Many Pinoys still chasing the great American dream

If you’re still dreaming of asking your Fil-American citizen relatives to file a petition (Form I-130) at the US Embassy to help you immigrate to America, stop dreaming right now.

It’s a totally useless effort specially if you have a shorter time frame of fulfilling that dream. It’s going to take you a long, long, long, long, long, long time before you get that phone call from the US Embassy in Manila.

At least, that’s what I got from my relatives over there who are bonafide US citizens, all laughing at the idea of filing that petition form at the US Immigration.

“Mo puti na lang ang uwak, ha ha ha ha! dili na mo approve! (The black crow will just grow white feathers, it won’t still be approved!),” says one of them on Facebook from Ohio.

America is still trying to get over its trauma of 9-11 (Remember that terrorist attack at the twin towers of World Trade in New York, Sept. 11, 2001?).

It now treats everyone entering its seaports and airports as possible “terrorist” so don’t be surprised why every single application to immigrate are given a long, strict, microscopic review — checking your background for any American hatred thru any religious groups or leftist organizations, which is fairly understandable considering just how vulnerable that country is to terrorism attacks.

That’s why my Fil-Am relatives told me to tell friends that if anyone really wants to go to America, just try to go there as a “tourist” or “visitor” and stay with your relatives, making sure you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

This will give you that chance of feeling your way around to find out if America is really where you want to be. If you end up as TNT, or “tago ng tago”, that’s alright as long as you don’t make it too obvious to US immigration agents who’re probably just tolerating them — since most “illegals” are more talented and skilled than Americans.

Many Filipinos have many skills and talents that most Americans don’t have, so it’s easy to get a job in the US and work for companies or small businesses that aren’t strict about a US Greencard that allows you to work and stay in America.

Later, when you finally make it and those green bucks start rolling in by the ton, you can always apply for a Permanent Resident status — or even as a US Citizen.

Have you seen that Speilberg movie “The Terminal”?

You still remember that Indian airport janitor who told Tom Hanks (as the man with no country): “You came so close to America, but you don’t have the courage to go from here to here” he said, pointing one finger to the next finger.

Many Filipinos who dream of going to America still have cold feet about leaving everything (and everybody) behind and chase the American dream.

Most of those working at that airport terminal in that movie started probably as illegal immigrants — and were brave enough to take the plunge against all odds.

Yes, Virginia, they have the balls to go from here to there! (PNA)