Immigrating to the United States is not as easy as it may seem. From the visa application process to finally boarding your flight, the journey is filled with challenges. But the difficulties don’t end there. After landing in the U.S., the real test begins as you navigate the obstacles of settling in a new country and adapting to a different culture.
However, if you are determined to push through the tough initial months, you will eventually find your silver lining. This was the experience of James Sang, a Kenyan who moved to the U.S. and successfully transitioned from a visitor to a U.S. citizen.
James’ story offers valuable insight into the reality of immigration, showing that perseverance, luck, and the help of others can make all the difference.
A Challenging Beginning
The process of moving to the United States can be an uphill battle. Unless you have an immediate family member in the U.S. (such as a parent, spouse, child, or sibling), or you’re coming for educational purposes or lucky enough to obtain a work visa, it is difficult to influence the U.S. immigration system.
James emphasizes that no one should promise to help with your immigration process. Many people will try to take advantage of your situation for financial gain, offering help that often leads to disappointment and even jeopardizing your chances. Instead, he advises relying on official sources, such as embassy websites, to get the correct information.
James himself had the support of his employer in Nairobi, which helped him secure a visa. Once in the U.S., his new employer sponsored his work permit, allowing him to eventually obtain a green card. However, his initial months in the U.S. were far from easy.
An Unexpected Setback
When James first arrived in the U.S., he had no connections with other Kenyans. His only hope was an American friend, whom he had met in Kenya a few years prior, who had invited him to stay with him for a few days. Initially, everything seemed perfect as his friend showed him around the city and they shared stories of Nairobi. But after three weeks, things took an unexpected turn.
One evening, after returning home from work, James’ friend told him that he needed his space and that James had to leave. It was 9 p.m. when he was asked to move out, and despite James’ pleas, his friend remained firm. This sudden eviction left James in shock, and he had no choice but to spend the night on a sofa in the building’s lobby, with the caretaker’s permission to stay there until morning.
The next morning, feeling cold, hungry, and frustrated, James left the building with nothing but the suitcase that contained all his belongings. He found himself in Washington D.C., uncertain of where to go next.
A Turning Point
As he stood outside in the cold, James began to consider returning to Kenya. The clean streets, orderly traffic, and towering buildings of Washington D.C. made him feel a sense of awe and contrast to the chaotic environment of Nairobi. Despite his struggles, he decided to keep moving forward.
He ended up at the Kenyan Embassy, exhausted and disheveled. Though he felt embarrassed by his appearance and worried about his body odor, he decided to sit and wait. Soon, a staff member at the embassy offered him coffee, and after listening to his plight, gave him the contact information of someone who could help him.
The man turned out to be an old friend from Nairobi whom James hadn’t known had been in the U.S. for over a year. With this connection, everything changed for James. Within six months, his new employer sponsored his work permit, and two years later, he had obtained his green card. His journey in the U.S. was not easy, but he had made it.
Lessons Learned
James reflects on the pivotal moment when he chose to stay in the U.S. despite the hardships. Although he acknowledges that returning to Kenya could have led to a different kind of success, he believes that staying was the right decision for him.
The gentleman at the embassy is now a senior ambassador representing Kenya in Europe, and his friend who helped him is a successful coffee importer in Washington, D.C. Both men have become like family to James.
From his experience, James shares some crucial lessons:
- The Grass Isn’t Always Greener: Relocating to another country may not always be as ideal as it seems, but once you make the decision to move, ensure that you have carefully considered every aspect of it. Don’t rely on others’ stories, as they often leave out key details.
- Plan, Plan, Plan: James admits that he didn’t have backup plans (B, C, or D), and this nearly ruined his chances. For those planning to move abroad, it’s essential to prepare for different scenarios and have alternative plans in place.
- Education First: For young people, James emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education before making drastic decisions. This could lay a solid foundation for future success.
Ultimately, James’ story is a reminder that success requires resilience, preparation, and sometimes, a bit of luck. It is crucial to never give up, even when the path seems uncertain.
