₦airaland Forum

mrego:
i will go straight to the point and not bore you guys with unnecessary details. i had to open a new account so not to draw unnecessary attention from those that know me with my username either from the office or otherwise

i work in a federal establishment earning about 100k per month. my establishment is about to send some people to the US for a convention though they wont be footing the bills. All they will do is make you get your papers easily by presenting you as their own. fortunately, i am among the few selected interested ones.

now my dilemma is that i think it is not wise to use my years savings in footing a trip which i wont benefit from economically considering my financial status. using all my savings in going to the State just to stay for about a month and come back to the country broke. i am actually interested in going and disappearing and try to make a life there. but my parents have advised me that it is not wise to leave my job to an uncertain future. To make matters worse i don't know anyone there who can accommodate me and put me through. No contact whatsoever to take shelter with.

i am torn between taking the risk and staying back entirely and hustling it out in Nigeria as a civil servant but i don't see myself making it big in civil service except i get the opportunity to dasukigate some funds from our government. lol

please i need the best advice i can get and i trust my nairaland family.
lalasticlala and the mod here abeg help my ministry

Questions in highlights answered in order:

1. It is not wise at all and infact this may be reason enough to deny you the visa if the VO feels the cost of the trip is not commensurate with what you earn. But you may be lucky. If the trip is all expenses paid, then go and have fun!

2. Your parents are wise indeed. Going to "disappear" in the US is a fool's errand. Most likely there will be a new immigration law in the next 2 years that will require all employers to run an I-9 verification of lawful status for anyone seeking employment. That means you cannot work. You will never be able to obtain an SSN - which means no ability to buy a car, a house, an ID of any kind, own a bank account etc. You will never be eligible to adjust to legal status and if caught, you will be barred from the states for life. So really, what's the point of a life lived mainly in fear and in hiding?

My best advice for those who wish to emigrate to the US - consider the school route and start EARLY!

Funjosh:
So no other way about it except from direct family

Yup unfortunately.

Ajusshi:
Pls help me.

I have a first cousin in the US (we bear the same surname).

Will he be able to sponsor me as a family member?
How much will it cost me? (i would bear all the expenses myself)

NB, i would be going with my wife and our kid
have a Law degree, and wify is a nurse.

Thanks in advance.
Jwillng u too can epp.

No. There is no sponsorship route for cousins.

jwillng:
10 Things Nigeria Can Copy From America

Not that this is all-but some things I have observed. Please don’t assume that I am saying that as a people Americans are better than Nigerians-but the reality is that America is a way ahead of Nigeria –and if we copied their Presidential system of government-there is more we can copy.

1) Libraries Everywhere: Someone once said –if you want to hide something from a black man-put it in a book. So far –it seems there is a library in every town and city in America-in fact some cities have more than one. And these are all loaded with books and free fast internet access. Readers are leaders.

2) Americans Care For The Dead: Not long ago-I went to funeral in Yaba/Ebute Metta (cant remember which now). Come and see bush everywhere-infact you can see skeletons of people buried long ago. In that same burial ground where Nigerians had forgotten their dead-there was a separate place-dead soldiers from World War 2-that section was immaculate-neat and orderly with flags and flowers-as if it was the garden of a rich man. I asked and discovered that –the British Government had been maintaining that place since 1945. Wow! Oyinbo people caring for the dead remains of black soldiers who fought for them-yet few meters away-people who had died few years before had been forgotten by their families. In America-without any fear of contradiction-I can tell you that burial grounds are better kept than the grounds of Aso Rock. Come and see people bringing flowers to the grave of their relatives who died decades ago. Why is this important? Human life is important to Americans.

3) Children are protected to a fault. Children are given the right to speak up and query their parents-while I don’t condole rudeness-as Sheila Solarin (wife of the late Dr Tai Solarin) once told us at a seminar-one reason why democracy hasn’t worked in Nigeria is that we don’t understand that democracy starts from the home. If a child cant speak up at home-how will a nation develop democratic traits. Despite this- spanking (beating of kids) is still allowed in many states in America.

4) Credit System levels the playing ground. With the credit system-owing a car or house is no big deal-as long as you are responsible –you can get access to cheap money. I don’t see why its bad to buy a car and pay over 3 to 5 years especially when having a car makes it easy to go to work.

5) Used Cars Everywhere: Surprise surprise-many Americans-if not most-buy used cars. In fact one millionaire on TV was explaining why he had never bought new car and would never buy one. He always buys used as he said-it makes no since to buy a brand new car that looses 15% of its value the moment it leaves the dealer!

6) No mans land. I met a white American while doing some business and he said something surprising. His words: “ Don’t let anyone intimidate you-everyone here was once an immigrant or the child of immigrants-except the native American Indians. You have as much right as anyone else here” In America-you can be born in Texas and become Governor of California. In fact Hillary Clinton from Arkansas became Senator of New York. Bernie Sanders (contesting for President now) was born in New York and is now a Senator of the state of Vermont. George and Jeb Bush-two brothers became governors of two different states. Why cant an Ibo man become governor of Lagos or Borno? a Yoruba man governor of Anambra or Kano? Or Hausa man governor of Ogun or Delta? Ijaw man Governor of Osun? Fulani Governor of Edo? Residency and roots is all one needs to establish.

7) Soldiers respect themselves. You can hardly see soldiers in uniform on the streets here. It is rare. Anywhere soldiers go-people love them and always say” thank you for your service” offering to pay for their food or things. Soldiers don’t bully or harras people or help to collect debt. Yet on the field –they are the toughest army in the world. I saw a convey of army trucks pass on the highway-come and see kids and grown ups waving to them-they even waved to me!

Security is everybody’s business. One man I went to see-lived in a very isolated area-no houses near him-over 30 miles from the city-yet no fence and he was rest assured in his security. With phones everywhere that work all the time,efficient police and people allowed to bear arms-everybody takes security seriously.

9) Criminals respect themselves and know the law. Burglars know that –if caught they will get 1 year or so in jail-but if they rape someone or kill someone-they may get up to 20 years to life or death sentence-so they avoid killing or raping people. No random killing. In fact most killing is by people who know themselves: gang members, business partners, husband and wife, family members. Even armed robbers avoid killing. In fact when armed robbers kill in the process of robbing-its described as “robbery gone wrong”. Why risk the death penalty-when all you risk robbing is a few years in jail.

10) There is justice in America. Real justice. They will purse you to the last. Just 2 weeks ago-I watched on TV the story of a 85 year old man arrested for the murder of someone almost 60 years before. In America –no case is closed until it is solved. It can remain a “Cold Case” for years-but someone somewhere will always come back and look into it. There is punishment for crime here. Not the mad cow men –who kill with impunity or rioters who kill-knowing that there will never be an investigation –talk less justice.

#10 is a very important point... This is why you should never lie or use false documents when dealing with US government officials. Everything you say or give is recorded and never forgotten. You will be traced.

See #9 - there is no begging when caught. Even governors and senators go to jail here every day.

jwillng:
We need to upgrade our airports. Muritala Muhammed was built almost 40 years ago-at that time, one of the best in the world. Today-that place cannot even be compared to a local airport in America. Its not that the white man has 2 heads. We just need order here.
Please dont beg Oyibo man o! Spirit Airline says clearly that its flights are cheap because it does away with many overhead and costs. You are only allowed to carry one small bag into the plane-like a backpack or ladies bag; anything more-you pay. $45 if online-$65 at the airport-$100 if at the point of boarding. Despite all warnings-come and see my country people-begging Oyinbo- "I did not know-sorry please" No sorry here o.
Dont beg anyone-whether police or visa officer at embassy or Obama himself. Everybody maintains his digits here. No"oga I beg"

Try European and Asian airports... Even Dubai. They are far far better than us airports.

ADENIKETINA2015:
Just friends of which one one them is willing to help but through an agent & I don't know how possible that is

There is no means by which a friend can sponsor you for immigration. NEVER EVER consider using a visa agent. You may end up getting barred to enter the US for life.

If you don't have a degree then you don't seem to have any available options to immigrate. Have you considered schooling as an option?

ADENIKETINA2015:
Bros, pls I plan on relocating too. Do you have an idea the kind of visa I can apply for to enable live & work there asides the PR?

Like how much can a non degree holder earn let's say doing two jobs?

A cousin of mine wants to sponsor me & our budget is N500k, is it realistic?


Pls I need answers.

God bless!

Unfortunately the US operates a unique immigration policy where you cannot sponsor yourself to live and work in the US (well unless you are a super star somewhere). You either need to have family sponsoring your immigration or an employer. If you do not have a degree, the employment route is not an option for you. Do you have family? Start there first.

Fome74:
Thanks for the info bro... God bless ur hustle... Abeg how can one extend his/her stay in US using 2year visting visa... Can one walk on d street without police harassing you..

1. You can't extend your stay beyond 90 days on a visiting visa.
2. Police generally leave you alone.

ayodele234:
And where did I state that the US. stock index is a corporation. I just added what came to my head at the time. You must be living in wonderland to think those wars fought oversea are meant to bring security to the homeland. That's massive thievery going on to enrich transnational corporations. Young man, stop protecting the biggest criminals known to mankind cos that makes you one

American companies may be filled with thieves but they are the most innovative companies in the world. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Apple, Microsoft, Exxonmobil, Google, Facebook... I'm sorry but I can understand why the average American is fiercely proud of their country. What have your Nigerian thieves given you? I go to Europe and everyone is on an iPhone... I'll take America over Nigeria any day.

ayodele234:
Nah man, when you moved you finally realize the American dream is elusive cos like my cousin here, you were jumping at the airport back in Nigeria thinking you were going to conquer America and the world within 5yrs (we are all guilty of watching too much Hollywood fictions). Then reality hits so badly then you started making adjustment. My brother nobody went to america because of basic amenities, we all be typical omo 9ja, na when we find out say America get as e dey we water am down and switch to "most americans are not rich, but we have constant light, policing, food and everything"..swapping of passports is taking place massively as we speak as the number increases each year. Sure they are renouncing their citizenship and going to europe for now, very soon they will flood Nigeria. lol

Wrong. I didn't come here to hustle and in fact, I've never hustled at all since I've been here. I live comfortably, make more than enough, work as a senior scientist in America's largest oil company. I can't ask God for more. I sleep well, eat well, go on vacations, travel to Europe business class for free as part of work perks...

I didn't spend time watching Hollywood movies. My life isn't dependent on what the prevailing idea of "success" is. As far as I'm concerned, a happy debt free, secure family is more than what you need to live happily. Feel free to go to Nigeria and hustle.

ayodele234:
Hahahahaha...Here is another one! American politicians are the most corrupt people in all of human history. And with neoliberlism causing havoc all over the global south, US. corporations (Apple, Wall Street Banks, Down Jones and S&P companies etc) are in biggest thieves that ever existed. All the wealth or is it mirage you see in America were all stolen via global capitalism. Young man, let's not even going into politics. You don't want to play around my territory. Trust me

I frankly don't think politics is your "territory". I think you're just playing around with highfalutin words. America has been a capitalist society for over 100 years... It's biggest problem is the incessant need to cut taxes. Apple, Microsoft, shell... Are not thieves. They simply take advantage of existing law to make money. You'd do the same if you were in their shoes. If American politicians are such thieves then why are you here?

By the way "down jones" is not a corporation.

Rather than posting here, why don't you give up your US citizenship and go back to Nigeria? In my view, that would be putting your money where your mouth is.

ayodele234:
And that "I don't want my kids to pass through what I went through is why no son of a successful man gained global recognition" (please name one you know who became successful like their parents). I have seen it first hand with people acting like they better cos they living in comfort. And reading your first comments shows you suffer from this syndrome and that was what caught my attention and made me attack you from the onset. Encourage and lift up your fellow countrymen instead of looking down on them cos you work in some oil rig...and yes I took it personal

When i moved here, i learnt that "success" isn't what i thought it once was. Success isn't about how many cars you have, how large your home is or how much you make every month. Success could simply be living a happy life free of worry and wants. Most Americans aren't rich but they will not swap their passports for yours in a million years. They may not own land or make $30,000 a month; they may live on mortgages and pay car notes monthly. But their rights are guaranteed, they are free to do as they please, they have access to the best doctors, electricity and water is constant, food is virtually free, security is taken for granted... what else can a man need? Yes your igbo contractors probably make far more than they, but they live in prisons (aka homes with 10 ft walls), endure bad roads, fear armed robbers. What life is that?

ayodele234:
Young man only a fool will compare both countries in terms of advancement but greatness has never come from comfort. That's why I laugh at folks who think giving birth to their kids here has any kind of advantage. Greatness comes from struggle so you might want to rethink that philosophy of I don't want my kids to shout "up Nepa". Let your kids live in Nigeria till they turn 18. Just thought I give you a life changing advice. Peace dude

Being born in America certainly has advantages over anyone born Nigerian (unless your parents are corrupt politicians). Its all well and good saying we should let our kids live in Nigeria till they turn 18 - forgetting that armed robbers, bad roads, poor policing, terrible health services etc. may claim their lives long before then.

CFCman:
Thus, in reality, most new US doctors have a lower net worth than mechanics, contractors, truck drivers and plumbers. Most of these professionals didn't have to go to a 4-yr college to obtain their certifications, and took out little ($2,000 or less) or no student loans at all.

In the short term maybe. But over 10-15 years, the US doctor is certain to be worth far more than the mechanic, contractor or truck driver.

Without a doubt the best post i have come across in this section. Absolutely commend the OP for the very interesting way he narrates his experience.

Just a note - if you earn >$100,000 a year in the US (especially if you don't live in hyper expensive states like NY), you are far far better off than earning $50,000/annum in Nigeria. I understand why some worry about high cost of living, but such analysis forgets to take into consideration the hidden costs of living in Nigeria - constant petrol/diesel for your generator, bad roads, no security, poor healthcare services. If you ever had a bad sickness in Nigeria, everything you think you've saved can be wiped out in one day.

Also there are actually cobblers in the US! Check the Houston international airport... there are plenty of igbos who shine shoes there. Pleasantly surprised to get there one day and find people speaking igbo.

Infidel:
But your god is evil. that negates what you just said he stands for. he created evil. i didnt say it, he did

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.

—Isaiah 45:7 , there you have it

I have only 3 comments based on this:

1. First you say God does not exist next you attribute good and evil to Him. What is your position? It is either you believe God does not exist or that He is evil. You cant play around with semantics just to desperately prove your nebulous assertions.

2. If truly God does not exist how then can you quote the bible and attribute the words to a deity that does not exist?

3. Your father can discipline you when you do wrong, does that mean he is evil?

@ infidel,

I can't see God, so therefore, God doesn’t exist.

You have never seen your brain neither will you ever see it, do i also assume it therefore does not exist?

@ infidel,

no, the burden of proof is certainly on you to prove that God indeed does not exist. That you dont think He exists does not affect those who KNOW that He does.