Today I received a letter from the Department of Homeland Security stating: ‘Welcome to the United States of America’. I now have permanent resident status.
My Permanent Resident Card – or green card – will arrive shortly, and I need to carry this at all times as proof of my legal status. Apparently ‘If found guilty of this misdemeanor, the penalty set by law is a fine of up to $100 and up to 30 days in jail’.
The green card is conditional, meaning it is valid for two years. Before it expires I then apply for the condition to be removed, then in three years time I have the option of applying for citizenship.
Now, at last, I can start job hunting!
