I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
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Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#2The slavery-like dynamics of the immigration system is a surprising mismatch, versus the typical American business culture.
For comparison, I've spent time in a few countries where a slavery-like relationship with employers is completely expected and even supported by the employees. (Culture shock!) They imagine that it's the only way that businesses can function.
This isn't the type of business culture you want to live in, no matter the perceived benefits.
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#3US immigration rules would be much saner if people born here had to jump through the same hoops, wait in the same lines, fill out the same forms, and go through the same process for citizenship, as people not born here.
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#4A friend of mine works in shipping at a reputable and profitable firm. His roommate, a Greek national also engaged with the firm, was "deported". Twice. He wasn't literally thrown out of the country but it amounted to as much, having similar visa issues.
His employer, unlike the author, sponsored him. However, two separate lawyers were unable to secure him a place in the country. One made a costly mistake and was fired, however the damage was done. My friends roommate made it back to the company for a month or so, before having to permanently relocate to one of the other offices, again, this time permanently.
These stories are not unique. People who are well educated and top performers in their sector are being turned away. Look at many successful entrepreneurs, Levchin, Musk, Collison, etc. and it is obvious the US benefits extremely well from allowing well qualified individuals immigrate.
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#5US immigration rules would be much saner if people born here had to jump through the same hoops, wait in the same lines, fill out the same forms, and go through the same process for citizenship, as people not born here.
In fact, it's downright oppressive that the government of the United States treats its own citizens differently than citizens of foreign countries.
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#6Yes the immigration system is broken; it's difficult to obtain sponsorship from an employer. But I feel like the author gave up after asking the few places where he worked. Sometimes you need to try harder.
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#7A friend of mine works in shipping at a reputable and profitable firm. His roommate, a Greek national also engaged with the firm, was "deported". Twice. He wasn't literally thrown out of the country but it amounted to as much, having similar visa issues. His employer, unlike the author, sponsored him. However, two separate lawyers were unable to secure him a place in the country. One made a costly mistake and was fir…
Has it actually been shown that if we were to throw open the borders to STEM employees that it would result in a net economic gain? Because as far as I can tell, movements to get droves of women and immigrants into software is entirely driven by companies' desire for cheaper labor.
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#8Yes the immigration system is broken; it's difficult to obtain sponsorship from an employer. But I feel like the author gave up after asking the few places where he worked. Sometimes you need to try harder.
"Sometimes you need to try harder."
You mean search for an employer whom would sponsor citizenship? The article explained it is quite expensive - do employer sponsored citizenships happen?
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#9US immigration rules would be much saner if people born here had to jump through the same hoops, wait in the same lines, fill out the same forms, and go through the same process for citizenship, as people not born here.
In fact, it's downright oppressive that the government of the United States treats its own citizens differently than citizens of foreign countries.
If it didn't what would the meaning of citizenship be?
Re: I spent the last 15 years trying to become an American and failed
#10The slavery-like dynamics of the immigration system is a surprising mismatch, versus the typical American business culture. For comparison, I've spent time in a few countries where a slavery-like relationship with employers is completely expected and even supported by the employees. (Culture shock!) They imagine that it's the only way that businesses can function. This isn't the type of business culture you want to l…
"even supported by the employees"
To which countries are you referring to?