Practical Entrepreneur

My close friends (and loyal readers here) know that I have been in the process of becoming a permanent resident in United States for a few years now. Well, this past February I finally got through all the hoops! It took 2 years to get a labor certificate (i.e., convince the government that my skills are in demand), 4 months for I-140 (this used to be 2 years so I am thankful for this part), and 2 years of FBI background check.

I don’t think I would have gotten the nod, had I not expressed my dissatisfaction with the process with my congressman, my senator, and most of all with First Lady’s office! Yes, you heard it right. The only way to get FBI to do anti-terrorism checks in a timely manner is to write to Laura Bush. Her staff got the FBI director in charge or my case to answer a letter I sent out last summer and 6 months later they got my security check done!
Going through this process has been extremely painful, but I am happy now that it’s over. Many friends who have gone through the same used to tell me that once you get it, you won’t think about it. I disagree, at least for now. Every time I remember how much free-er I am now to go about my life without thinking about stupid restrictions, it makes me very happy. Freedom is sweet and should not be taken it for granted.

Now, I can travel around the world without going through extremely unnecessary hassle. It’s not 100% pain-free yet having an Iranian passport, but much improved. If only I had more time, I would exercise this freedom right now. But it looks like my inner traveler has to wait a while longer, at least until I get Zoosk flying very high

Thanks Lady Bush!