Confused if I should pursue my immigrant visa application in the US...HELP!

[maria.zayra.lim]

I have applied for an immigrant visa through an employer way back in 2006. Soon I will be up for the embassy interview but I am confused if I should still pursue my application. I am currently working here in Qatar in the Accident and Emergency Department of HAMAD Medical Corporation. My husband also works with me in the same company as a nurse and is assigned in the Trauma Department.I can say that our company's benefits and salary is exceptional.Our salary is tax-free.We have an annual paid vacation, free airfare,housing allowance and transportation allowance.I've heard that life as a nurse in the US is quiet difficult. Some says that they have to work double jobs or to do overtime just to augment their income. According to them, it's because of the large taxes taken from their salary.Is this really true? I hope you could give me some insights on the real life there so you could help me decide if I should still pursue my plan of working and living in the US.. Your response will be greatly appreciated.

[perioddrama]

Yes, there are taxes taken out of the paychecks in the USA.

Some states have nursing unions, some do not. Some states have nursing to patient ratios, others do not.

There are benefits and problems in each country. You just have to weigh the pros vs. cons for your situation.

[elkpark]

Some states have nursing to patient ratios, others do not.

(Unless things have changed quite recently, only one state in the US has mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, California.)

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

The difference is that you and your husband are currently under a contract to work as nurses in Qatar. Your home is still the Philippines. When the US grants an immigrant visa to you, the expectation is that you have a desire to live in the USA on a permanent basis. Short of becoming a citizen of the USA, you are going to be part of the community where you will live, hence, you pay taxes used to maintain the services you enjoy in your community. A portion of it goes to the national government. True, people on working visas also pay taxes here but the immigrant visa is really for those who have decided to set their future on US soil and maybe eventually become naturalized citizens.

What you hear about nurses from the Philippines having two jobs to support their financial obligations are true but not on a global scale. Financially, you would be fine with your nurse's salary from a single source if you live within your means. From what I know, some nurses from the Philippines have an obligation to support relatives in the Philippines financially. This cost can add up. Whatever the reason may be, people make their own choices and pay for the price of those choices.

Re-evaluate your goals. If you are happy with your current arrangement and have your family by your side, I don't see a reason why you would want to uproot everyone and start anew in another country.

[Mrs.Louanna Sidi]

After reading your post, I want to ask my husband to move to us to Qatar. I often ask him why he left his country if the living is so much better. It took him 6 years to become eligible for citizenship. Through the process of that we have spent $$$ and met discrimination in all direction because he's Arab and Muslim, but I will say the U.S Govt. and courts have been fair even when my civil rights were violated and I'm born citizen. If you are not use to being taxed it's a hard adjustment. Also you may not like being treated as a warm body to fill a position you will not have the same level of respect you are use to in Qatar.