A Canadian immigrant feels alienated by America

I am a Canadian engaged to an American from Oklahoma. I've been looking into the many ways to immigrate to the states and I have concluded that America is not a welcoming country!!

Any path I take is going to take me almost a year of waiting and thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Why can't America be more welcoming to newcomers? This is a country built by immigrants, why make it so very hard to get in? Obviously I'm not coming to take advantage of your welfare system since Canada has one that is much easier to take advantage of. Why can't I just be free to move where I want?

I'm frustrated, I love America, please Uncle Sam, let me in.

Because, the easier it is to keep them out, the easier it is for the american bourgeoisie to strong-arm them into perpetual poverty and exploitation.

Don't believe me? Look at asia, africa, central and south america, eastern europe, etc.

Super Duper Serious Answer made in vain to keep GDwarf from modding me: I don't know. I haven't the slightest idea what it feels like to be an immigrant.

Yeah, we're a melting pot, but that shouldn't ALWAYS be the case. We have border patrol, navy marines etc. and people still find a way to get in, even if it means illegally. People should just take self-pride and suck it up. Wait and pay. You'll, at least, don't have to carry the burden of coming illegally.
One last thing. I hate to sound so hypocrite about this but, people escape for religious freedom and, occasionally selfish reasons. I would personally just wait, though. I'm Mexican-American and I do understand the concept of people escaping for damn good reasons.

Why would you want to move to America anyway? You live in the greatest country in the world! How about if your fiancee moves to Canada instead? Think about it: if you get hurt then you have to wait for ages to be able to pay thousands of dollars for medical attention. In Canada, you pay nothing!
What does America have to offer that Canada doesn't?

I have to agree with Feere Gorone here. Get her to move to Canada. Problem solved.

I hear it's a lot harder to immigrate to the UK--i.e., almost impossible (unless have lots of money).

That's life, I'm afraid.

To move to another country is very difficult. There is a lot of paperwork involved. It is a very lengthy legal and expensive procedure.

The American government are not deliberately putting you into a position where you feel unwelcome. They need to consider other factors when it comes to immigration matters.

You cannot be free to move which ever country you want. You may not take advantage over the government welfare system but I am sure there will be many other people who will.


Remember there are many other people who want to move to America, not just you. It's really frustrating, so I do understand what your going through.

Patience is needed.

Thanks for the comments guys

Originally Posted by Bakunin Brigade

Because, the easier it is to keep them out, the easier it is for the american bourgeoisie to strong-arm them into perpetual poverty and exploitation.

What the heck are you talking about? I'm not in poverty! Canada has a higher quality of life than the US according to the United Nations.

Originally Posted by Code Zelda

Yeah, we're a melting pot, but that shouldn't ALWAYS be the case. We have border patrol, navy marines etc. and people still find a way to get in, even if it means illegally. People should just take self-pride and suck it up. Wait and pay. You'll, at least, don't have to carry the burden of coming illegally.

But what is the point of waiting and paying? It doesn't make sense.

Originally Posted by Feere Gorone

Why would you want to move to America anyway? You live in the greatest country in the world! How about if your fiancee moves to Canada instead? Think about it: if you get hurt then you have to wait for ages to be able to pay thousands of dollars for medical attention. In Canada, you pay nothing!
What does America have to offer that Canada doesn't?

Thats the only thing I don't like about America. The Health Care system there is probably the worst I can think of in the developed world. And I'd be leaving one of the best.

What does America have that Canada does not? Number one my fiancee, number two the ability to ride my bike year-round without getting stuck in the snow.

Originally Posted by Evilsbane

I have to agree with Feere Gorone here. Get her to move to Canada. Problem solved.

She doesn't want to, its to cold and she'll miss her family. I don't mind being the man and making the move.

Originally Posted by Rew

I hear it's a lot harder to immigrate to the UK--i.e., almost impossible (unless have lots of money).

Actualy for me, no. Canada is part of the commonwealth. There are regulations in place that make it easy for people from commonwealth nations to visit other commonwealth nations.

Originally Posted by Marluxia

The American government are not deliberately putting you into a position where you feel unwelcome.

I think they are. I looked into the procedures to immigrating to Canada, and it is waaaaaaay more easy. It only takes 4 weeks processing time and pretty much anyone can come, especially from the United States.

You really need to talk to your partner and discuss your futures together, as well as make a list of the pros and cons that come with each country. So far, it sounds like Canada is the better place to stay overall, with better health care avaliable and a higher quality of life. Sure, America has more temperate weather, but surely it's better to have access to decent health care where you aren't bled of money first before being allowed treatment than it is to be able to ride a bike outside? (Hey, make use of the snow, go skiing or snowboarding!)

You could also look up immigration laws between Canada and America, and see what you/your girl need to fulfill beforehand. I believe spousal visas are one of the easiest ways of being granted permanent residency, but I'm unsure as to if said visa laws are the same as they are here in Australia. I mean... I'm thinking about it, and really, it's more convenient for the two of you to settle down together in Canada. She'll have an easier time settling in Canada than it would be for you trying to settle in America, as from what you say, they're very unwelcoming in the first place, so why put up with that?

And Chris, I don't know if this'll help, but when my partner and I decided we wanted to live together, we talked our futures over and what we wanted to do together, and eventually came to the decision where it would be better for us to live in Australia than it would be to live in Britain. The weather is better, it's cheaper, the food is nicer, the people friendlier, the taxes aren't so punishing and there's beaches galore. Sure there's spiders, and it's unbearably hot for me at times, and yes I miss my family somewhat, but with decisions as big as this, there has to be sacrifices involved. Goodness knows I've made considerable financial sacrifices as well as sacrificing a lot of security, but then again, so has my partner. It's a give and take issue.

Also, if your girl complains about it being too cold, you can always offer to warm her up one way or another. *winknudge* Hey, it's nice snuggling together and keeping each other warm that way.

Originally Posted by ChrisHoulihan

What the heck are you talking about? I'm not in poverty! Canada has a higher quality of life than the US according to the United Nations.

Actually, Discussion was just being his ordinary Socialist cynic self. That and he was talking about America's immigration system, not you.

Originally Posted by Pelagias

You really need to talk to your partner and discuss your futures together, as well as make a list of the pros and cons that come with each country. So far, it sounds like Canada is the better place to stay overall, with better health care avaliable and a higher quality of life. Sure, America has more temperate weather, but surely it's better to have access to decent health care where you aren't bled of money first before being allowed treatment than it is to be able to ride a bike outside? (Hey, make use of the snow, go skiing or snowboarding!)

Thanks Pelagias, we have discussed it. She wants to be close to her family, and I don't have a problem leaving mine. The only things I don't like about America are political. I'm pretty socialist and where I want to move(Oklahoma) they would label me as a commie or something. There is a bit of ignorance of other political views among Americans I find.

Originally Posted by Pelagias

and really, it's more convenient for the two of you to settle down together in Canada. She'll have an easier time settling in Canada than it would be for you trying to settle in America, as from what you say, they're very unwelcoming in the first place, so why put up with that?

Well I hate to say it but I think they are a bit racist in America. The unwelcoming part is the laws, but once I get there I think they'll be pretty accepting of me as an immigrant because I'm white, I speak English and I don't have a crazy accent.

But thank you Pelagias. I'm pretty set on leaving Canada to be with her. I think in these long distance relationships the man should leave his home to be with his wife(Genesis 2:23 comes to mind) We won't have the problem of not getting health care, she is pretty well off and will have me covered 100%. My issue is simply living in a country that doesn't take care of others who are NOT well off.

Also the twangy American accent is kinda annoying, but I'll get used to that eh.

Originally Posted by Feere Gorone

Actually, Discussion was just being his ordinary Socialist cynic self. That and he was talking about America's immigration system, not you.

He think we are poor because we are socialist?

Originally Posted by ChrisHoulihan

I think they are. I looked into the procedures to immigrating to Canada, and it is waaaaaaay more easy. It only takes 4 weeks processing time and pretty much anyone can come, especially from the United States.

I see.

Every country has their own procedures I guess. Some countries have strict laws while others are more lenient.

The UK were once very lenient however, now they have tighten up the laws quite a lot dealing with immgration matters.

I'm sorry if the States seem to be unwelcoming to you. There are some states here that are pretty racists and what not, but you got to look past that. Sure our economy isn't the greatest at the moment, but things aren't going right because of all of the illegal aliens that are here in the states. It's better to go the legal way than the illegal way, and I'm sure you don't want people ranting you out and calling you an illegal alien, and I'm sure your partner's parents wouldn't really like that either.

I know it's a long process to get in, but wouldn't it all be worth it in the end? And the health care here is better if you think about it, sure some things cost a lot, but there isn't that long of waits. And in Canada (to who ever had mentioned not paying for health care) you pay for health care through taxes, Canada is one of the countries that pays the highest taxes, the states don't have that high of taxes; just a bunch of small ones.

But enough of me ranting on, I say just bare with the long process of becoming legal here. It's worth it in the end, especially if you'll be with your love! :]

Originally Posted by ChrisHoulihan

She doesn't want to, its to cold and she'll miss her family. I don't mind being the man and making the move.

That is a pickle. Hmm. I guess the only thing for it is to wait until you get hitched and try to get a spousal visa, but I assume you've looked into that already?

Originally Posted by H.O.T.

Out of the bedpan and into the cesspit, eh?

What?

Originally Posted by magnes the red

"Also the twangy American accent is kinda annoying, but I'll get used to that eh." How do Americans have wierd accents?

Lol don't get me started on that. You say "bin" instead of "been", "restroom" instead of "washroom", "abowt" instead of "about", "Hawkey" instead of "Hockey", "Scatt" instead of "Scott", "get done" instead of "finish", "faucet" instead of "tap", "sarry" instead of "sorry" and it just goes on and on. Essentially you don't speak the proper Queen's English. But it's okay, I still love Americans.

Originally Posted by Guardian of Ice

I'm sorry if the States seem to be unwelcoming to you. There are some states here that are pretty racists and what not, but you got to look past that.

Is Oklahoma a racist State? Is sure hope not, thats where I'm moving.

Originally Posted by Guardian of Ice

know it's a long process to get in, but wouldn't it all be worth it in the end? And the health care here is better if you think about it, sure some things cost a lot, but there isn't that long of waits.

You have to wait if you are not insured

Originally Posted by Guardian of Ice

And in Canada (to who ever had mentioned not paying for health care) you pay for health care through taxes, Canada is one of the countries that pays the highest taxes, the states don't have that high of taxes; just a bunch of small ones.

Canada's taxes are not much higher than United States, check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:In...By_Country.svg

Originally Posted by Guardian of Ice

It's worth it in the end, especially if you'll be with your love! :]

agree!

Originally Posted by Evilsbane

That is a pickle. Hmm. I guess the only thing for it is to wait until you get hitched and try to get a spousal visa, but I assume you've looked into that already?

Yeah, it costs about 5000$ and takes almost a year.

Originally Posted by ChrisHoulihan

Yeah, it costs about 5000$ and takes almost a year.

Then you better get started!

Originally Posted by Evilsbane

Then you better get started!

Well I'm thinking about doing it "the sneaky way". I'm going to go there on a regular visitation visa, marry her and try to apply for a green card while i'm there on my visitation visa

Originally Posted by ChrisHoulihan

I am a Canadian engaged to an American from Oklahoma. I've been looking into the many ways to immigrate to the states and I have concluded that America is not a welcoming country!!

Any path I take is going to take me almost a year of waiting and thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Why can't America be more welcoming to newcomers? This is a country built by immigrants, why make it so very hard to get in? Obviously I'm not coming to take advantage of your welfare system since Canada has one that is much easier to take advantage of. Why can't I just be free to move where I want?

I'm frustrated, I love America, please Uncle Sam, let me in.

Why would you feel alienated, it's not like you came here and were bombarded with anti-Canadian slurs and whatnot. A difficult process does not make one unwelcome, that is our system and thats how it is. If you think it needs reform I suggest you rant about that instead.

Originally Posted by Flames of Valor

Why would you feel alienated, it's not like you came here and were bombarded with anti-Canadian slurs and whatnot. A difficult process does not make one unwelcome, that is our system and thats how it is. If you think it needs reform I suggest you rant about that instead.

Actually when I did come there I was indirectly bombarded with Anti-Canadian slurs. I went to a few churches for Christmas services and every one of them had the pastor pray thanks to God that they lived in "The Greatest(and most free) Country in the World". By saying this, they are saying they are greater than Canada or most free.

Also I've heard many many American complain and complain about how there are to many immigrants and that they are taking away jobs from "Real Americans". These immigrants they are referring to of course include Canadians like myself.

Also politically, most Americans are very right wing, and which is the opposite of Canada. They refer to many polices that Canada has as "Socialist Garbage".

Also I got a lot of stereotypes, everyone asked me if I played Hockey and a few people we ignorant enough to ask me if there were cars where I live, and if there are paved roads etc...

I could go on, but most of the things I found offensive was the over patriotism Americans have. "America is Number one" and stuff like that. You never see Canadians walking around saying "we are better than you"

Originally Posted by ChrisHoulihan

Actually when I did come there I was indirectly bombarded with Anti-Canadian slurs. I went to a few churches for Christmas services and every one of them had the pastor pray thanks to God that they lived in "The Greatest(and most free) Country in the World". By saying this, they are saying they are greater than Canada or most free.

Indirectly bombarded is very subjective. If people want to praise their country, they are most welcome to do so.

Also I've heard many many American complain and complain about how there are to many immigrants and that they are taking away jobs from "Real Americans". These immigrants they are referring to of course include Canadians like myself.

There are a lot of immigrants, and the immigrants they refer to are most likely illegal Mexican immigrants, which there are quite a bit of. It is a generalization.

Also politically, most Americans are very right wing, and which is the opposite of Canada. They refer to many polices that Canada has as "Socialist Garbage".

We elected Obama didn't we?

Also I got a lot of stereotypes, everyone asked me if I played Hockey and a few people we ignorant enough to ask me if there were cars where I live, and if there are paved roads etc...

Again, unless they were openly mocking you, those are subjective. If they are legitimate questions then why be offended? Because one lacks common sense? Then you must be offended everywhere you go.

I could go on, but most of the things I found offensive was the over patriotism Americans have. "America is Number one" and stuff like that. You never see Canadians walking around saying "we are better than you"

If Canadians want to walk around and say we are better than you then go ahead, but everyone needs to put their money where there mouth is.