USA Government Shutdown affecting visa processing!

steppybay · Oct 8, 2013

This weekend as we were just leaving, I overheard at another table of a few older gentlemen saying the one way to quickly end the "shutdown" is to simply tie in all of the political officials, all the higher ups and including their secretaries and all the people under them to the same salary or paycheck stoppage like all the other federal workers.

I don't know how true that is, but it makes sense to make them (officials only) to feel the same pressure of not getting paying for their work in time. One guy said there's some sort of limitation to that and why these decision makers don't care as it doesn't affect their paychecks.

itsmejuli · Oct 8, 2013

To the Op, you must have missed the financial mess in the US in 2008.

What's going on now is typical US politics.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Oct 9, 2013

I was In London this summer, every night on the news there were stories like Half Billion Pounds needed to keep emergent care, a report on the state of nursing in the UK. While it did paint a pretty pictiure of the NHS, Being a visitor I kept my opinions to myself,

There was a reason why America was born, it revolves around taxes. Pilgrims came to the US to get away from high taxes.,it maybe helpful you review American History before you come.

ceridwyn · Oct 9, 2013

I suppose you could call it democracy in action, freedom of speech, justice, where no one is or should be working for nothing or less than another with the same qualifications and experience. Hang ten.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2013

OK so the 'shutdown' has been in effect for a week now and I haven't seen any comments/posts on here about it which only fuels my suspicion that I seem to be the only nurse in the whole world who is affected by it!!!.

With regards to your first claim, apparently, you haven't been reading very much. These are just the threads that are specifically regarding the shutdown. Surf the board a bit and you'll see plenty of references to the shutdown on other threads, especially in the military/government nursing section.

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/government-shutdown-880951.html

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/shutdown-880989.html

The Squabbling Babies on Capitol Hill - US Politics

With regards to your second claim, really? You are certainly feeling the effects of the shutdown, but you're not even living in the US. How very arrogant of you to think that you're the only one dealing with the consequences.

love2read-rn · Oct 9, 2013

Ha yes of course you are quite right...I was just 'venting' or 'ranting,' whatever you want to call it. Natch, I know I am not literally the only person affected by the shutdown but it certainly feels that way for me personally. Obviously it affects millions worldwide but in my little inconsequential life I am badly affected by it and nobody else that I know is. Clearly, that is because nobody else in my social circles is trying to do what I am trying to do. So, for me on a personal egocentric level (which we all operate on to a degree regardless of how much perspective we think we may have), I am going crazy and feel massively frustrated. As far as the historical aspect of USA taxes goes, that's a bit of a distractor and I wonder how relevant it is in 2013 since the ideals that America were based on 300 years ago have changed somewhat. The States may have developed as a way to escape high taxes in the UK, but you still do pay taxes and compulsory health care insurance deductions are there to benefit people not penalise them. It does not feel that way when it first happens, but that's how it is with any big change. There will be an adjustment period which will probably last a whole generation; and then the next generation will not know any different and the element of resistance will be eradicated. I do not want to start fights on here so please do not be aggressive or combative in your responses. I am frustrated but I appreciate everyone else is too. These forums are supposed to provide an arena to vent those frustrations as well as seeking advice and helping others. Thanks for the reality check but I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself - forgive me for that crime! x

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Oct 9, 2013

Ha yes of course you are quite right...I was just 'venting' or 'ranting,' whatever you want to call it. Natch, I know I am not literally the only person affected by the shutdown but it certainly feels that way for me personally. Obviously it affects millions worldwide but in my little inconsequential life I am badly affected by it and nobody else that I know is. Clearly, that is because nobody else in my social circles is trying to do what I am trying to do. So, for me on a personal egocentric level (which we all operate on to a degree regardless of how much perspective we think we may have), I am going crazy and feel massively frustrated. As far as the historical aspect of USA taxes goes, that's a bit of a distractor and I wonder how relevant it is in 2013 since the ideals that America were based on 300 years ago have changed somewhat. The States may have developed as a way to escape high taxes in the UK, but you still do pay taxes and compulsory health care insurance deductions are there to benefit people not penalise them. It does not feel that way when it first happens, but that's how it is with any big change. There will be an adjustment period which will probably last a whole generation; and then the next generation will not know any different and the element of resistance will be eradicated. I do not want to start fights on here so please do not be aggressive or combative in your responses. I am frustrated but I appreciate everyone else is too. These forums are supposed to provide an arena to vent those frustrations as well as seeking advice and helping others. Thanks for the reality check but I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself - forgive me for that crime! x

There is a current group in the US call the "Tea Party" the tea party reference is The Boston Tea Party, which occurred in 1773, it is a strong political group and the one driving the government shutdown, so I think my comment has validity.

Secondly, why are you coming to the US ? Family , Husband or wish to practice in the US? If you main reason is to the US is to practice nursing, why are you leaving the NHS if it so wonderful?

Prior to coming to US, I would continue to suggest to get a good history book, the US is very proud of our Hertiage, we celebrate every 4th of July our "Independence" from Britian. My town is very proud of our role in the Revolutionary War and often honor the soliders who fought. And yes it is still a very current issue. When I travel internationally, I do not try to interject myself in their politics even if there policies cause personal inconvience. This whole situation currently is a mess in the USA, but I believe Americans, especially the military should be first priority, and sorry I have little sympathy for your situation perhaps it was never meant to be.

percy-rn · Oct 9, 2013

Hello I have just joined allnurses and was hoping for a little advice. I saw your post 'love2read-rn' and thought perhaps you could help. I too am working towards emigrating to the USA and have passed the NCLEX-RN, I have got certification too (emergency room.) I was just wondering how did you manage to find an employer? There are agencies out there which claim they can help, is that what you did and are they helpful or have you got an immigration lawyer working with you?

From the responses above I would say you have rattled a few cages. I can see what you mean but the way you've worded your post has irritated a few people, you probably couldn't care less what I've got to say but I am in a very similar position to you and I agree it is hugely frustrating BUT we must be careful how we 'vent' our frustration. Opinions on immigration can get quite heated not just in the States but globally.

Having said that, 'gingers' mom' your comments remind me of xenophobic Brits here in the UK who are quite hostile to even skilled immigrants and hold a 'if you don't love everything about our country then get back to where you came from - we didn't want you here anyway' attitude. I too love the States and have a plethora of presonal reasons for emigrating to your shores, but the process is more difficult and stressful than it is to emigrate to virtually any other country in the world, something I am not sure USA citizens appreciate. We are universally only 'from' whichever country we are from due to accident of birth, and both the States AND the UK are nations built on immigrants - especially the USA. It is a bizarre world we live in where we have erected so many geographical boundaries and those who come from the wrong side of the line have to fight tooth and nail for a position that 'nationals' of that country are entitled to merely through birth. I know of many Brits who certainly do not LOVE being British or living in the UK - in fact all they do is complain about Britain night and day - but equally I know there are many people around the world who would LOVE to live in the UK but cannot due to immigration laws and processes. I think once we start going down the 'I am entitled to critisise this country because I was born here but you are not because you are a foreigner' path it is a bit of a slippery slope. You do not have to love everything about a place to want to live there (e.g the shutdown.) Alsoyou do not have to despise every aspect of a country to want to leave it. I too think the NHS has its' place.....but that doesn't mean I think its' "so great" therefore meaning I should want to stay here for the rest of my life. This is simplistic thinking and also very intolerant. Please think before you post.

Anyway I would be grateful for any advice thank you

BennyBear · Oct 9, 2013

Please take care everyone when posting! Love2readRN I totally empathise with your plight but you've gotta expect some anger when you post things like that about being the only nurse in the world affected by the shutdown, come on. Listen I am in the same boat actually so you are not the only one. My visa is on hold too and I'm pretty down but the shutdown will not last forever. We just have to grit our teeth like everyone else and wait until they get their sh!t together, which surely will be within the next 2 weeks tops. The immigration issue, ouch it's nasty. I work with a lot of overseas nurses. Some of them went through a lot to get here (UK) and they seem to genuinely like it here. BUT...there are a lot of overseas RNs who don't seem to particularly like Britain and are constantly going on and on about how fantastic it is 'back home' and any chance they get they're back home for a visit. I often wonder why on earth they uprooted themselves to come to the UK, it seems a lot are either financially motivated or just took any job they could cos their fantastic home country couldn't offer them employment. But I can only speak for myself.....although you seem pretty passionate too.....I absolutely love the States. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I envy those born in America who do not have to go through the hell I am going through just to live and work there. I know a lot of Americans are very proud to be Americans, but I've equally met many who do not appreciate what they have - I wish they had to leave America for a while and not know if they could ever return, I bet they would appreciate the place a lot more! But that sentiment can also be applied to the UK. Do I deserve to be able to live and work in Britain freely just because Iwas born there? Because frankly I hate many aspects of living in this country. I am desperate to get away from here. But what about John Doe on the other side of the world who loves Britain and desperately want to live here and make his home here, and is struggling with ludicrous immigration issues and may not ever get here? Do I 'deserve' to be here more than him? I ponder on these issues a lot. Going through an immigration process makes you quite philosophical.percyRN you do not need to get a lawyer. If you definitely meet the criteria for a H1b visa, be determined and focused and SEND YOUR RESUME OUT TO EVERY HOSPITAL in the area you want to work. If you tick all the boxes, hopefully someone will consider sponsoring you, especially if it is a more rural/undesirable area where they do not have tons of applicants. Good luck!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2013

MODERATOR NOTE:

I think we need to be respectful of each other's opinion. This is a hot topic right now in the US and many people are angry. As with all political debates it brings out everyone's passion. It's ok to disagree as long as we are respectful of each other's opinion.

The OP is entitled to thier opinion and how this is affects them personally.

OP....I am so sorry you are caught in the middle of this disgusting display of immaturity with our elected officials acting like petulant children. In reality it has little to do with the ACA/Obamacare and everything with political parties swatting at one another because they don't like each other. They have little care about anything it affects for none of the "shutdown" affects them

The American people are pretty fed up as well....I think our elected officials will figure this out come next election.

BennyBear · Oct 9, 2013

Hey Esme12 totally agree. Ridiculous responses but inflammatory topic I suppose. I hate arguments about immigration! I wonder if ppl realise how hard it is to become a citizen of a country which is not your birth country! Here in the UK, foreigners are tested on British history, culture, geography law, etc, etc....all good and well but your average British person doesn't know a tiny fraction of the answers so why should a foreigner know???? Why do we judge people from other countries so harshly??? This 'us versus them' mentality it's crazy...personally I dislike ALL lazy, disrespectful people with a bad work ethic and no interest in contributing to their community, whether they're 'locals' or 'foreigners.' Perhaps we should have a system where people only get to live where they want to live based on merit, not birth-right....just sayin!!!