Canadian Guilt?

[HeatDeath 430]

Does anyone else feel a little guilty sometimes, thinking about how easy we generally get through compared to the nightmares we read about in the Central and South American consulates, not to even MENTION the MENA (Middle East, North Africa) area? I mean, the worst things we have to worry about is a couple-month backlog at Montreal and accidentally leaving the US without an AP document! That's like nothing! Do we have it too easy?

[Darnell 8,478]

Ya, ya do !

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Does anyone else feel a little guilty sometimes, thinking about how easy we generally get through compared to the nightmares we read about in the Central and South American consulates, not to even MENTION the MENA (Middle East, North Africa) area? I mean, the worst things we have to worry about is a couple-month backlog at Montreal and accidentally leaving the US without an AP document! That's like nothing! Do we have it too easy?

No. Not in the least.

Indeed, I'm of the mind that it could / should be even easier for two first-world nations that have such a close allegiance.

I'm reminded of the situation in Australia and New Zealand -- two completely distinct countries, separated by a 1500 mile sea, yet they have a "Trans-Tasman Agreement" that allows a citizen of one to live and work freely in the other, with adequate documentation. I'd love to see something like that between Canada and the United States, though I am well aware that there is virtually no likelihood of that happening in this day and age.

But I'm not about to feel guilty for the difficulties faced by other countries. I'm just glad to be Canadian.

Edited February 4, 2010 by Wyatt's Torch

[kizza 1]

No. Not in the least.

Indeed, I'm of the mind that it could / should be even easier for two first-world nations that have such a close allegiance.

I'm reminded of the situation in Australia and New Zealand -- two completely distinct countries, separated by a 1500 mile sea, yet they have a "Trans-Tasman Agreement" that allows a citizen of one to live and work freely in the other, with adequate documentation. I'd love to see something like that between Canada and the United States, though I am well aware that there is virtually no likelihood of that happening in this day and age.

Totally agree with you Wyatt!

Same thing can be said of travelling in the European Union with a EU passport.

[zenaxe 22]

Does anyone else feel a little guilty sometimes, thinking about how easy we generally get through compared to the nightmares we read about in the Central and South American consulates, not to even MENTION the MENA (Middle East, North Africa) area? I mean, the worst things we have to worry about is a couple-month backlog at Montreal and accidentally leaving the US without an AP document! That's like nothing! Do we have it too easy?

To me, guilt is part of the options package - you can get it if you want it. I don't do guilt and find it to be an empty and less than helpful response to anything at hand. I'm mindful and sensitive to what others around me go through but things are what they are and I'm glad that I'm filing from Canada.

I don't feel guilty per say about having while others have less but am always glad to help others in need and do what I can to make things better for others.

I wish everyone the best of luck.

[Sc0tt28 26]

Does anyone else feel a little guilty sometimes, thinking about how easy we generally get through compared to the nightmares we read about in the Central and South American consulates, not to even MENTION the MENA (Middle East, North Africa) area? I mean, the worst things we have to worry about is a couple-month backlog at Montreal and accidentally leaving the US without an AP document! That's like nothing! Do we have it too easy?

I'm a US citizen and I don't feel the least bit guilty about it either.

[sdw 10]

We have to go through the same steps as anyone else going through this process. Really don't know why we'd feel guilty.

[Peachey 10]

Nope, no guilt at all.

Everyone has to go thought the same process, and really the backlog in Montreal was pretty bad, when other consulates let people pick their interview dates, and we just had to wait, oh, like 4-5 months.

I see where OP is coming from tho, their time line was really short.

[Married2009 32]

Guilt? No, but it does make me grateful that we are filing thru Montreal.

[soonenough 1]

Does anyone else feel a little guilty sometimes, thinking about how easy we generally get through compared to the nightmares we read about in the Central and South American consulates, not to even MENTION the MENA (Middle East, North Africa) area? I mean, the worst things we have to worry about is a couple-month backlog at Montreal and accidentally leaving the US without an AP document! That's like nothing! Do we have it too easy?

no guilt at all, actually I more mad at the fact, when both countries are so close that you cant file for a visa in US. or even do the medical here and interview there or some sort of comprmise between the two.. For ex. I live 10 mins from a medical office that does immigrant medicals in the states but still had to travel to montreal to get it done... when its the same exact questions and everything... As far as other countries it sucks but we all deal with the process some get more scrutinized than others, because of high fraud and other underlying factors.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I wouldn't say I feel guilty about being Canadian, because each of our journeys are filled with out own struggles. It is probably easier to get a visa when you're Canadian, but lets remember that there have been lots of people from Canada, in this forum alone, that have had a lot of trouble. We have seen a few denials, people being denied entry into the US before and after receiving their visa, medical complications, legal questions, all of it. Its just less common.

I think the better way to put it, at least for me, is that I feel bad for some people from other countries who unnecessarily face complications because of the country they come from and nothing more. It's also sad to hear about people who need to spend $1,000+ on a plane ticket to fly half way across the world to see their loved ones. That would really suck.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I know exactly what the OP means...I don't feel guilty persay but I can see we have some advantages over some other countries. while doing AOS and now ROC in the US....I have it pretty easy, I already speak english. I have seen folks with less then perfect english who are treated disrespectfully at the immigration office. I think it must be just an added layer of frustration to be learning english on top of everything else going on. Yes, they chose it, but you all know what I mean.

In my daily dealings, absolutely no one pegs me as an immigrant, because I 'fit in' (whatever that means in their little minds).....so yah, we have it pretty easy start to finish. we don't have to bribe anyone, no one thinks we Cdns are trying to 'just get a GC'... we don't have to travel too far through uncivilized territory or anything else (unless you call downtown Montreal the wilderness )

Edited February 4, 2010 by Udella&Wiz

[TracyTN 237]

Honestly I've felt the same way sometimes - but we still have to go through the same process. We just don't have quite the same level of scrutiny as other countries.

[Krikit 1,163]

You should add a poll! I bet there would be one guilt-ridden poll taker (you) and 99% guilt-free poll takers (us).

One of my husband's co-workers (a spanish speaking US citizen) is currently house-hunting. The realtor they were dealing with asked them if they had their greencard.

First, you moronic twit...... not all home buyers in the US are American citizens.

Secondly, you simpleminded pinhead..... you don't require citizenship to purchase property here.

Lastly, you brainless bonehead..... having an accent doesn't make you an illegal.

That realtor is now their ex-realtor.

[warlord 72]

After the years of going through so many phases (TN status, to marriage to Green Card, to Citizenship) I realized everyone has pretty much the same path with regards to the marriage part, regardless for the country. I know some people from 3rd world nations that seemed to get it a lot easier then me. Many countries have the Green Card lottery which Canada is excluded from. I knew a girl who came here and immediatly got a green card without ever even visiting the US before in her life and became a permenant resident GC holder because of the lottery. That is who would have the guilt if someone had to have it. I worked my #### off and went through hellish forms and interviews and so on, I don't have one bit of guilt in my body at all...