So I’m changing my status. Yes, indeed. Despite what you may think, this does NOT involve telling everyone on Facebook what I ate for breakfast this morning. In fact, it has nothing to do with Facebook at all. But you knew that, right? Because you read the headline.
No. I’m referring to U.S. immigration status. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with USCIS (United States Customs and Immigration Services), well, then you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, then G-d bless you for being born an American.
Between attorneys fees and the mounds of trees they destroy to file your paperwork, it’s enough to make a grown person weep. But that’s just the way it goes. And despite all the tension and nail biting that goes with making sure everything is done correctly (hence the attorney and said fees), I’m trying to look at the upside of the downside.
The downside is that while my paperwork is being evaluated by immigration officials, I cannot legally work. And if all goes well, paperwork will be approved in the next 30-60 days. So here I am playing “hurry up and wait.” What’s bizarre about this is I’ve never ever been told I am not ALLOWED to work. This is an anathema to me. Aside from having to live off savings at this point, I don’t know how NOT to work. It’s what keeps us feeling like we’re productive members of society, no? And keeps us away from the idiot box (although it is Olympics time so I guess that’s some consolation).
However, the plus side is that while I cannot be gainfully employed and earn a salary, I finally have all this time to actually finish editing my novel and send it out to agents. I have ZERO excuses (except the Olympics) to procrastinate any further. So, hold my feet to the fire for me. Demand that I check in with updates on a regular basis starting tomorrow. Feel free to kick my arse.
Thank you.
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