After 5 1/2 yrs..

As a person who applied for a permanent residency long time ago, today was a pivotal day. Finally we were instructed to start a recruitment, and if we find no American who is suitable for my job, I am able to get the labor certificate!! Biggest step for the greencard. It's been 5 1/2 yrs since I applied. Yes, that's right! More than 5 yrs of just waiting. My application was sleeping in their cabinet...

Everything has changed since 9/11/2001. There is a new law for the immigration. So the applicant like me, who submitted the application under the older law, was forced to wait for more than normal.

I understand the change; I've watched the World Trade Center collapsed. I remember watching tv news at home all day long because all of us were sent home that day... all images are still vivid in my memory.

I understand that the US wants to protect their country, that is why it is much more difficult for foreigners to immigrate nowadays. At one point, I considered applying for the Canadian residency because it's easier.

But my waiting is over finally! Actually it will take another 2 yrs or so to complete the process, but I am just happy right now :) If everything goes well, I can stay here!! What a relief!