What the American Dream means when you are not American

Though its meaning has changed over time, and everyone may have its own version nowadays, the basic premise behind the American Dream is that you can achieve prosperity and happiness through hard work.

Interesting to note, the concept actually precedes the United States, as it first appeared in the 17th century when the new continent nourished all sorts of expectations and hopes to the rest of the world.

Ever since, immigrants have poured into the country hoping to make a better life for themselves and their family.

Quite honestly, I would not say I’m exactly that type of immigrant – arrived by accident from a developed nation to attend college – but I’ve become one of those that chase the American Dream nonetheless.

It’s just that I did not know that was the name for it.

All I wanted was to work hard enough to enjoy my life, and be able to start and support my family. Freedom was always something I took for granted, sadly, because that’s where I come from.

However my career dilemma is at least showing one thing: happiness is not always a consequence of prosperity. This will be the subject of another post because there’s much more to it.

Outside the fact I landed in America and that’s where I’m leading my life now, I’d say I would have pursued that dream anywhere really — it could have been the Australian Dream or something.

What sets America apart from the rest of the world, is the path you must follow to become (in that order): a legal alien, then a non-immigrating resident, then an immigrant, and then hopefully a citizen. There is a price to pay for every ”then” in that sentence.

And of course there is time to spend waiting, filling out forms, attending interviews and background checks, then more waiting, returning back to your home country to renew an expiring visa, more money to spend… and always the risk that it might not work out for one reason or another — but your money would be gone anyways.

Receiving my conditional Green Card last year felt like an immense relief. You see, before the downturn of the economy, my then-fiance and I had no problem buying a house and receiving financing despite my work visa due to expire 2 years later. It felt good to know I was now allowed to stay and live in my house!

Things look pretty straight-forward: my husband is a US citizen, and our son born in the US last year is also a US citizen. But for the French-born mother, things ain’t so easy.

So many people assume you’re a US citizen when you mary a US citizen. People are always in shock when I tell them it does not work that way. I must apply first — just like I had to apply for my Green Card.

But I cannot apply for US citizenship yet, not until I’ve had my Green Card for 5 years…

I will not open today the illegal immigration debate — this is as scandalous for the American people as it is for the legal aliens who pay play by the rules. Yet, I’m not one to condemn them either.

Let me close by saying this: Many Americans don’t realize their chance — there is nothing holding them back to start living the dream.

It's so good to have you back! Share your thoughts, I LOVE comments!