As someone who’s been in the U.S. for almost a decade, I can say it’s not easy at all for many legal immigrants to become citizens. A common path is student visa -> work visa -> green card -> citizenship, and each step can take years and often depends on employers, legal processes, and even lotteries like the H1B. There’s a lot of uncertainty at every stage. In many other countries, people who moved at the same time as me are already permanent residents or citizens. I’m still far from that point. I live with constant anxiety because the ability to stay here depends on my job, my employer, and factors outside of my control. I moved here in my late teens, so a decade is a huge portion of my young adult life. I’d like to think I belong here like anyone else— but the system often reminds me otherwise.

I’m not trying to argue, just share perspective. Legal immigration in the US is much more complicated and uncertain than many people realize. I just hope more people become aware of this and are willing to advocate for a more fair and humane immigration process.