7/ Until we fix it, the U.S. will continue to lose out on incredible talent and contributions from people who just want to a good build life here.

6/ This is our story, but it’s not unique. Millions of immigrants face similar challenges every day. The system isn’t just slow—it’s dehumanizing, and desperately in need of reform.

5/ So, to those who haven’t been through this process, please think twice before passing judgment or offering simplistic opinions about how people should "just come legally." It’s not that simple.

4/ My husband had to turn down incredible job opportunit ies, including a great offer at Google, because his then-employer was sponsoring our green card. We weren’t just "waiting our turn"—we were stuck in limbo, making impossible choices while trying to build a life here.

3/The toll wasn’t just bureaucratic—it was deeply personal. The mental and physical stress was exhausting. And the system forced us to make sacrifices that sting even today.

2/ It took us a decade to get our citizenship. Ten years of waiting, navigating red tape, and living in uncertainty—all while paying taxes and contributing to the U.S. economy like any other citizen.

Definitely not very important but thank you for your kind words! More important are our @migrationtechmonitor.com fellows like @waelqarssifi.bsky.social @vmreports.bsky.social and our colleagues-on-the-move!

Just launched our THIRD fellowship program too www.migrationtechmonitor.com/aboutmtmfell...