US Green Card

[Boetman]

Howsit Clan

Been talking to the wife a bit about maybe immigrating. I reckon if there is a country to go to it would be the US.

Do any of you have any Tips on obtaining a Green Card? Trying to figure out the Green Card Lottery on the net is like a minefield. So many scams.

If somebody can point me in a direction of a secure source or person who can help me, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

[Horsehide]

I am an "import" myself...
Came to the US as a student in 1986, but did not become a citizen until 2007.
The whole process is extremely time-consuming, costly and frustrating.
Do you, or your wife have any skills (think "scientific", you dirty old man... :laugh:) or do you have any plan on opening a business/invest in one?
Like you said, there are a lot of scams out there.
Do you know where you would like to relocate?
Let me know if I can be of any help.

[EDELWEISS]

If all else fails come to be with your Uncle Edelweiss"....except I was planning on coming to live with "My nephew" in the RSA in a few years??

[Boetman]

If all else fails come to be with your Uncle Edelweiss"....except I was planning on coming to live with "My nephew" in the RSA in a few years??

Ja Baas Edel, if I am still here, you and yours have accomodation for life, will fix a shed up for you or build a cabin somewhere on the farm.
I am not sure about the US thing, thought I would try the Green Card lottery and if it happens it probably meant to be.
Would give my left nu.... uh, ear to become a cop over there.

[Boetman]

I am an "import" myself...
Came to the US as a student in 1986, but did not become a citizen until 2007.
The whole process is extremely time-consuming, costly and frustrating.
Do you, or your wife have any skills (think "scientific", you dirty old man... :laugh:) or do you have any plan on opening a business/invest in one?
Like you said, there are a lot of scams out there.
Do you know where you would like to relocate?
Let me know if I can be of any help.

Thanks Mate, I appreciate the offer. Still batting it around in my head. Bittashit feeling to leave here. Not so much worried about myself or wife, but two daughters (one two years old and the other on the way) kinda change a persons perspective. Current predictions put the Europeans at 10000 and the Africans at 105 000 000 by 2070. No hair of my back, but my kids and the day I have gran kids, worried about them.

[Hired gun]

Boetman
I would make a suggestion. If you make the move here, try to do it in the next 16 months. Things will probably get tougher if a Republican is elected as POTUS. If a member of the Communist Party is elected, things will stay the same. Just my thoughts and I wish you well on your quest.

[Boetman]

Boetman
I would make a suggestion. If you make the move here, try to do it in the next 16 months. Things will probably get tougher if a Republican is elected as POTUS. If a member of the Communist Party is elected, things will stay the same. Just my thoughts and I wish you well on your quest.

Shot Bro, thanks for the input. Didnt think about that part.

[H60DoorGunner]

I doubt things will get tougher to legally immigrate than they already are. If whoever the next president is, is half as smart as they claim, they'll make the process easier.

Anyhow, I met my wife shortly before she got her permanent residency. Based on her experience, I would recommend finding someone who's willing to let you crash their basement or a spare bedroom for a while. You'll need to stay in one location for a time, so you can receive all the correspondence from USCIS. Changing your address slows the process dramatically.

Unless you can get approved for a workers visa right off the bat, you won't be working legally for a while either. So having cash on hand will be important, and also another reason why having a friend to stay at their house is important. Otherwise, as long as you stay in top of the USCIS guys, and fill out all the paperwork properly and timely, it's not terribly difficult. The hardest part really is all the waiting around with limited resources.

[StealthNeighbor]

Sir, here's a place to start: http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/get-green-card

DHS is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; this is a government site...so the info provided is the "official" process. Lots of links to open there...

Good luck !

PS -- another good document to illustrate the process: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services....another U.S. government site)

[Danneskjold]

I'm taking the easy route: my father-in-law got citizenship a few years ago (I think he married into his green card originally), so my wife is applying for the family as relatives of a citizen. But I've heard the process is still quite lengthy.

Hopefully I will impress my new company (US-based Fortune 500 multinational) and they will transfer me there. Which would be more likely, if my skills leaned more towards sales than the technical side of engineering.

As to where to live, Boetman: If, like me, you don't like the cold, Alaska is out. Except for the cold and endless nights, it seems perfect. Texas through to Florida (Gulf Coast) seems mostly pro-gun, low-taxes. Arizona sounds nice too, except I like the ocean (even if I do live 600km from one now). And my (Afrikaans) father-in-law tells me the rednecks in the US are like the boere in SA, so anywhere they make moonshine should suit you (he said they were the only group of people he really got along with, but he was staying in Maryland...).

[SheepDog68]

With the one on the way you might vacation over here around the due date and get one in the door that way! I don't keep up on it, but having your kid a US citizen couldn't make things harder for you guys.

SD

[henri]

Simple solution
Go to Juarez, Mexico,lose the South African accent, and just walk over the border, seems to work for the untold Mexicans who arrive here, OR have the family get a nice tan, have someone with a sail or powerboat drop you and the family off on a raft a few miles off the south florida coast, say you're Cubans and want political asylum. Once again, lose the accent.

[H60DoorGunner]

Simple solution
Go to Juarez, Mexico,lose the South African accent, and just walk over the border, seems to work for the untold Mexicans who arrive here, OR have the family get a nice tan, have someone with a sail or powerboat drop you and the family off on a raft a few miles off the south florida coast, say you're Cubans and want political asylum. Once again, lose the accent.

He doesn't even have to lose the accent or speak Spanish. All he has to do is tell the CPB agents that he's from wherever he wants. They have to send him back to there.

Tons of Asians claim they're Mexican, get deported back to Mexico, and try all over again until they make it. CPB knows they obviously ain't Mexican, but bureaucracy being what it is...well, you know.

[steve_k]

Come to the U.S. To be an SI instructor.

[Boetman]

Sir, here's a place to start: http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/get-green-card

DHS is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; this is a government site...so the info provided is the "official" process. Lots of links to open there...

Good luck !

PS -- another good document to illustrate the process: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services....another U.S. government site)

Thanks stealth, please dont call me sir. We are equel. Will follow the links appreciate it.

[Boetman]

With the one on the way you might vacation over here around the due date and get one in the door that way! I don't keep up on it, but having your kid a US citizen couldn't make things harder for you guys.

SD

Thought about it, but my wife needs a c section, so it has to be planned. Not taking a chance with my little terr.

[Boetman]

Come to the U.S. To be an SI instructor.

Had that thought in the back of my mind. Already spoke to Wolverine about becoming a instructor here, I am doing a CRG2 end of october, so guess he will see how I shape up, and if I have what it takes. Looking forward and counting days.

[StealthNeighbor]

Thanks stealth, please dont call me sir. We are equel. Will follow the links appreciate it.

Respect and politeness...not subservience.... <wink>

[Boetman]

Respect and politeness...not subservience.... <wink>

No such respect needed between Bros.

[SheepDog68]

That requirement might make it better instead of worse!

Anyway just thinking outside the box!

SD

[EDELWEISS]

Broer, theres no reason you cant schedule the C section over here.....

[Boetman]

I just love this Brotherhood. Let me give it an thought, bounce it of my wife.

Thanks Bro's, your thoughtfullness and help is realy touching.

[PRDubi]

Process is long but not hard


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[steve_k]

Had that thought in the back of my mind. Already spoke to Wolverine about becoming a instructor here, I am doing a CRG2 end of october, so guess he will see how I shape up, and if I have what it takes. Looking forward and counting days.

I'm sure you could bring more to this country than Obamas replacement citizens he keeps importing.

[Boetman]

Thanks Mate

[Paper Shredder]

I will say Boetman, you should try a holiday here first to see what areas of the U.S. Work for your family. Not to be a negative nancy, but the subtleties of the American culture outside of this circle may not be your cup of tea. Although I'd love to start a billy business with you and get on the paleo/ jerky maket!

[barnetmill]

A suggestion. Figure out a good cover story for any interviews that you might have with immigration people. When you do get here try to live close to a relative or good friend that can help you out with what ever might come up. Africa for the next few years appears to have turbulent future in store for it and being elsewhere seems smart if you have a white face that makes you standout.

[Alex Nieuwland]

Green card lottery is the Easy Button, but depends on luck. Just go to the official site and sign up. All other sites are scams.

I met someone this year who had won, so it really does happen.

[Shooter Ready]

Bro, we need more Americans like you. Immigrants who want to work are what makes America great. Those who are like Obama's children and want free stuff make America not so good.

[Francisp]

Howsit Clan

Been talking to the wife a bit about maybe immigrating. I reckon if there is a country to go to it would be the US.

Do any of you have any Tips on obtaining a Green Card? Trying to figure out the Green Card Lottery on the net is like a minefield. So many scams.

If somebody can point me in a direction of a secure source or person who can help me, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks
I sponsored my wife for immigration recently. You're welcome to talk to my lawyer. Just PM me. Also I just went through the whole process start to finish of getting my wife a green card and half her family got here. Don't let these guys doom and gloom you into not trying. It's not the misery some here are making it out to be. Its probably as hard or worse for me to get a permit to buy a handgun here as the immigration process.

[Francisp]

I'm taking the easy route: my father-in-law got citizenship a few years ago (I think he married into his green card originally), so my wife is applying for the family as relatives of a citizen. But I've heard the process is still quite lengthy.

Hopefully I will impress my new company (US-based Fortune 500 multinational) and they will transfer me there. Which would be more likely, if my skills leaned more towards sales than the technical side of engineering.

As to where to live, Boetman: If, like me, you don't like the cold, Alaska is out. Except for the cold and endless nights, it seems perfect. Texas through to Florida (Gulf Coast) seems mostly pro-gun, low-taxes. Arizona sounds nice too, except I like the ocean (even if I do live 600km from one now). And my (Afrikaans) father-in-law tells me the rednecks in the US are like the boere in SA, so anywhere they make moonshine should suit you (he said they were the only group of people he really got along with, but he was staying in Maryland...).

For sponsoring a family member (My wife) less than a year start to finish. Not lengthy at all. I wait longer for a handgun permit.

[Boetman]

I will say Boetman, you should try a holiday here first to see what areas of the U.S. Work for your family. Not to be a negative nancy, but the subtleties of the American culture outside of this circle may not be your cup of tea. Although I'd love to start a billy business with you and get on the paleo/ jerky maket!

Shot mate, as it is I am very isolated where we live, my only mates (except for my Boet) is you guys, so this might be a step in the right direction, in that sense.

[Boetman]

Shot Francis, will send a PM. Thanks.

[BillyOblivion]

Howsit Clan
Been talking to the wife a bit about maybe immigrating. I reckon if there is a country to go to it would be the US.

I love my country, but right now if I wasn't American and had to move I'd *seriously* look at New Zealand. Yeah, the gun laws are a little worse than most of the US, but you *can* buy them relatively easily, and their government isn't trying to destroy their culture.

[BillyOblivion]

I will say Boetman, you should try a holiday here first to see what areas of the U.S. Work for your family. Not to be a negative nancy, but the subtleties of the American culture outside of this circle may not be your cup of tea. Although I'd love to start a billy business with you and get on the paleo/ jerky maket!

Thing is where do you go on vacation to get the subtleties of American Culture?

NYC?

Chicago?

Denver?

San Francisco?

Wyoming, Arizona, Texas?

[Boetman]

Shot Mates thanks for everybodys input. Going to do the green card lottery( think it opens tommorow) and see what gives. Other mate of mine is talking to friends this weekend about the same story. Sounds like the dude farmed for somebody in Texas for a couple of months. Maybe I should try the whole story from this side through an agency and see what they say.

[Mike O'Leary]

Boetman, good luck with the green card lottery!

When you do get approved to come to the US, please do your research regarding what state you want to move to. All the states are very different in many ways. For example, Maryland (I used to live there) has the mountains to the west and the ocean to the east, a very beautiful state, but is ruined by oppressive taxes and gun laws. Also you need to check into the quality of education and the availability of job opportunities. I live on the North Carolina coast now, it's beautiful, has low taxes and good gun laws but jobs are almost impossible to find. Also there is a lot of poverty in the surrounding areas (trailer parks with lots of crime).

I think you should start a new thread when you narrow it down to an area you are considering. I'm sure there are members here who live in the areas that would be happy to give you good info on the area.

[Boetman]

Boetman, good luck with the green card lottery!

When you do get approved to come to the US, please do your research regarding what state you want to move to. All the states are very different in many ways. For example, Maryland (I used to live there) has the mountains to the west and the ocean to the east, a very beautiful state, but is ruined by oppressive taxes and gun laws. Also you need to check into the quality of education and the availability of job opportunities. I live on the North Carolina coast now, it's beautiful, has low taxes and good gun laws but jobs are almost impossible to find. Also there is a lot of poverty in the surrounding areas (trailer parks with lots of crime).

I think you should start a new thread when you narrow it down to an area you are considering. I'm sure there are members here who live in the areas that would be happy to give you good info on the area.

I would like to become a State Trooper in Colorado. According to info, they will employ Green Card holders, and they seem to have problems placing Troopers in the remote areas. That would be my food. I am a farmboy, so being all on my lonesome, away from the big cities would suite me perfectly. Also, I reckon raising my Girls in a small town would be the ideal.

[C.J. Singleton]

I would like to become a State Trooper in Colorado. According to info, they will employ Green Card holders, and they seem to have problems placing Troopers in the remote areas. That would be my food. I am a farmboy, so being all on my lonesome, away from the big cities would suite me perfectly. Also, I reckon raising my Girls in a small town would be the ideal.

Colorado is nice but is being destroyed by all the californians. A bunch of environmenalists along with a judge who recently moved to my sister's town from Boulder gave the local coal mine and impossible to comply with deadline with a bunch of knit picks when it is the cleanest mine in the country and its about to shut down.

The 15 round mag limit might be going away but 54 out of the 63 sheriffs in the state won't enforce that law anyway if you are in rural colorado you shouldn't have to worry about it.

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[Boetman]

Colorado is nice but is being destroyed by all the californians. A bunch of environmenalists along with a judge who recently moved to my sister's town from Boulder gave the local coal mine and impossible to comply with deadline with a bunch of knit picks when it is the cleanest mine in the country and its about to shut down.

The 15 round mag limit might be going away but 54 out of the 63 sheriffs in the state won't enforce that law anyway if you are in rural colorado you shouldn't have to worry about it.

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CJ, at this stage it is still only dreams that I have to work at accomplishing. If I know my girls are going to be in a good envirement, I will flip burgers at a fast food joint for 16hours a day 365 for the rest of my life. Unfortunetly I will be taking them out of the best envirement with there cousins (they call each other sisters) and grandma, but out of a country that holds a bleak future for them.

Over weekends on the farm, isolated, I cant think of a better place to be. On monday mornings, 5km out the farmgate, I just want to get out this country. Its really turned into a dump. An unsafe, no future for my kids dump.

[Boetman]

And please guys, you cant complain about taxes. Atleast you can see what your tax money is doing. Over here, the only thing you can see that our tax money is doing, is making goverment employees fatter and giving the Zums a bigger pool.

[bubba in c.a.]

The US Consulate in your country should have its own website which may be of interest. This is separate from any other Immigration website.If you have no relatives and no "special skills" the lottery may be your only hope. As a 4th generation Angelino I have a sense of your situation.

If you do get to the US and can work, keep in mind that Government and corporate entities do not value white men who are willing to work. Even if you do get hired, you will soon find yourself "promotion proof", a tough situation for people of talent. That leaves you at the hands of Main Street Republicrats who pay low and don't have fringes. Netnet, in the long run think of doing what smart immigrants have always done, start your own business.

Pick your state carefully. 2 to avoid in the long run are Arizona and Texas. They look good on the surface, but they are frontline states-- a few more Mexicans and they will be just like California. Once they have the votes, it's winner takes all. I have a friend in Idaho who seems happy.

Good luck. I think there was a time when English speaking white refugees from black terror would be given preference. but that is long past.