ADVERTISEMENTS

So, I want to write a brief post about basic immigration law. There seems to be this enduring myth among Americans that one can simply come to this country and become American. Ummm, no. In fact if I were not Canadian with the NAFTA treaty, I could not be in Alaska at all. In fact, it can be nearly impossible. So many Americans ask the question "why not just naturalize"? Like I can go down to the post office, get an application and PRESTO! The basic rule is this: you have to have a Green Card (aka be a Permanent resident) before you can become a citizen. How long you need to be in this status depends on how you got it. There are two basic ways to get a Green card. Be sponsored by family or your employer. If you don't have qualifying American family you have to get your employer to do it. There you have to show that there is no American "willing, able and qualified" to do your job. Of course you have to get past the first hurdle of a willing employer. The State of Alaska has a policy of NOT sponsoring employees for a Green Card. Even employees they recruited and rely on. Oh yes, Alaska loves that big middle finger. That means that, even if I so desired, it is IMPOSSIBLE to adjust status or become a citizen. J can never work, despite the fact that she was a geriatric nurse in England for 8 years. The people in this country have their heads so far up their asses when it comes to immigration it is a joke. Yes, illegal immigration is an issue. But most people don't realize that it is nearly impossible to legally immigrate to the United States. And, if you need more information you can go back in this blog to learn about "Backlog Elimination Centers" and all the rest of it. I don't want to talk about it anymore. I can feel myself getting angry.

Bloggers, promote your law blog by nominating your blog for inclusion in USLaw.com's Law Blog Directory and RSS Reader. Benefits described.