4 ms·

I think it's simply fair to provide context and compare with other countries. While the US immigration process sucks compared to many countries, it very likely

I think it's simply fair to provide context and compare with other countries. While the US immigration process sucks compared to many countries, it very likely is in the top half of the world - most countries are simply worse. I've lived in places where you have a zero chance of getting permanent residency, let alone citizenship. Even if you marry a citizen. A friend of mine lives in a similar country. On paper there is a route to permanent residency, but no one gets it unless they're well connected to a senior government official. Lots of people living there for 30+ years who have to renew their status every few years. In parts of Switzerland, your neighbors will vote on whether to grant you citizenship. Of course - it is fair to criticize the US immigration process - particularly in regards to Chinese and Indians. It's also perfectly fair to be grateful that their is a path.

throwaway2037 5y ago
I've lived in places where you have a zero chance of getting permanent residency, let alone citizenship. Even if you marry a citizen. Could your share the places?
- BeetleB 5y ago
  I tend not to share personal history, so I'll randomly pick one: > Another country that is very difficult to receive citizenship is Qatar. There are lengthy continuous residence requirements and not all children or spouses receive citizenship automatically. > Children born in Qatar to Qatari parents are automatically entitled to citizenship. Any person born with a Qatari father may apply to be a citizen, if they meet eligibility criteria. However, the same is not true for individuals with a Qatari mother. > People who qualify for permanent residence through naturalisation are those who have lived in Qatar for at least 20 years consecutively (if born outside Qatar) or ten years (if born there). > Applicants must be fluent in Arabic, hold good character, and be able to support themselves financially during their stay. > Although there are very generous government benefits available for citizens, the government only grants a maximum of 100 permanent residencies per year. So if you're male, marry a Qatari woman, your kids won't even be citizens. While there technically is a process to get permanent residency, you can see how limited it is - a max of 100 per year, and I bet the majority of those have government connections. Similar story with nearby countries.
  - diebeforei485 5y ago
    Worth noting that you pay no income taxes in Qatar, and visa renewals are quick and do not require traveling outside the country for a new visa stamp.
  - throwaway2037 5y ago
    Great follow-up reply! I was not aware of the draconian state of affairs for citizenship/PR for half-native Qataris. Only 100 per year... it just crazy in 2022. It seems now fully insane that they are hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. But I guess FIFA is so corrupt that they don't care about the human rights record of Qatar.
- jhugo 5y ago
  Many countries in Asia are like this. You are very unlikely to get PR, let alone citizenship, unless you are born there to a citizen parent. e.g. China, most of southeast Asia. Sometimes there is even an ethnicity requirement.
codegeek 5y ago
Yes, just because someone is criticizing doesn't automatically mean they are not grateful. But most comments here are basically insinuating that. I am a naturalized citizen and I love the USA. I love the opportunities it has provided me and I am grateful but I also pay taxes, have created jobs (business owner) and I have plenty to criticize (to hopefully improve). Don't tell me to shut up because I was "well came from a shittier country". This is my country as much as yours.
- BeetleB 5y ago
  The top comment wasn't telling anyone to shut up.
guyzero 5y ago
I don't think China and India (or literally any other country) ran saturday morning cartoons for decades talking about the fact that their country was built by immigration. There's a disconnect between America's rhetoric and its actions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQl6XBo64M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQl6XBo64M That said, as a green card holder, sure, I'm grateful that the US has this process. But I think Americans need to also acknowledge that they've generated trillions of dollars of wealth from immigrants and they could make the paperwork a little bit simpler.

throwaway2037 5y ago

I've lived in places where you have a zero chance of getting permanent residency, let alone citizenship. Even if you marry a citizen. Could your share the places?

BeetleB 5y ago
I tend not to share personal history, so I'll randomly pick one: > Another country that is very difficult to receive citizenship is Qatar. There are lengthy continuous residence requirements and not all children or spouses receive citizenship automatically. > Children born in Qatar to Qatari parents are automatically entitled to citizenship. Any person born with a Qatari father may apply to be a citizen, if they meet eligibility criteria. However, the same is not true for individuals with a Qatari mother. > People who qualify for permanent residence through naturalisation are those who have lived in Qatar for at least 20 years consecutively (if born outside Qatar) or ten years (if born there). > Applicants must be fluent in Arabic, hold good character, and be able to support themselves financially during their stay. > Although there are very generous government benefits available for citizens, the government only grants a maximum of 100 permanent residencies per year. So if you're male, marry a Qatari woman, your kids won't even be citizens. While there technically is a process to get permanent residency, you can see how limited it is - a max of 100 per year, and I bet the majority of those have government connections. Similar story with nearby countries.
- diebeforei485 5y ago
  Worth noting that you pay no income taxes in Qatar, and visa renewals are quick and do not require traveling outside the country for a new visa stamp.
- throwaway2037 5y ago
  Great follow-up reply! I was not aware of the draconian state of affairs for citizenship/PR for half-native Qataris. Only 100 per year... it just crazy in 2022. It seems now fully insane that they are hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. But I guess FIFA is so corrupt that they don't care about the human rights record of Qatar.
jhugo 5y ago
Many countries in Asia are like this. You are very unlikely to get PR, let alone citizenship, unless you are born there to a citizen parent. e.g. China, most of southeast Asia. Sometimes there is even an ethnicity requirement.

codegeek 5y ago

Yes, just because someone is criticizing doesn't automatically mean they are not grateful. But most comments here are basically insinuating that. I am a naturalized citizen and I love the USA. I love the opportunities it has provided me and I am grateful but I also pay taxes, have created jobs (business owner) and I have plenty to criticize (to hopefully improve). Don't tell me to shut up because I was "well came from a shittier country". This is my country as much as yours.

BeetleB 5y ago
The top comment wasn't telling anyone to shut up.

guyzero 5y ago

I don't think China and India (or literally any other country) ran saturday morning cartoons for decades talking about the fact that their country was built by immigration. There's a disconnect between America's rhetoric and its actions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQl6XBo64M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQl6XBo64M That said, as a green card holder, sure, I'm grateful that the US has this process. But I think Americans need to also acknowledge that they've generated trillions of dollars of wealth from immigrants and they could make the paperwork a little bit simpler.