I have a blogging friend from Pakistan who went through the proper channels to try and obtain a student visa to come to America to further his education and earn a bachelor’s degree in English lit.  The Visa Officer at the US Embassy denied it.

This is after he had to explain why he wanted a second bachelors degree, who was paying for it etc. He provided bank statements, grades from his previous education. And, nope.  They didn’t think he would return to his home country after a school year.

I read this and thought, WTH??

This is a person whose father worked hard and can pay for the college fees (after saving up having taught in a village) and who did everything on the up and up.

Now, I am not someone who has a popular opinion when it comes to immigration – especially illegal.  I believe America was built by immigrants.  Founded by immigrants.  And I’ll tell you what, if I thought I could improve my family’s life by climbing, swimming, hiking into a Country of opportunity – I would!

Yes, there are a lot of people who take advantage of the services offered – but the problem isn’t so much those who do – but the fact that there ARE such services available to those who do.  In my opinion.

Fortunately I didn’t have to climb, sneak or swim.  My mother and I came here legally, we jumped through the hoops, waited out turn in lines and have enjoyed being residents of America since 1980.

When I hear a story like my blog friends though, I get a little pissed.

Anyone can sneak over the border but he can’t come here legally for education?  Not a free ride – a paid for education.  And really, if he stayed, wouldn’t that be America’s gain?  A go getter – an educated, creative contributor.

Grrrr.   Makes me so upset.