🌟 Le parcours incroyable d'une médecin immigrée aux États-Unis 🌟

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. My Background and Training
3. Volunteering on the Front Lines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
4. Challenges of Maintaining Legal Status as an Immigrant Doctor
5. The Complexity of Transitioning Work Visas
6. Applying for Permanent Residency as a Doctor
7. The Uncertainty and Frustration of the Immigration Process
8. Advocating for Change in the Immigration System
9. The Importance of Immigrant Healthcare Workers
10. Conclusion

🌟 Staying Strong: My Journey as an Immigrant Doctor in the United States 🌟

1. Introduction

As an immigrant doctor in the United States, my journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and setbacks. In this article, I will share my personal experience and shed light on the difficulties faced by many immigrant healthcare workers. From volunteering on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating the complex immigration system, this is my story of resilience and determination.

2. My Background and Training

Before diving into the hardships, it's essential to understand my background and the extensive training I have undergone. With my name being Julia Iafrady, I will present the reader with an authentic French perspective on the matter. My journey started in Canada, where I grew up in a small town with breathtaking landscapes. However, New York City became my new home, a concrete jungle that captured my heart.

3. Volunteering on the Front Lines During the COVID-19 Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, I felt an immediate call to action. As an attending physician at Columbia University Medical Center, I volunteered to be redeployed to the front lines. The daunting days spent in the ICU are forever etched in my mind. The constant beeping of ventilators, the anxious eyes hidden behind masks, the scent of disinfectant - it was a surreal and challenging experience.

4. Challenges of Maintaining Legal Status as an Immigrant Doctor

Being an immigrant doctor comes with its own set of obstacles. Throughout my 13 years in the United States, I lived in different states and transitioned between various types of visas. Each move required my new hospital to apply for a transition of my work permit, which incurred expenses for the institution. Furthermore, leaving the country during a visa transition was forbidden, jeopardizing my job security.

5. The Complexity of Transitioning Work Visas

The process of transitioning work visas as a doctor proved to be shockingly confusing and convoluted. A simple trip to Norway became a bureaucratic nightmare as my H-1B visa was being transitioned from Iowa to Columbia. Despite having booked flights and packed bags, the approval to travel arrived just days before the trip. The smallest error could have led to further complications.

6. Applying for Permanent Residency as a Doctor

Securing permanent residency, or a green card, is a daunting task for any immigrant, especially for doctors. The government's immigration process does not account for the years spent on training, which can work against medical professionals when providing evidence of expertise. My green card application consisted of over 700 pages of documentation, including letters of support from notable figures.

7. The Uncertainty and Frustration of the Immigration Process

Navigating the immigration system, especially during a pandemic, is an exercise in uncertainty and frustration. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services shut down, and a nationwide immigration ban was implemented. Unfortunately, my green card application was denied, a devastating blow after everything I had endured. However, thanks to public attention and support, the decision was reversed.

8. Advocating for Change in the Immigration System

My story is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the broken immigration system that affects countless immigrant healthcare workers. It is crucial to address these challenges and advocate for change. The United States relies on the contributions of immigrant doctors and healthcare professionals, especially during times of crisis.

9. The Importance of Immigrant Healthcare Workers

Immigrant healthcare workers are a vital part of the United States' healthcare industry. With over two million immigrants working in this sector, it is clear that they play a significant role in providing care to the nation. It is essential to recognize their contributions and grant them the respect and support they deserve.

10. Conclusion

After 13 years of navigating a complex immigration system, I can finally say that I am a permanent resident of the United States. My personal journey may have had a happy ending, but it is important to remember that this is not the case for all immigrant healthcare workers. As a society, we must work towards a more inclusive and efficient immigration system that values the dedication and expertise of these professionals.

Highlights 🌟

• My journey as an immigrant doctor in the United States.
• Volunteering on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The challenges of maintaining legal status as an immigrant doctor.
• The complexity of transitioning work visas.
• Applying for permanent residency as a doctor.
• The uncertainty and frustration of the immigration process.
• Advocating for change in the immigration system.
• The importance of immigrant healthcare workers.
• Reflections on the broken immigration system.
• The need for support and recognition of immigrant healthcare workers.

FAQ:

Q: How long did it take for you to receive your green card? A: After 13 years of living and working in the United States, I was finally approved for my green card on August 27, 2020.

Q: How did you cope with the uncertainty and frustration of the immigration process? A: The uncertainty and frustration of the immigration process were overwhelming at times. However, I found solace in the support of those around me and the outpouring of encouragement from the community. It kept me going and motivated me to advocate for change.

Q: What do you believe is the solution to fix the broken immigration system? A: The solution lies in reforming the immigration system to be more inclusive, efficient, and supportive of immigrant healthcare workers. It requires recognizing the contributions and expertise of these individuals and streamlining the process to provide them with the stability they need to continue serving their communities.

Resources:

• Columbia University Medical Center
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services