One way to permanently live in the United States is to apply for a greencard through your employer. In my case, labor certification has been approved and I am coming to the end of the process. I only need to submit one last set of documents, have a full medical examination and have an interview at a United States Consulate. This was due to be submitted in September, 2007 and this is where the process has stopped.
I received a letter from the National Visa Center on July 1, 2007 pertaining to my green card application. I paid the Processing Fee Bill and have had no further communication. My current work-visa is valid until June 30, 2008. I am unable to apply for a work-visa extension as I would have exceeded the 6 year limit to work in the United States. This process was further delayed by two years due to 9/11.
ping
Here’s hoping it all works out.
We have a friend in a similar situation. When she had to return to the Philippines three years ago, she has not been allowed to return. She, too, spent a good deal of money on immigration attorneys, all for nothing. She now has to have a job contract with an American company or school (she has a Masters in special ed) before they will allow her to return. Her son was born on Guam, an American territory, and is an American citizen, but that fact hasn’t helped her situation at all. All this to point out that if your friend’s visa runs out and she does have to leave the country, it’s a difficult process to get back in and get a green card. No wonder most people choose the illegal route.
Has she considered applying for Residency in England or Australia in case she fails to stay here?
England and Australia have a large South African immigrant community and it is easier to immigrate to England or Australia if you have skills than it is to stay in the US.
I gotta make a run to the library for some tax forms and to PetSmart for some cat food, but keep the prayers and any advice coming. Thanks so much.
Legal immigrants who try to obey the law are treated terribly by our government. I know legal immigrants who have jobs and are good people who face delays, legal fees etc. Yet the politicians are falling all over themselves telling illegal immigrants to disrespect and disobey our laws and promising them governments handouts.
Have her change her name to Gonzalas and just stay. She could probably get some fake, but good ID’s pretty cheaply.
My stepmother spent about 10 years doing it legally when others seem better off doing it illegally.
Have her change her name to *******ez or *******ez, etc. (Only half kidding).
I hope she gets some relief from this situation. This is exactly why people here illegally should not get put in front of the line.
BTTT
The situation says to me that the woman has made some sort of false asylum claim. Is that the case?
If it is she needs to go back home and get in line.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6
May you soon learn that all will be well.
Prayers sent. I have a friend going through a very similar situation. Spent most of his life here in the states, high school, college, etc. Trying to get permanent residence here, and it’s really hard when you follow the rules. And he insists on following the rules.