I dont know why pples compare orange with apple, Nigeria with US, really anybody can become rich in either place, however, in term of opportunities i will give it to US. It is in US you will see that there is dignity in hard work and labor, you will see a barbers, hairdresser, laborer and other blue collar jobs living fine, riding their posh cars, living in good houses unlike in Nigeria. The minimum wage in Nigeria s $50 dollars a month, So more opportunities here that is why u see pples from all walk of life making US their home. A lot of Nigerian also work in many blue chip companies here many doles through hard work, good education and medical facilities....

The medical profession are one of the most profitable organisation here. Medi-care does not come cheap! This is why every legal citizen must have insurance, thus making insurance companies another money-making machine! The Government helps children, the elderly and pregnant women with their medical. Drugs are not bought over the counter without doctor's prescription except for minor complaints like headache, cough, cold, catarrh etc And some pharmacies are robbed here because of medication and not money!

An African lady who is a citizen gave birth to her first child without complication or operation, only to be billed $20,000.00! Her insurance paid it. A Nigerian guy had a slight motor accident, he went to the hospital, no injuries sustained. Few hours of bed rest and a cup of water, he was sent home, only for $8,000.00 bill to arrive in his mail! He had to appeal to the Charity organisation operated by the Government, who assisted him to pay part of the amount while he is still paying the balance in bits.

It is a status thing to come here to give birth and have medical check-up, and treatment, which does not come cheap! Some become a burden and liability to their hosts and Government.This is why, there are now stricter rules in the embassy regarding pregnant women wanting to travel and people seeking for medical treatment.


Medical was one of the foremost issue during the presidency debate, because MANY people life depend on the assistance from the Government, the medical profession is not here to play father Christmas! Life comes first to them before money though, and when a person's life is saved, the person will pay gradually over the months and years, but if the person is not forth coming, a debt collector will be contacted and the person will pay by all means over a specified period of time! Illegal immigrants pray earnestly not to fall seriously ill, because they will pay through their nose with cash!
Why am i sharing this? Because,some Nigerians like me have a false impression about the medical services here until we arrived. I now understand why some Nigerian women don't come back to give birth the second time, after the first experience, because it is no child's play!

OKRIKA {2ND HAND CLOTHES!}

I want to advise my Nigeria peeps to stop buying Okrika!

I was a serious customer when I was in naija, but since I came here and saw with my own eyes the type of people that wear those jeans and t-shirts, bra and panties, I cringed!

Please believe me when I say it is better to buy cheap new clothes than first grade okrika! Which we think is quality!

I am not trying to spoil any body's business, but anybody that is concerned about his or her health should pay heed, especially the women that buy okrika panties and bras!

The clearance sales in shops are mostly bought by boutiques and sold at a costly price. Right now, we are in fall going to winter that starts in December 21st. So shops are doing clearance sales of summer wears because new designs will come out next year summer. The okrika you see with labels are the un-wanted ones, that are given out. And there are different ways Okrika is collected, which is not the issue here.

Please my peeps, STOP BUYING OKRIKA!

I Hate 9ja: 9ice and sincere post.am finding this info valid.pls wat sign's show's that ones host have a bad mind towards his visitor.all i believe is that a hard working nigeian wld survive the hustle and bustle of u.s.a

Thank you. You can't and won't know them. Wisdom and cautious is to be used at all times.

fittty:

'We are envious of Nigerians that come visiting and spend so much money on shopping that it makes us wonder if truly there is poverty back home?' *surprised stare* 'It is true!' 'I am confessing this to you as a friend, because nobody will gladly admit it, because we feel intimidated in our space!'When we travel back home and spend our tax-return money, we are seen as big-boys and gals,and it makes us feel happy and proud because of our status of living abroad'.*mouth agape*

'When a Nigerian,relocates to America,and comes along with thousands of dollars,we are jealous,because we don't have that kind of money in our account after many years of struggling! It takes a matured mind and a God-fearing person to overcome that BAD feeling,if not,the person's first strategy is to 'help' you squander the money on irrelevant things that they tell you is important, so that you will come to their level,if not below! You will think they are being nice! *my jaw dropped on the floor!* 'Some don't realize this strategy until it is too late and they will be left at the mercy of their host or people around!'If you think i am lying, try asking some immigrants their experience!


"What should new immigrants do then?" I asked after picking my jaw from the floor! 'They should BE DISCIPLINED! And don't go about shopping or sight-seeing as a tourist.If your host/hostess suggest it,sensibly turn it down. Don't share apartment with anybody thinking you might be cutting cost and saving money. Rather find the cheapest accommodation around, it can be a room/studio/basement, manage it until you get a job!' "Why?" I asked again. 'If you share,and unfortunately,no job yet before your money finished, you will be surprised one day, your flat-mate might ask you to move out that he/she had gotten another flatmate, or he/she will move out leaving you high and dry and you might end up in the shelter home until you get back on your feet!' "what!!" *unbelievable look*

'My friend, this is the truth, but some will deny it and say i am lying!' It is FEW people with a good heart that will not use you for their selfish purpose and go an extra mile to make you comfortable and help you in settling down! Survival instincts here is stronger than when in Nigeria!' WELCOME TO AMERICA!

p.s the advisee is about a decade old in America,a legal citizen who voted for Obama on Tuesday {Nov 6th} and doing well.

P.s.s someone else told me 'YOU DO NOT DEPEND ON ANYBODY HERE!

@tpia, you can state your disagreement without being insultive..and where did i mention that blacks don't intermarry with other race please?...and i used the word SELDOM...which means sometimes or rarely when i talked about the Spaniards....*dictionary/goggle is your friend, use it PLEASE! This is called R-A-N-T-I-N-G!...my personal dislike on some issues and only for you to call me a liar??

It is this kind of attitude displayed by some Nigerians like tpia who won't bother to read and digest an article before vomiting bile from their mouth, that makes many Nigerians in disapora to keep the truth to themselves and air-brush things,and let new immigrants find out in a painful way!

Yes, it is not by force to open a thread, just as it is not by force and to read or comment, just kukuma, waka jeje pass, no shaking! SHI-KE-NAH!

thank you!

For more clarification;
Spaniards are not latinos! and i repeat again, they S-E-L-D-O-M marry blacks! And MOST inter-marriages are for paper reasons! SUE ME tpia!
I will share an advise from a NIGERIAN-AMERICAN citizen!

11/3/12

RANTINGS

I can't understand why the Akatas cannot grab the educational opportunities presented to them by their Government. They waste their lives away on drugs and alcohol, aging faster, and looking like a derelict and walking with a stagger!MSCHEWW!

I am always alert anytime i come across a black brother.YES! Anything can happen!Don't blame me!

The Spaniards hate blacks and they are a close knitted community, that seldom intermarry and do not employ pure blacks except they are of a mixed race and can speak their language!

My people back home like to copy-copy! What is regarded as gangsterism life style here is fashion/sophistication in Naija! What is seen as trash here is trend in my country! SMH!

It amazes me to see a woman in her 60's already a great-grand-mother! They get pregnant as early as 14years! There is no shame! They have different baby mama's and fathers!

Oh! what about the aggressiveness? There is always the 'attitude', which is so annoying...and the talkativeness! JEEZ!

The way books are published here on a daily basis astonishes me...any experience by people are put into books...a money making machine, and they are good at marketing and packaging! !

The Jewish are a close knitted community that mind their business and don't intermarry, especially with blacks! I don't blame them. When you see some of these gals with their tattooed bodies, black-smoking lips, and indecent dressing, you will be put off! URGH!

Thanks for reading.

Written by sandra Luck at 9:11 PM @ http://americajourney..com/2012/11/rantings.html

We are expecting hurricane tomorrow and next, probably no movement for the next 2 days, which many people are happy about because they can rest. So, to the topic at discussion today; Taxation and litigation.
One of the surprises i met when i arrived here, was the advertisements in T.V by lawyers for any kind of litigation! Whereas in Nigeria it is not so. It is a money-spinning-machine! Lord helps anybody that falls into their traps, such person would be sucked dry! That is why, several papers are signed and different posters/signboards are placed at locations to warn people of any danger, so that they won't be heard liable in the future. I don't blame them, because you just got to hear some cases that will make you wonder if the plaintiff was stupid to start with! But this is America for you, MAKE MONEY FROM ANY LEGAL WAY YOU CAN!

When driving, one should be very cautious of pedestrians crossing the road. They are the *kings* of the road! Though there are traffic signs to tell when to cross and wait, but trust some to disobey. Lord help anybody that made the mistake of slightly brushing them; You will be their meal ticket for life! They would suck the person dry! But if you have a good lawyer, then you can go free and thank God for his mercies..if not...hmm! Nowadays, the Judges have come to recognize such *fake cases* and fling them out of the court, because some are *stage-managed* The key words here is BE VERY ALERT!'


Ok now! Taxation! This is another surprise package i got! Tell me, why would the government pay you back the tax they collected from you at the end of the year? Why did they collect it in the first place? Good questions huh? But that is how it works here! All LEGAL income earners are taxed, and at the end of the year, a lawyer is contacted who will file a TAX-REFUND for the individual. The way i understand it is that, the Government feels they took so much from your income, so they want to return some back to you..in a way, helping you to save your money. $4000-$6000 can be refunded to an individual IF you have kids to claim back or have landed properties here, but as a single individual you can get $600-$1000 at the end of the year. This is the money some Nigerians travel back home with to spend, because it is not easy to save that in a year! It is an OFFENSE if it is not filed and the person will be arrested! IRS {Internal-revenue services..or uncle sam} they are very strict people to deal with! You better go back to your country if you offend them, because they will hunt you down!


It then baffles me why some rich people evade paying tax and are arrested! I was told, the Government tax them heavily because they want to breach the gap between the rich and poor...it is the higher your income, the higher your tax! So why labor so much when the Government will take a large cut? If you earn more, you will pay the government, instead of the government paying you back! *confusing chei*? So there are under-table deals, that when it back-fires, it is double trouble! Just as fela sang..double whahala for dead bodi!..and the owner for dead bodi! So, work & OBEY the taxation laws...there is no short cut to success here!

americajourney..com

Thank you Adesoji. You and temmytanny are doing a very good job on this forum, well done.

I am a new immigrant myself. I am based in NJ... for now.(thinking of relocating to other states, NY/NJ remind me of Lagos too much ).

On jobs, no shaking.... cheers.

The first thought of any person relocating to America, is what am i expected to bring along that is IMPORTANT, so as to avoid excess luggage and un-wanted/un-useful items. Now, let me share this few tips with you:

First, get your transcript from your universities for those who are graduates and send it to the world education center for evaluation purposes and storage, so that they can send it to anywhere you want in the world in a jiffy without the stress of asking people back home to do it for you or traveling back home. For the hand-skilled, have your basic materials/tools with you.
It is advisable to go back to school after a year or two of settling down so as to help in getting a better job than doing survival jobs all the time. Ensure it has got to the world education center before you leave your country because some hiccups can happen and you have to repeat the process. It happened to someone i know, she did it 3 times! It was due to negligence and mis-spelt address.



Secondly,clothes. Yes, America is the land of fashion and quality stuffs right? NO! Remember, it is the same China that supply them! Some shops sell quality, some semi-quality, some poor quality. I have visited the three type of shops and i can only afford the semi-quality and flee from the poor-quality though it was cheap. The quality-shops are pricy! As a hustling Nigerian, i don't have that kind of money.

Don't go about giving away all your clothes, thinking you will go on a shopping spree here. Ok! if you have the money though.*shrugs* Keep all your best jeans and shirts, suits and NATIVES! See the capitalization? Yes, have many native attires as you can, but QUALITY, see another capitalization? So that it can last the test of time, and not fade after some washings.Likewise your outing and casual shoes/slippers. The only clothes to buy IMMEDIATELY on arrival,is the winter attires if you come during fall/autumn/winter season. The reason for this,takes me to the third advise.


Thirdly,MONEY! See, another capitalization here? We all know the influence of money huh? It can make or mar any relationship. So be very PRUDENT! another emphasis. Don't come as as tourist since you know you have come to STAY! Save your money. Whatever amount you bring along, quickly open a bank account and save 3/4 of that amount and check 1/4 into your debit card for spending. Avoid using your credit cards instantly until you get a job because you will have to take from your savings to pay for it, thus defeating the objective of saving in the first place! Yes, it will help in your credit rating,that you will need when to rent an accommodation, but it is not wise at that moment.

You should stay with a host for few weeks to get your bearing, and depending on your relationship, and how fast you are able to get a job, then get an apartment. Your host can assist you if he/she has a good credit rating or appeal to someone who trust them to help you. That is when you will need your savings to buy the basic things in the apartment and feed.Contribute to the house keeping of your host with common sense, buy groceries that are needed and don't be a glutton, though food is affordable, and plentiful, it does not mean you can go on a eating spree. Immigrants are very concerned about every dime they spend!

A guy shared an apartment with other guys hustling like him. He realized he was the one spending more in the home simply because he just arrived from Nigeria. The other guys always complained of no money for the fact that they had been staying in America for many years. He was yet to get a job and his money was dwindling down. Do you know what he did? He sent the money back home to his account and kept a little,and was managing that until he got a survival job. The money came handy when it was time for him to move into his own apartment. If not he would have squandered every dime and be at the mercy of his host, and here in America, everybody bears his father's name!


The MOST important advise of all is that, DO NOT OVER STAY YOUR WELCOME IN YOUR HOST HOME! It will cause strife!
http://americajourney..com/

The first thought of any person relocating to America, is what am i expected to bring along that is IMPORTANT, so as to avoid excess luggage and un-wanted/un-useful items. Now, let me share this few tips with you:

First, get your transcript from your universities for those who are graduates and send it to the world education center for evaluation purposes and storage, so that they can send it to anywhere you want in the world in a jiffy without the stress of asking people back home to do it for you or traveling back home. For the hand-skilled, have your basic materials/tools with you.
It is advisable to go back to school after a year or two of settling down so as to help in getting a better job than doing survival jobs all the time. Ensure it has got to the world education center before you leave your country because some hiccups can happen and you have to repeat the process. It happened to someone i know, she did it 3 times! It was due to negligence and mis-spelt address.



Secondly,clothes. Yes, America is the land of fashion and quality stuffs right? NO! Remember, it is the same China that supply them! Some shops sell quality, some semi-quality, some poor quality. I have visited the three type of shops and i can only afford the semi-quality and flee from the poor-quality though it was cheap. The quality-shops are pricy! As a hustling Nigerian, i don't have that kind of money.

Don't go about giving away all your clothes, thinking you will go on a shopping spree here. Ok! if you have the money though.*shrugs* Keep all your best jeans and shirts, suits and NATIVES! See the capitalization? Yes, have many native attires as you can, but QUALITY, see another capitalization? So that it can last the test of time, and not fade after some washings.Likewise your outing and casual shoes/slippers. The only clothes to buy IMMEDIATELY on arrival,is the winter attires if you come during fall/autumn/winter season. The reason for this,takes me to the third advise.


Thirdly,MONEY! See, another capitalization here? We all know the influence of money huh? It can make or mar any relationship. So be very PRUDENT! another emphasis. Don't come as as tourist since you know you have come to STAY! Save your money. Whatever amount you bring along, quickly open a bank account and save 3/4 of that amount and check 1/4 into your debit card for spending. Avoid using your credit cards instantly until you get a job because you will have to take from your savings to pay for it, thus defeating the objective of saving in the first place! Yes, it will help in your credit rating,that you will need when to rent an accommodation, but it is not wise at that moment.

You should stay with a host for few weeks to get your bearing, and depending on your relationship, and how fast you are able to get a job, then get an apartment. Your host can assist you if he/she has a good credit rating or appeal to someone who trust them to help you. That is when you will need your savings to buy the basic things in the apartment and feed.Contribute to the house keeping of your host with common sense, buy groceries that are needed and don't be a glutton, though food is affordable, and plentiful, it does not mean you can go on a eating spree. Immigrants are very concerned about every dime they spend!

A guy shared an apartment with other guys hustling like him. He realized he was the one spending more in the home simply because he just arrived from Nigeria. The other guys always complained of no money for the fact that they had been staying in America for many years. He was yet to get a job and his money was dwindling down. Do you know what he did? He sent the money back home to his account and kept a little,and was managing that until he got a survival job. The money came handy when it was time for him to move into his own apartment. If not he would have squandered every dime and be at the mercy of his host, and here in America, everybody bears his father's name!


The MOST important advise of all is that, DO NOT OVER STAY YOUR WELCOME IN YOUR HOST HOME! It will cause strife!
http://americajourney..com/