The Hidden Costs of Immigration: A Personal Journey
As I reflect on my family’s experience immigrating to the United States, I’m reminded of the complexities and challenges that come with leaving one’s homeland behind. While I’m no expert on immigration, I want to share our story to shed light on the often-overlooked realities of this process.
A Family’s Decision
In 2003, my family and I visited the United States for the first time, a trip that sparked a chain of events that would change our lives forever. My mom received a job offer in 2005, which led to her initial immigration to the U.S. The process wasn’t easy, and it came with a hefty price tag – $2,185 in fees, excluding transportation and lawyer costs.
Setbacks and New Beginnings
However, my mom’s first stint in the U.S. was short-lived. Her work permit application was “lost” by USCIS, forcing her to return home. But her employer liked her so much that they invited her back in 2007. This time, my mom was hesitant to leave our comfortable life behind, but the promise of better academic and economic opportunities for me ultimately swayed her decision.
The Cost of Opportunity
As I grew older, I began to understand the sacrifices my family made for me to have a better life. In our home country, access to quality education and healthcare was limited, and socioeconomic mobility was scarce. Working abroad was a common practice, with personal remittances accounting for a significant portion of our country’s GDP.
A New Chapter
In 2010, I joined my mom in the U.S., and we began the process of applying for a green card. The journey was long and arduous, with multiple visa applications, lawyer fees, and travel costs. We spent a total of $11,295 in application and visa fees, not including lawyer fees and flights.
Becoming a Permanent Resident
After years of waiting, we finally received our green cards in 2014. This milestone opened doors to new opportunities, including scholarships and grants that enabled me to attend UC Berkeley. Today, I’m a naturalized U.S. citizen, and my parents are following suit.
The Human Cost
While our story has a happy ending, I want to acknowledge the personal toll immigration takes on families. I didn’t live with my mom for four years, and I haven’t seen my dad since I was nine. My parents lost their parents without being able to say goodbye. The guilt of living a better life than loved ones back home is a heavy burden to carry.
A Call to Understanding
As I reflect on our journey, I’m reminded that immigration is a complex issue that affects people from all walks of life. While my family’s story is one of want rather than need, I’ve met individuals who have fled their countries seeking asylum, only to be denied. The struggles they face are heart-wrenching and unfathomable.
The Truth About Immigration
Legal immigration requires employers and immigrants to prove that they won’t displace American workers. Moreover, illegal immigrants often take underpaid, labor-intensive jobs with no benefits, which many Americans don’t want to do. The immigration process is long, expensive, and emotionally taxing. It’s time we acknowledged the immigrant plight in the United States.
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