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Dear Editor:
First I must say thanks to you for sending me ilw weekly. I was reading the article "Experts say immigrants feel pressure to take oath" in last week's issue.
I would like to start with the lady named Jennifer lilley, the retired teacher from
Franklin Lakes. She says, "I cannot understand why those who make their
permanent homes in the United State are not prepared to take on the full
responsibilities of citizenship".
Now let me explain my own story, and then I would like to ask her: Who's fault is
this?
I came to this beautiful country in 1980 with an American dream. I went back
home twice, first time due to my father's death and the second time to get married.
20 years ago, to get a visa to come to the US from our country was easy,
not like now. So I traveled twice. Than I applied for Asylum 1990. My wife
and daughter joined me here in 1994.
After 2/3 years someone told me that I should apply for a work
authorization permit for my wife. I really don't understand the INS laws, so I
got an attorney and applied. The gentleman told me that
she will get her work authorization in 6 months maximum. That cost me $1000. After 2 years
of waiting I asked him what's going on? He said that
he sent me notices couple of time, but probably I didn't receive them (which was
a total lie). So from that point onward I could not do anything for them, since
they didn't have a status anymore. My wife cannot work, so I have to take
care of everything. Now, I have 2 more children, they
are Americans. I am the only person who can legally work here, because I have
a work authorization. What ever I make, I need to support my family.
I cannot even take Government help since that may affect my immigration status.
I applied for asylum in 1990 and today is July 4th, 2002. Almost 12 years. I
called INS many times. They said "When the resources are available
we will take your interview". And every year I apply for a renewal and they
renew my work authorization.
Now my question to the Jennifer Lilley is: Is it my fault?
Do you think I don't want to be a U.S. citizen?
I don't have a criminal record, not even a traffic ticket.
This is not only in my case, I know a couple people who have the same problem. Who
can slove this?
I am 43 years old. I have spent half my life in this country, but
I do not know about the future.
I cannot vote for this country, I cannot even say that this is my country.
After 20 years I am still a outsider.
2 years ago I wrote a similar letter to the honorable
President, but never got an answer. I understand he is busy.
Now even I cannot apply for anything anymore, because I can't afford
the filling fees. They are too high.
Do you think in my lifetime INS will call me for an asylum interview?
From the outside it is very easy to say anything, but when you deal with
INS problems, only the person dealing with it knows how hard it is.
Now is there anybody in this world who can say what can I do?
Thanks for your time. Copyright © 1999-2002 American Immigration LLC, ILW.COM
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