Back Home

After an absence of about 9 and a half years, I am finally back home.

I went through immigration and had a heart palpitation moment: the officer asked me how long I had been out of the US, and I said since mid-January. He frowned and said that was over 6 months, and I agreed, yes, it indeed was. And he stated that he was actually supposed to take my Greencard from me if I am gone longer than 6 months. I don’t know if this is true or not, I know that before it used to be 11 months or more. So the 6 month thing must be new. But he said, he wouldn’t, but just for future reference, if I were to be gone longer than 6 months in the future, I should apply for a special allowance.

I was a little annoyed by this: if they did change the limit, how are Greencard holders supposed to find out about this? I am sure it is posted somewhere online, but other than checking the Homeland Security site every 2 weeks, I think it is absurd to expect people to know the regulations changes.

This is why I think he was lenient with enforcing the rule. But for a few seconds there I thought I might be entering America on a 6 week tourist visa.

But it is kind of exciting that now that I am back in America, I can start the naturalization progress. In five years I can be an American citizen (you need 5 years of consecutive residency, which I have botched up since living in Europe. Also I left when I was 17, a year before I was able to apply for citizenship).

I mentioned this to my mother last night, and she said, she thinks she will also apply for citizenship. It makes me laugh, because she has been living in the US since the mid-60s. So after about 40 years she wants to become an American. I love it! Maybe we can do it together, and have a joint Naturalization Party!

Other than that, I am very happy to be back home. The temperatures in the Valley are rediculously warm compared to Germany, and I am so glad to be back in the region of pretty predictable warm weather.

On another note, I was reminded that I was also back in the country of somewhat absurdities. As I have jet-lag, I woke up to watch some TV, and saw the most repulsive commercial. Many may correctly guess that it was for a medication. But this was more perverse than the usual, “PeptoBismol, for when you have overindulged” commercial. Nope it as far worse: “Diurex, so you can fit into your skinny jeans!”

Sigh…