Welcome to the United States

[FS1979 2]

I entered the US via the EWR POE last week and became a permanent resident.  

 

It was a long journey, one which was first dreamt of more than 25 years ago when I was a college student (F-1) in the US.  Back then I tried to stay through legal means such as the DV lottery, OPT, H1B etc... but in the end I exhausted all avenues and ended up moving back to my home country (Canada).  Had a family member who got naturalized so was able to sponsor me back in 2006...and it took about 13 years for the priority date to be current.  By then I was pretty well settled at home with a good job and family, and had no intention of moving back to the US.  So dragged our feet by checking in with the NVC every 11 months, submitting documents slowly, rescheduling consulate interviews, COVID delays etc etc.  But we could not delay things any longer and eventually took the plunge.  Will still be a year or so before we move permanently as I have some business & family obligations here, but did not want to let the opportunity slip by.

 

It was weird to hear the CBP officer say "Welcome to the United States, and good luck."  And I have to say immigrating to the US now feels bittersweet in light of everything that is going on with the new administration.  Here is hoping for sunnier days.  And wishing everyone well on your individual journies.