On Tuesday, a letter came from the USCIS, the immigration bureau. I handed it to Eli and he carefully opened it. I peered over his shoulder, and knowing the nature of American correspondence, skimmed to the top where I spotted the word "approved" and started jumping up and down and shrieking before he had figured out why.
It was a single piece of paper, with the title "Welcome to the United States of America." The first two lines read:
"This is to notify you that your application for permanent residence has been approved. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to permanent resident status in the United States."
It's hard to explain how gratifying it is not only for Eli to get his residency, but also to see words like "pleasure" and "welcome" coming from the US government during the immigration process. It's not a fun process, and really puts you through the ringer to make sure you are very serious about what you're doing every step of the way. We started last December and nearly a year later, he's finally done it. The letter was also a welcome surprise, considering it only took about two and a half months to process his residency application, which I would say is pretty record time (we were expecting 3-4 months).
But like everything in immigration, just when we feel like we've finally finished and we finally can relax, it's not over yet. His residency is conditional, which means that in two years we will have to apply yet again to change his status, and then go to an immigration center and prove (with documents, photos, and what have you) we are still married in order for his permanent permanent residency to go through. Also, if he ever wants to leave the country before then, he'll have to apply for a special travel waiver.
Since he's not going anywhere for now, and since two years is a ways away, we're both just really happy and relieved that we can relax, at least about immigration. Ate que enfim.
it's "até que enfim" actually ...
Posted by: Pepito | October 15, 2009 at 01:13 PM
A couple of corrections:
a) His Green Card will EXPIRE in 2 years, but you need to apply 3-4 months BEFORE it expires, so they have time to process his permanent GC.
b) He does not need a travel permit to travel outside the US if he stays there for less than 1 year. You only need a reentry permit if you are a green card holder and will stay out of the country over 1, but less than 2 years.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3f443a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3f443a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD
Posted by: Fernanda | October 15, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Congratulations for you both!!!
Unfortunately, though, that's the easiest way to get residence in this country and it shows just how inefficient and unjust the system is. I am not condemning or criticizing your post. It has nothing to do with it. It's just an observation.
There are tons of illegal marriages and plenty of people who get involved in trouble because of this outdated immigration system. It allows plenty of room for discrimination, violence and illegal activity (as gay couples can never marry and give their spouses citizenship, women many times get beaten up by men, etc).
I have been in this country for almost a decade. I have been always legal, paying taxes, contributing, etc. and still have no clear path for residency. However, for tax purposes, after 5-6 years you are already considered a resident. Funny how it plays, isn't it?
I would love to see you writing one day about the immigration system. I am sure you are probably unaware of the many things we have to go through but your very intelligent and resourceful. I beat you can write a great article on that!
Beijos e mais uma vez meus parabéns ao seu marido e a você!!!
Posted by: Simone | October 15, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Well to me it sure sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what "they" (as Simone put it) since you are living the process. Anywho, I'm so excited for you and Eli!!!! Congratulations!!! I can only imagine the feeling of elation and relief! I too, hope to one day get the same kind of letter!
Congratulations and all the best wishes for both of you!
Posted by: Stephanie | October 16, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Parabens pra voce e o Eliseu!!!
Posted by: Adriano Gomes | October 16, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Congrats! I know the feeling of being welcomed to a new country. When I first heard "Welcome to Canada" it sounded like music to my ears.
:)
Posted by: Jeanne | October 17, 2009 at 06:39 PM
congrats!
although it is kinda funny:
"hello, we're sending you a piece of paper informing you that your request to request a permanent residence has been accepted and now that your request has been accepted you can start requesting stuff."
Eli should make you celebrate with him by jaywalking – that would be the coolest!
Posted by: brazinglish | October 19, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Great victory. COngratulations 8
Posted by: Tereza (Bruxelas) | October 23, 2009 at 04:18 PM