Screenshot of my current Green Card process
Earlier today, as I was stepping out of my building, I noticed a letter lying on the floor instead of resting in my mailbox. So unlike any other morning, I opened my mailbox - something I never do since I am always rushing out - to place that lost envelop and found a few others in there. Among those letters, one looked rather different, i.e. important. I grabbed it with me, to read it on my way to work.
So here I was walking to the subway while opening that piece of mail. It felt like one of those junk mail containing a fake credit card banks want you to sign up for. But then I unfolded it...
First the USCIS logo from the immigration office starred at me, then that plastic card, shiny and covered with holographic signs. Along with a photo of me, my name and signature, it read in big letters: EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION CARD.
I could not believe this, I re-read it a zillion times, as well as the accompanying letter and all the possible small characters covering it...
"Your Application Has Been Approved"
or
"USCIS has a guide for new Permanent Residents called Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants"
Tears started to pile up in my eyes, tears that I had stored for the past 7 years... And every time I re-read that letter, more were fighting to get on line.
Hopefully that professional I was meeting in half-hour would not notice...
While waiting for the train, I stared again at the letter and this time, the tears went down my cheeks until I turned to my neighbor - a complete stranger - and told her the news. I had to share this with someone, anyone (and since New York's subway still does not support cellphone calls on the subway... it had to be ANYone...).
PLEASE cross your fingers (and toes!) for me, as this is one more (but not last) step towards the green card...
Thank for your support. I will let you know as I know more...
Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 12:08PM 
