US Immigrants and Immigration
America is a country of immigrants. Even the indigenous people who inhabited the land when the Europeans first arrived to colonise it in the 15th century were travellers who had crossed the land bridge from Eurasia in the distant past.
The story of immigration in the US, like the story of humanity, has its dark chapters. There is no escaping the grave injustice that was done to the Native Americans, the early Chinese and Asian migrant workers and generations of African slaves. However the story of immigration in America includes passages of great courage, daring and determination. It is a tale of people from many countries and cultures across the world coming together down through the years to build a nation of free men and a land of opportunity.
Today, the US still attracts immigrants from all over the world but immigration laws have become very complex and submitting an application for a visa is now a long and complicated process. Even so, it is only a process and it is doable.
US Immigration – Visas
Non-Immigrant Visas - These are intended for those whose stay in the US, will be for a limited period and for a specific reason. The F1 Student Visa is a good example of a non-immigrant visa but there are others including the H1B Work Visa, J1 Training Visa, E1 Investors Visa, TN Work Visa, L1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa, K and V Fiancée Visas.
Immigrant Visas - Also known as the green card the immigrant visa is intended for those who wish to move to the US permanently.
There are several options open to those seeking a US visa. One of them is the United States Green Card Lottery. Annually about 55,000 lucky people win the right to live and work in the US through their participation in the USAGCL.
Alternatively you may apply for a diversity visa, a family visa or an employment visa depending on your personal situation.
Applying for a US Visa
Knowing which visa to apply for and having your petition accepted is the first step. Next you have to negotiate the visa processing phase which includes completing various documents, a medical examination and interviews.
It may sound daunting but many thousands of people have their immigrant US immigrant visas approved each year. You could be one of them.
New Immigrants in the US
As exciting as it is to receive approval for a US immigrant visa, the new immigrant in the US will face a lot of challenges. Not least is the necessity to understand and fulfil your responsibilities as a resident of the US which includes:
- Understanding and obeying all laws
- Filing Income Tax Returns
- Keeping Visas Valid and Up to Date
Then there are the social aspects of moving to a new country. Unless a new immigrant arrives with a network of friends and family already in place to support him or her through the process of starting college, finding a job, making friends or settling into the community it can be a very lonely and isolating experience.
Make a positive start by joining the Minority Action forums and start building your supportive network today!