The Perspective of the Children

[Munish]

Can we use this thread to learn about the immigration issues relating to the children? Specifically, I want the following information (but if you (parents or children) are not comfortable providing any of the requested information please leave it out).


The visa type your Parents are on (does not matter if it is a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, as I think it is a good idea for the children to contribute to this);
How old you were when you arrived in the USA and how old you are now?
How you have changed while in the USA and how you have changed others in the USA with your non-US background, if at all;
Any information you like about how you fit in and see yourself in the USA. For example see the posting of Byjove on page 2 of the "Article for E2 Age Out Protection: Ideas and help please!" thread for ideas;
How does the idea of being forced to leave your home country make you feel?
What challenges have you faced (particularly if you think they are overly burdensome)?
Any other information you feel is important to state.

PURPOSE: The point of this thread is to give the children a voice, specifically in relation to immigration issues. This website is going to be viewed by more and more people, including Government officials so this is your chance to make yourself heard and have an influence in changing the laws for your benefit. Others, including me, can also get a better understanding of the children's perspective when writing articles or putting together information etc.

IMPORTANT:

Make sure your Parents see your posting before you post it and ensure they give their permission to making it public, just in case it has sensitive information;
It may also be wise to use the Parents Expatsvoice name rather than your own to make the posting so you remain more anonymous; and
Please write in full English, and not short cut English. Please re-read your own posts to make sure it makes sense.

Thank you in advance.

[byjove]

hi I have been in florida ever since I was 5 and being in florida has changed my life and I won't feel comfortable going back to england USA Is my home please don't send me or my family back please. me and my family are realy happy here we don't whan't to leaveall my friend's are herepleas thank you bye

[byjove]

Hi i'm in fourth grade reach program designed for those of us that acheived 4 or higher on FCATS in 3rd grade. I am being tested for the gifted program. I play for the hardee wildcats Football defense team. I feel I have come so far in the school, when I came over I had trouble with school and fitting in. I now have my place in school and am very popular because of my accent. And my teacher said "one day I will change the world" I couldn't go back to england now, I dont know anyone. My life would be destroid as I know it. I would loose my friends, my rescued dogs, my frog and my life style. Please cosider me and the other kids here, their is a huge picture here! Sincerely

[kirtida8]

I have 3 children:
Gavin now 23, aged out within a year of us moving here, and is currently studying in the UK. He lives with my parents, but comes to visit at least once a year.
Tyssul is now 17, he came here when he was 12 and has studied here since grade 8. He is now a senior at High school, and passed his driving test earlier this year. He was always a very sociable child, but being here has become even more so ( i don't think that there is anyone at school who doesn't know him!!). He is involved in a lot of after school activities, and also church activities ( he has discovered religion with a passion ). The "you can do anything if you set your mind to it" attitude has really helped him gain a diverse range of skills - more so than he would have if he had remained in the UK. He has also learned to play the guitar and has participated in school talent contests as part of a group with his friends - they came 1st -yehhh. He loves everything about this country, but is more than aware of the restrictions placed on him by the visa we are on. He went into panic mode earlier this year when we were unsure if our extension would be granted. With the obvious restriction of not being able to work, he is now worried about funding for college and what will happen when he turns 21.
Anisha is now 15, she came here when she was 9 and has just become a sophomore at high school. The difference in her is nothing short of remarkable since moving here. A lot of it may be down to the fact that she knows that her dad no longer can harm her, her brother ( he was very abusive ) or me, but from being a clingy child who would burst into tears if an adult even said hello to her, she is now going out with friends on her own and interacts with people once she has gotten to know them. She has a beautiful smile, and eyes to die for, and loves school. She struggled in the UK with her studies, but here she has really blossomed and is a straight A student ( OK I know the standards here are lower - but still...). She has been approached for modeling on a number of occasions - but again because of the restrictions on not being able to work and because I thought she was too young - I have not pursued them. If she had to return to the UK, I fear that she could once again withdraw into her shell because her father would want contact restored - and that is the one thing that both are dreading. Tyssul still has nightmares about him.

[Grumpy]

Good post Munish,

It is a shame that not many have replied to you, so come on kids, or parents how exactly do your children feel and do they have problems or not or just keeping it all to themselves