I want to make my dream come true but don't know HOW

[jd1982 0]

Hi, I'm new.

I had an ambition of moving to the US since school. Initially I wanted to study abroad there but because it was so expensive I couldn't afford it; I come from a working class family. This was back in 2000. Since the dream was gradually forgotton as I became more concerned with immediate things like getting through university and getting a job after.

Now those strong desires are back again. I am 32. What triggered them was seeing videos of people and their lives over there. The beautiful, large and surprisingly cheaper houses compared to here. The open wilderness of the land. A new culture to explore. A fresh start. A fresh life. To feel like I'm in 'the middle of it' considering the US's standing in the world today. The people, on a good day, seem nice, however I am well aware of nasty people existing there too. I had American friends in the past, both at university and work but have lost contact with all of them as we all moved on. I hear alot of people say they love to move to California or New York. For me, I love to live in a quieter, rural setting, like Montana for example. I love to be around the nature and enjoying the expansiveness and seeing it as a new frontier to explore. Plus, some Americans I've met, I've enjoyed deeper conversations with them than people back home. It's affected me in that I am feeling more distant here at home. I don't care much for what is happening. My spirit and my body says to move over and to live that life. But I don't know how.

I’m told there are three routes to getting a visa but it seems all are pretty much impossible: (1) you’re a millionaire starting a business – er, no I'm not, I'm a regular office guy on a normal salary; (2) marry a citizen, which I don’t think will happen anytime soon as I’m not even good looking nor do I have any family there; (3) sponsor through an employer, but what employer would jump through hoops to spend thousands for someone to go when they can recruit someone more local and save money? I am no PHD nor do I have a rare skill, I’m just another admin guy in this bureaucratic mess I'm working in right now. I'm lucky to even have a job as I spent awhile lost and going through difficult periods which nearly finished my self esteem. I'm not even married. I'm not eligible for the green card lottery due to my location. But, if it means anything, the things I got going for me are: (a) I am saving for my own place but only if it's there, I don't want to condemn myself living here forever. If you stay in a place too long you become the place, and feel I need to get out of here; (b) I have no criminal record and I am clean (i.e. no diseases etc); © I do not have a bad credit history, I always pay back quite quickly; (d) I have a degree; (e) I have about 30k saved up (in USD that is), better than nothing I guess.

How can I go about moving from A (where I am now) to B (being in the states)? I was thinking perhaps starting in applying for jobs there in the US but feel that maybe the employer might dismiss me because they'll see a person who's not local and will need to pay alot to move over. The statue of liberty says:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door"

I am starting to feel that it's a shame this doesn't apply to today for us common people?

Thanks

JD

Edited November 22, 2014 by jd1982

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Have you considered going to the USA to study? Get further education and then possibly an hb1 visa?

[jd1982 0]

Have you considered going to the USA to study? Get further education and then possibly an hb1 visa?

I wanted to study there before, but couldn't afford it, and still can't now.

While studying there enables me to stay there for a set period, I am a guy who is looking for something stable in his life right now. I like to stay there much, much longer, to the point that perhaps I could be able to say I have a dual-citizenship if I stay there long enough.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

What is your degree in?

[lost_at_sea 995]

What line of work are you in?

[Boiler 43,397]

www.match.com

[yuna628 9,527]

Oh come now, I know you British men can be a bit humble about your looks but don't sell yourself so short. :-) Besides, we American ladies tend love you Brits. I guess what I'm saying is that I didn't expect to meet my future husband in a million years, nor did he ever expect to meet me, let alone being in two different countries. But it happened and very randomly too. I'm pretty sure there's dating sites out there that may offer what you seek, but overall I'd be inclined to say one should marry for love and not for a way to see you into a place you've always loved. But if it's any consolation, the way you feel about our country, is the way I feel about your country. We'd love to retire back to the UK some day. Unfortunately, America kind of moved away from the times of my ancestors that you could enter because you had a dream and wanted to make a nice life for yourself -- now you have to fit into some sort of limited category. And that's one of the many reasons our system is broken at the moment. The only option beyond finding yourself an American lady to love is really through education.

Btw, I happened to meet a lady in a bridal store the other day who was from another country and here getting her degree. She ended up meeting her now American gentleman rather randomly too. So hey, it can happen. You never know.

[Ketsuban 1,033]

I'm not saying find an American spouse to shortcut your way in... but that may be your only option. It's otherwise difficult to emigrate to the US as they don't have the "working holiday" type visa like Australia does.

Obviously though you should only marry someone if you love them more than you love America.

[landr 126]

A few hundred years ago, you could have moved to the US with just a pocket full of hopes and dreams. Now, you either do it the legal way or illegally through a land-crossing.

So, either save the money, apply for uni, get a student visa and meet someone while studying. Or start online dating or online gaming. Those are your options if you aren't rich or highly-skilled and want to do this legally.

[jd1982 0]

In answer to posts: I have an MA general arts degree (pass grade), and I work in the media industry but in an officey role. I suppose for employers, I could try places like NBC, ABC and other TV networks (national to local) if they're willing to hire me?

As for education; again, I can't afford it. Even the UK H.E. system is much more expensive now than it was in my day. And I don't have the discipline to study anymore. I'm a working person.

I have considered the marriage option and while they say American women are attracted to British men, it's sad that when they have one look at me they won't see me as British first of all because I don't have either white or black skin. Plus I have tried online dating and gave up because noone would reply to me nomatter how many messages I send, be it all personalised and not the same thing pasted over and over. Even British women don't want me. Us Asian men are bottom of the pile when it comes to dating western women. And the Indian culture I am stuck in is so suffocating to me and I have always been attracted to exoticness. I am a westernised person of eastern descent.

Plus I think the marriage option can be seen as quite dangerous if I am using it as a means to get a green card there. There are forums of people saying they'd be willing to marry a US citizen for money in exchange for money (000s), but I know that immigration will ask questions to the couple in seperate rooms; the one with the money can always turn the other one over and so the 'immigrant' is therefore fined, imprisoned or sent back home, short in money too.

Edited November 22, 2014 by jd1982

[jd1982 0]

But there is one other thing - I like to be a father someday. But I want my child to be born, raised and living in the US as opposed to here. Life there seems much more interesting than it is here. I see that place as the future for me. I've gone off where I am right now, and it can be unhealthy especially if the chances of moving, realistically, are limited given the options. I just don't feel nor care for anything that goes on here now, as if I'm becoming wrapped in my fantasy world of being in the US. I watch US TV, listen to alot of US composers, their history is always interesting to read up, have subscribed to US news channels on youtube to simulate the feeling I am there. But, I am aware not to put the people on a pedestal as it seems alot still see us as 'redcoats' and something still from 200+ years back. I wish an employer/lady there would give me a chance.

Edited November 22, 2014 by jd1982

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Cautionary tale: the grass is not always greener on the other side. Once in the US you will rue the lack of holiday time and health care! Possibly the freezing winters too!

But good luck following your dreams, you have had some good advice in this thread.

[AmyWrites 593]

Have you considered the Fulbright scholarships to study in the US? There might be something

[lost_at_sea 995]

You could also try working for a company in the UK with a US presense who may consider transferring you over at some point.

[Ortolan 381]

Try searching for fellowship or post-graduate programs to continue your education, in the U.S. They usually will give you a stipend for housing and living expenses for the time that you're in the program. Then maybe you could try out your dream and further your education at the same time. And it might turn into an extended life here. What have you got to lose?