With all that is going on in the United States of America right now—open borders where millions have crossed, one often wonders WHY?!
When we came here, we got checked out thoroughly—checking if we had paid our Dutch taxes and we had to show our diplomas in person to a lawyer that came to our home. No copies!
We only had our B–1 Visa at that time...
You must never have been in any trouble by the law.
So, in November of 1983 going to the town hall in Duiven, Gelderland.
Yep, another trip across the Atlantic.
On to the municipality in Bergen and Arcen for a certificate of good conduct for Pieter's stay there. All this for the U.S. Consulate to get our Green Card... our first step towards United States Citizenship later in 1993.
Pieter's Certificate of good conduct over the years 1946 through April 12, 1955
Pieter's paper for immigration from Ministry of Defense
Pieter's Certificate of good conduct from Bergen in Limburg
Pieter's Certificate of good conduct from Arcen in Limburg
Pieter's Certificate of good conduct from Horst in Limburg
My Certificate of good conduct from Horst in Limburg
Letter of CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES for the appointment on April 24, 1984.
April 24, 1984 again back in The Netherlands.
Early rising at 5:00 AM and with the 5:50 AM train to Rotterdam, where we arrived at 8:30 AM at the American Consulate.
New building, opposite the eye hospital... (Where Pieter had his surgery for implant lens early July, 1982—reccommended by Dr. Tan Kok Kheng from Singapore. → see previous post at very top: Visiting Dr Tan Kok Kheng in Singapore. Who would have dreamed that?!
First to the GGD for X-rays. Waiting for the results. Taking the subway to some doctor for medical– and blood tests. At 1:00 PM with this result back to the Consulate. And ready at 4:30 PM after questions; fingerprints and taking the oath that we had filled in the truth. Our long day got rewarded with a heavy, sealed parcel for our permanent visa for the sum of F 800.00 (Florin = Dutch Guilder)
Pieter's x–rays
That is me...
LOTS OF DOCUMENTS and we had to pay a total of F 800 and as you can see here US $ 100 was equivalent to F 310 so it was US $ 258 for April 24 of 1984
Pieter's finger prints...
FBI = FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Yes, like a criminal we got thoroughly checked out!
We are very, very proud to have citizens like you join the American family. We're thrilled to know you through blogging too.
ReplyDeleteDearest Terry,
DeleteThank you and we felt oh so proud with our new title of American Citizen!
Hugs,
Mariette
It’s a shame how it is now. Seems like a slap in the face to those who came here legally.
ReplyDeleteDearest Debby,
DeleteYes it is and so unjustified in relation to all of us that did it the legal and costly way. It was worth it for us but look now...
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Yes, we who follow the rules are subjected to lots of red tape and expense, but then our positions were not exactly the same as those "over the border" people. When I applied for my Taiwan Residence Card (the same as the Green Card), I had to get the same range of documents that you display. I also had to go alone to numberless Taiwan government bureaus to get this seal or that document, and not one of them spoke a word of English. At the same time I had to set up a Taiwan corporation (more forms, rules and red tape!) so that I could employ myself and issue a work certificate, as you cannot simply enter another county without a job.
ReplyDeleteI am still proud of being an American (and an Ohioan!), and also have had a fascinating life and lots of fun and interesting experiences in Taiwan.
.
By the way, for those fingerprints did Pieter use a stamp pad, or the ink-cap mushroom?
--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteSo true for us that follow the rules there is a lot of red tape. We had to leave the country for obtaining our Buku Biru for our work in Indonesia. We went to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore for that. Once obtained, those became valuable possessions.
No, we were not given any option but the stamp pad 🤗
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes, I too went through a lot of hoops and red tape to get my green card....what if I would now cross as others are doing?? It just seems so unfair to all of us who did it the correct and legal way.
ReplyDeleteInteresting all those papers from both countries. At least I didn't have to show x rays, LOL! Just my marriage certificate after we got married, and a lot of money to boot; since I came here with a marriage visa, had to get married within 3 months of coming across.
Fun post!
Dearest Ingrid,
DeleteOh, you also came close to that time frame, under President Reagan, just as we did.
It is a farce when looking at those entering now, receiving a cellphone, a plane ticket and a prepaid debit card, even ending up in posh hotels that we never could afford...
Strange about you not needing x–rays, so they trusted your husband for having done all the checking for them!
Hugs,
Mariette
This post is fascinating! I had no idea the requirements for entering America, becoming a citizen were so stringent back then. How our world has changed. Changed forever. Thank you so much for the 'reality check.' Love, Helen
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteYes, under our great President Ronald Reagan there were good rules—even saying so for being on the other end. We felt safe and protected once inside the USA and it was worth it.
A costly reality check indeed as we are all paying dearly for Biden's stupid laws—be it in taxes or the loss of lives.
Hugs,
Mariette
You both had so much to prove to become citizens. Some might have given up from the head ache of it all. I am glad to know you through the blog and you live in this great country.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lynn and Precious,
DeleteOh, we have heard horror stories where one half of a couple had to stay behind for years... It was tough. Well, this 'once' great country you mean!
Hugs,
Mariette
Right as rain, Mariette. Once.
DeleteSadly so...
DeleteI recall all I went through to get here/stay here in 1962. I started at the American Embassy in London - a full day appt. with medical exams including chest x-rays which I believe was centered on looking for TB which of course I didn't have. The one-on-one interviews were lengthy, so many questions, and I was only 18 years old then. Most memorable question - "are you applying for entry to the US to work in prostitution". What a laugh I've always had about that one! They probably asked if I was planning to be a drug runner too! Anyway I did get the required paperwork and arrived in Washington D.C. where I immediately got my Green Card to work, and I planned to stay for one year. Here I am almost 62 years later, still here as I married an American, and of course went through all the other paraphernalia to become an American citizen back in the in the '90's. My main problem revolves around fingerprints - I don't have clear ones and have jumped through many hoops with the government requirement for prints over the years!
ReplyDeleteThe atrocious situation at the border is horrific and most frightening for the future of this country.
I fear for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren . . . . . . .and Bob and I are truly relieved knowing that at our age we will not be here to live through what's definitely ahead for America and the entire world! We had the best of times I believe. . . . especially our childhoods, mine in England following WWII, Bob's in New England, and great younger years which were so different from today's society.
You and Pieter are amazing to have all that paperwork still - mine must have been binned over the years during moves etc.
Happy day dears, we just have to make the best of each one don't we!
Dearest Mary,
DeleteYou sure came here very early and as you mentioned, those one–on–one interviews were heavy as you had to think and be ready to answer. We all laughed as there was one woman in the waiting room that could not provide an address where she was going. When asked if she had a job—yes, I work at night... Lots of people were laughing! Yes, like Bob, Pieter always mentions that it will no longer affect us but the next generation(s). Scary indeed.
Both of us, having been writers and also very keen on saving important documents, do have all this at hand. It is good for having a look back at it in comparison to the indeed atrocious situation at the border and all the crime related to that.
Hugs,
Mariette
Having worked international students and scholars for 25 years, I am very familiar with all the visa requirements THEN. Like you two everyone coming in was coming for a better life and education. NOW it is a free for all those coming in illegally . Quite unfair for all who did things the proper way.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteYou also understand quite well how things were under the law back then. It is so unfair to so many of us.
Hugs,
Mariette
Interesting to hear about your journey to becoming American citizens. The amount of paperwork and scrutiny you went through highlights the dedication and commitment it takes to immigrate legally. It's unfortunate to see how the situation has changed over the years, with illegal immigration becoming a pressing issue. Your story serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the legal immigration process.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings, Mariette
Dearest Veronica,
DeleteWell, this was only for getting the green card and only after five years you could apply for Citizenship.
Yes, things have changed over the years and the rule and law seems to be no longer valid...
Hugs,
Mariette
Nothing but respect and appreciation for immigrants like you all who came into this country the right way, Mariette. What's happening today is an atrocity. Praying the border will finally be closed.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeleteThank you and it hurts to see where we all have ended with changed rules!
So sad to see crimes here in our own state and all over the country that should have been prevented.
Hugs,
Mariette
Best wel veel administratie Mariette, maar jullie wonen er fijn.
ReplyDeleteInterresant om eens te zien en te lezen.
Lieve groet,
Hilly
Beste Hilly,
DeleteDit gaat om iets meer dan 'administratie' hoor. Twee vluchten naar Nederland en een flink bedrag en we werden grondig gescreend. Pas na vijf jaar met green card konden we onze Amerikaanse Nationaliteit aanvragen...
Liefs,
Mariette
Wow!
ReplyDeleteDearest Eastside Cats,
DeleteIndeed—a big WOW!
Hugs,
Mariette
They really made you jump through hoops to get that Green Card but at least you did it the right way but I am sure at times it must have been a right headache
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteOh, what a times, you almost had to be a lawyer with all the documents needed.
But we persevered!
Hugs,
Mariette
Parece que ahora entra cualquiera y sin ningún requisito.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Querida Antónia,
DeleteSí, tristemente esa es la verdad y todas las personas equivocadas entran con esa nueva regla...
Abrazos,
Mariette
Olá, Mariette, se todos os imigrantes agirem como
ReplyDeletevocê e o Pieter agiram, a imigração não sofreria nenhum impacto.
Claro que todo o estrangeiro deve obediência às leis do país para
o qual emigram. Vocês dois são o bom exemplo disso.
Votos de uma ótima semana para o distinto casal
Abraços.
Prezado Pedro,
DeleteSim, fizemos da forma legal e seguimos a lei. Também não tínhamos nada a esconder.
Abraços,
Mariette
Have a nice day Mariete.
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteThank you and wishing you as well a special leap day!
Hugs,
Mariette
The United States is blessed to have you as citizens. ~hugs~ I was sorry to read that your awful accident took such a long recovery time. Best wishes on your good health, my dear.
ReplyDelete- Darla Sands
https://darlamsands.blogspot.com
Dearest Darla,
DeleteThank you and we always have felt proud of our title as American Citizen!
May the good times return for our nation.
Thanks for your best wishes—I'm fighting and moving on.
Hugs,
Mariette
Tudo já escreveram por aqui, nos comentários,
ReplyDeletee o que me deixa feliz, é ver que vocês estão muito felizes,
sempre em sintonia, apesar do que aconteceu com sua saúde,
deram a volta por cima e estão, aos poucos, recuperando a saúde,
e com ela, ficarão muito bem!
Um abraço ao simpático casal!
Prezada Taís,
DeleteObrigado por suas palavras e sempre tentamos fazer o nosso melhor, em qualquer circunstância.
Abraços,
Mariette
Boy times have changed, haven't they? And not for the better. And just a thought, Dear Mariette: Please be careful what you post on the internet. With identity theft being such a big problem, you never know who is looking at your information.
ReplyDeleteDear Peter,
DeleteTimes since President Ronald Reagan definitely have changed!
Don't think there will ever be another person able to fill Pieter's shoes.
We have been open and straightforward all our lives.
Hugs,
Mariette
I had no idea millions of people were now entering America illegally. It used to be very difficult - my daughter wanted to go to the US and work about 25 years ago but was refused a green card, for no particular reason we could see. To become a Canadian she also had to go through all the paperwork as you did, and only finished the process a couple of years ago. It was quite expensive too. Illegal immigrants are a big problem, one that Australia is constantly trying to combat also. Times have certainly changed and one does wonder about the future for our grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteDearest Patricia,
DeleteSo sorry for your daughter, as many we've heard that encountered problems wanting to come to the USA. It is a slap in the face of all that came to their adopted country—the legal way without any help.
Indeed, what furture for the next generation(s)...
Hugs,
Mariette
I never dreamed that immigrants to the US are required to submit fingerprints. It's so strict.
ReplyDeleteHappy March!
Dearest RTC,
DeleteGuess it is more of a 'were' required...
Hugs,
Mariette
You did things the right way, even though it wasn't easy. What's going on today is a travesty.
ReplyDeleteDearest Melissa,
DeleteNo it was by far not easy.
Yes, it is a travesty what is going on the last couple of years!
Hugs,
Mariette
You certainly have meticulous and copious records. You are the farthest from a criminal I can imagine. All the best.
ReplyDeleteDearest Wendy, Dani and Angels,
DeleteThank you, we always have been able to present our case.
Trying to do our very best as a good citizen!
Hugs,
Mariette
It's lucky you are such well-organised people. It seems so unfair what is happening nowadays.
ReplyDeleteDearest J-Cats,
DeleteYes, we both are well–organized but still the other side seems to have the upper hand...
Hugs,
Mariette
La inmigración en el mundo es un problema grave que se debía de legislar a nivel internacional y con el visto bueno de la ONU, y aunque cada país es soberano, en muchas fronteras se violan a veces los derechos humanos, como el caso que brevemente te voy a referir: Un tío mio, que vive en la costa de Andalucía, y tiene su propio barco, por lo que por el sol de esta tierra es moreno de piel, llegó al aeropuerto de Nueva Yor, donde hizo escala ya que se dirigía a Chicago, haciendo turismo, fue separado del resto de los pasajero y retenido ilegalmente en una habitación durante cuatro horas y medias, donde le interrogaron por tres veces diferentes policías, en un principio le insistían de lo que quería era trabajar allí; después de mostrar su documentación legal, la reserva del hotel y de que llevaba dinero y tarjetas suficientes como para cubrir sus gastos, un segundo grupo de policías le esposó las manos y le insistían que el no era él el de la documentación. Bueno, para abreviar, después de retenerlo durante el tiempo que te he dicho, lo soltaron y le dijeron que lo habían confundido con una persona de un cartel de la droga, pero nadie se disculpó por el error, y por haber violado la presunción de inocencia maniatándolo.
ReplyDeleteTermino... perdió su avión a Chicago y le ofrecieron reubicarlo en otro vuelo, pero les dijo que no quería entrar en ese país, donde por ser de piel morena, en la frontera lo habían tratado tan mal, además les dijo: ¿que le podría pasar si por las calles lo vuelven a confudir y da con uno de esos policía, de gatillo rápido, que disparan sin miramiento y que a veces sin motivos justificados utiliza la violencia, sobre todo a personas de color de piel negra o morena... Como así lo dijo, así lo hizo, y se volvió a España.
Perdona que me haya extendido, Mariette, pero no me lo he podido callar, y me alegro por ustedes de que hayáis conseguido esa nacionalidad tan deseada, a pesar de tanta burro-cracia.
Y vuelvo a pedir disculpas, por lo largo del comentario.
Un abrazo.
Querido Manuel,
DeleteBueno, ingresar a los EE. UU. a través de Nueva York puede ser muy complicado. Al igual que nos cuentas sobre el destino de tu tío, viajábamos con nuestra hija adoptiva sorda de Indonesia y entramos en Nueva York. ¡También nos trataron como criminales! Varias horas de preguntas que destrozan los nervios, etc.
Afortunadamente, esta es una excepción de algunas de las malas ciudades y el manejo erróneo de algunos individuos.
No debemos basar nuestro juicio en eso. ¡Hemos hecho más entradas que la mayoría de la gente y nunca más nos hemos encontrado con ningún problema!
Por cierto, Manuel, no fue la policía la que detuvo a tu tío, sino la aduana, una gran diferencia.
Abrazos,
Mariette
I believe in organizing a country. And this only happens if everyone who enters is for good. I think you entered in the most correct way and that all rigor should be maintained for everyone who wants to live in the USA.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Dearest Cristina,
DeleteYes, each country of course is entitled to rules and they have to be respected.
We at least tried to do it the legal and correct way.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello, my dear friend. I respect and appreciate all the work you did to come here. I am also so frustrated with what is happening here in our country. My son-in-law Nicolas is currently in the lengthy process himself as he is Danish. It is absolutely insane what he has to do when all those others do nothing. In any case, I am so happy to know you, and am glad you are here!
ReplyDeleteDearest Billie Jo,
DeleteThank you and we sure feel for your son–in–law Nicolas. There is so much injustice!
Hugs,
Mariette
ReplyDeletemy comment is not post related and I didn’t want to delay in expressing my
thanks so I would like to say here,
thank you for your kindness to me and my family
and for stopping by to say good bye, as I left to start my
tenth life in heaven , with lovez from dai$y 🌸💖
Dearest Human Parents of Dai$y,
DeleteSuch a sweet kitty girl of 'almost' 21 years will never be forgotten!
They all live on inside our hearts and we have their images...
Hugs,
Mariette + Kitties
BEST blog EVER my friend!!! And the best illustration of how it was. Now look what we have come to!!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Carole,
DeleteOh, it is so hard to watch what is going on and when compared to our entrance, under President Reagan, it is a crime—nothing else. So many victims from all the scum they let enter into our 'once' great nation!
Hugs,
Pieter & Mariette
Olá, Mariette, estou passando por aqui para desejar a você e ao Pieter
ReplyDeleteuma ótima continuação de semana e agradecer sua prestigiosa visita e
comentário.
Um abraço ao distinto casal.
Prezado Pedro,
DeleteVocê é muito bem-vindo e foi um prazer comentar o seu post!
Desejando-lhe tudo de melhor e abraços,
Mariette
I know what you are talking about, to come here legally should be the only way to do it. I have been cheering on my friend to come to the USA legally from Asia, she had to prove so many things including good health, job skills, birth certificate, ability to speak English, no criminal background. And now she is here legally. We are letting in all sorts of criminals now, it is a big dangerous mess.
ReplyDeleteDearest Terra,
DeleteYes, it is very sad to witness a friend or relative struggling with their immigration to the USA. We both have heard horror stories where only one half of a couple could enter—and that for years.
Indeed, look at the mess they created now and all the crime related to it... May God help us all!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette, I am happy that you are here in the US and an official citizen. It's amazing how much paperwork needs to be filled out for so many things but not for others. xo Brenda
ReplyDeleteDearest Brenda,
DeleteYes, we still are happy to be living here but also worried about the future of this 'once' great nation.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hola, Mariette.
ReplyDeletePasaba para ver si había alguna publicación nueva, y como ya he comentado aprovecho para enviarte un cordial saludo.
Querido Manuel,
DeleteTodavía no se ha publicado nada nuevo, está en ciernes.
Gracias por sus amables saludos y abrazos,
Mariette
I know exactly the process you are sharing - excruciating, expensive, all kinds of regulations, fees, and visits to the INS building, dealing with lawyers - indeed in the process you are treated as a criminal and have to prove that you are not. It is so awful to see what is happening to our country today, with that vetting process being completely eliminated for certain people. Makes no sense. But, I am thankful - like you - that I have my citizenship in this great country :) Blessings to you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteDearest Marilyn,
DeleteYes, you certainly have lived this, even if it was several decades later.
It absolutely makes no sense other than for some so–called leaders, to import votes!
May we be able to turn this country around, with the help of God.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette, it's great that you point out the documents that made it possible for you to come to the USA and work there... the fact that you later gained citizenship was perhaps not fully planned at that point and certainly brought with it more hurdles.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this shows that nothing was handed to you in this regard... you fought for it... you stuck with it to achieve what you set out to do. This trains appreciation... appreciation for a country, appreciation for property... for people... for nature. Doing something for a cause.
Thank you, it was important for me to put it in the right perspective.
All the best to you.
Dearest Viola,
DeleteYes, it was a difficult road for obtaining our Green Card and we did it all the legal way.
Only after five years living in the USA you then can apply for Citizenship after proving you paid your taxes over all those years and after you studied a lot about the 3 branches of government so you are prepared to answer the 100 random questions.
It sure feels great once all is behind you.
But look at all those millions that now have come in to our country since January 2020—without any background check...
Hugs,
Mariette
...Oh, ich hätte deutsch schreiben sollen - aber ich hoffe es ist korrekt formuliert.
ReplyDeleteLiebste Grüsse. Eine Umarmung für Euch.
Liebe Viola,
DeleteOh, macht nichts und du hast es sehr gut formuliert—Kompliment.
Liebe Grüße,
Mariette
Maar waarom dan zo?
ReplyDeleteBeste Aritha,
DeleteWaarom dan zo? Omdat wij beiden het volgens de wet deden en ten tijde van President Reagan was het ook nog erg stipt.
Nu met de onwettige 'president' in het Witte Huis, zijn gewoon àlle grenzen open en dit puur om stemmen te winnen voor nog meer macht en alles ten koste van de eigen bevolking en belastingbetalers. Net zoals in Nederland!
Liefs,
Mariette