By Olga Thistleton

Immigration is generally portrayed as a faceless labor movement by the state agencies. It is a well known fact that cheap labor is good for the state and that illegal immigrants accept jobs which Americans would never take up. However, often the pursuit of the American dream turns out to be a bitter and upsetting experience, a process that feeds the ever growing number of immigration lawyers, medical examiners and business owners benefiting from employing practically silent and defenseless illegal immigrants, especially in construction and food industries. As of 2006, the United States accepts more legal immigrants as permanent residents than any other country in the world. In 2006, the number of immigrants totaled 37.5 million. But is the Unites States of America prepared for these immigrants? Do immigrants feel at home here? What does one need to become a permanent resident or gain citizenship?

One needs money, a lot of patience ...