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Hi to all. I just want to share a personal experience.
I have been to the US several times in the past..since I was a kid. I've always had a 10 year multiple entry B1/B2 visa. After college, I received a job offer with a hefty starting salary from a company in the US. I was sponsored for an H1 visa. Unfortunately, although my work permit was issued by the INS, the US embassy in my country refused my H1B application. To make matters worse, my 10 yr. B1/B2 visa was revoked. I was devastated. I figured that my efforts to do everything the legal way would assure me a working visa. Instead, it backfired and my tourist visa was cancelled along with the refusal of my H1B visa application. Upon learning the news, my kind sponsor decided to petition me a second time for an H1B. While waiting for the decision of my second H1B application, I got desperate and decided to sneak through the US border from Canada. I was caught by the border patrol and detained for a week. During this time, it seemed like my American dreams were fading away. I applied for voluntary departure and flew back to my country of origin. A couple of months after, the decision to my second H1B petition came out. To my surprise, my application was approved. I then scheduled for an interview at the US consulate. Again, my application at the embassy was denied. I was heartbroken. It seemed that my dreams were shattered. Yet I refused to give up. 2 years later, I decided to apply for a US university. I was accepted and received my I-20. Again, I had to schedule an interview with the US consul. I was questioned thoroughly regarding my history of visa denials and most of all, my experience crossing the border. In a nutshell, I told the consul how I've changed and that I regret my past mistakes. I told him that I've paid my dues and no one, no matter what, should be deprived of his dreams because of his past. Everybody deserves a second chance as long as that person is sincere. I waited over 4 years to fulfill the american dream..and 4 years later, I now find myself in the United States with a student visa. I know I still have a long way to go in living my dreams. But I am confident that I will get there because of everything I went thru. I have set my foot in the door. I have overcome the trials of my life. I have surpassed the great journey a lot of us have dealt with or are still dealing with...coming to america.
In closing, I want all of you to know that dreams do come true. It's not easy for most. The road is full of turns. But if you stay true to your heart and continue the battle, your hard work and patience will pay off. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Never ever give up.
I have been to the US several times in the past..since I was a kid. I've always had a 10 year multiple entry B1/B2 visa. After college, I received a job offer with a hefty starting salary from a company in the US. I was sponsored for an H1 visa. Unfortunately, although my work permit was issued by the INS, the US embassy in my country refused my H1B application. To make matters worse, my 10 yr. B1/B2 visa was revoked. I was devastated. I figured that my efforts to do everything the legal way would assure me a working visa. Instead, it backfired and my tourist visa was cancelled along with the refusal of my H1B visa application. Upon learning the news, my kind sponsor decided to petition me a second time for an H1B. While waiting for the decision of my second H1B application, I got desperate and decided to sneak through the US border from Canada. I was caught by the border patrol and detained for a week. During this time, it seemed like my American dreams were fading away. I applied for voluntary departure and flew back to my country of origin. A couple of months after, the decision to my second H1B petition came out. To my surprise, my application was approved. I then scheduled for an interview at the US consulate. Again, my application at the embassy was denied. I was heartbroken. It seemed that my dreams were shattered. Yet I refused to give up. 2 years later, I decided to apply for a US university. I was accepted and received my I-20. Again, I had to schedule an interview with the US consul. I was questioned thoroughly regarding my history of visa denials and most of all, my experience crossing the border. In a nutshell, I told the consul how I've changed and that I regret my past mistakes. I told him that I've paid my dues and no one, no matter what, should be deprived of his dreams because of his past. Everybody deserves a second chance as long as that person is sincere. I waited over 4 years to fulfill the american dream..and 4 years later, I now find myself in the United States with a student visa. I know I still have a long way to go in living my dreams. But I am confident that I will get there because of everything I went thru. I have set my foot in the door. I have overcome the trials of my life. I have surpassed the great journey a lot of us have dealt with or are still dealing with...coming to america.
In closing, I want all of you to know that dreams do come true. It's not easy for most. The road is full of turns. But if you stay true to your heart and continue the battle, your hard work and patience will pay off. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Never ever give up.
