Today, I am celebrating the second anniversary of obtaining my green card. Officially, I have 2 more years to be eligible for citizenship. Upon my reflection on my long journey with the process of political asylum that started in 1992, I would like to confirm how fortunate I am as a human being. After my asylum was approved in 1997, my life really turned around. I was able to finish my undergraduate education and I then got my Ph.D. I was able to get student loans that helped me achieve my educational goals and I also was able to obtain health insurance, something I had not had for years. Despite my frustration with the prolonged process of adjustment, I profess my deepest gratitude for America. Not only that I received a high quality education in this country, I was able to enjoy freedom to the fullest by openly protesting our government’s policy. I never imagined in my life that I would be able to march in a demonstration against the president of my country and “get away” with it. Those who see things in black and white and can not accept ambiguity accused me of being a terrorist, but I can understand their limitations and concreteness. Of course, there is still a sense of injustice in this country. There are also different types of privileges such as white privilege, male privilege, class privilege and religious privilege. However, we can speak out against these inequities and many people acknowledge that there are deep societal problems. I would like to tell those who have been waiting for their green cards that the green card is worth the wait. You will all get it one day, but once you do, do not forget that dissent is the highest level of patriotism.
Anniversary
- Thread starter shamshon
- Start date
wantmygcnow
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Whats your point? Just because you have a Greencard..You have more rights? 
...! "I know I am but what are you?"
...! "I know I am but what are you?"TortFeasor
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Of patriotism
I concur that dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
On the other hand, blind patriotism, as the English author, Samuel Johnson wrote "is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
Cheerio
I concur that dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
On the other hand, blind patriotism, as the English author, Samuel Johnson wrote "is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
Cheerio
shamshon said:
Having a green card means that you become grounded and anchored in this country. It also means that you will soon become a citizen and no Nazi or fascist could take that away from you. Finally, having a green card means that you are not uprooted anymore; rather, it means that you now have a new home that welcomes you and considers you one of its own! Hope this answers your question!wantmygcnow said:Whats your point? Just because you have a Greencard..You have more rights?
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Congrats Shamshon! Time really does fly by. I have a little bit over 2 years before applying for citizenship as well. I must admit, that I am getting impatient with this process. I want to let you all know that getting your GC [although a wonderful and joyous moment in your life] is really the start of another journey. I guess the fact that we got screwed and had to wait longer than necessary has made me a little angry/bitter.
Thanks Lolai. I wished the recent settlement would have included granting immediate citizenship for people whose green cards were delayed like us. I called the AILA and they said that they should have thought about that but it is too late now. Think about it, many of us should have got their green cards 2-3 years earlier if the INS did not mess up. If this was the case, we would be eligible for citizenship by now. However, I am glad the journey is almost over. I actually discovered that I will apply after 21 months since they allow you to apply 90 days before the completion of your 5th year!LolaLi said:
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