Tuesday, March 21, 2006
More about my celebrations
I fought for political asylum in the U.S. because of fear of persecution in my home country on the basis of my sexual orientation, gender identity, and political opinions. Seven years ago this month an immigration judge granted me political asylum.
Shortly after that, I applied for green card/permanent residency, which should have taken a year or two. But 9/11 happened and Congress limited 10,000 green cards to political asylees retroactively. I was told not to expect my green card until 2010. Imagine how surprised I was when it arrived in the mail last month!
And, last July I moved into my own place in Jamaica Plain Cohousing Community. I never had a chance to have a house warming party until now!
So I hope I can have the privilege of your company as I celebrate these events in my life.
Shortly after that, I applied for green card/permanent residency, which should have taken a year or two. But 9/11 happened and Congress limited 10,000 green cards to political asylees retroactively. I was told not to expect my green card until 2010. Imagine how surprised I was when it arrived in the mail last month!
And, last July I moved into my own place in Jamaica Plain Cohousing Community. I never had a chance to have a house warming party until now!
So I hope I can have the privilege of your company as I celebrate these events in my life.
