strategically. For me, waiting for 5 years and planning for a few more is a necessary step in my journey with a wife, kid, mortgages, and investments. The potential risks are low, but the potential rewards are immense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US Green Card process is a trial of patience and self-improvement. It is not a guaranteed path to success, but a commitment to personal development. The value of waiting is in the opportunities it provides to grow, learn, and succeed on your own terms.
I wish it took only 10-12 years, but for many, including Indians, the wait can be even longer. If the prospect of a Green Card seems like a lottery ticket to you, go for it. Just get on the line and play the waiting game with the assurance that the effort you put into yourself will yield much greater rewards than a Green Card.