Came to the States under F-1 student visa mid-90's. After a B.S. degree started to work under Optional Practical Training (valid for a year). 9/11 hit hard, wasn't sure if I was going to be able to stay in the country. Found a generous group of people (my old professors/teachers) who vouched for me, managed to get an H-1B specialty occupation visa (3 years, extendable to 6 years; while under one, you are tied to the company/institution sponsoring you).
The job dried up, things were getting desperate once again since prospective employers in a drying market didn't want to hear my immigration legalese speak. Got lucky again, a university out of nowhere was willing to help once again with an H-1B. After three years it became time to renew, Congress had changed the H-1B quotas (again), so wasn't sure I'd make the cut. Plan B was to try Canada as the job market for my field was completely out of question back "home" due to licensing etc requirements. Was able to get the extension, immediately started applying for permanent residency though the path to green card was anything but guaranteed at this point. Luckily, wife (also a foreigner/immigrant) was able to score an expedited green card due to her Masters degree. Finally, last summer we both became citizens, just in time for the vote. 20 years in the country, and last year was the first time we felt maybe we really belong in this country, we've certainly worked hard to make it so. And this past weekend all that immigrant anxiety washed over us once more, deadlines, the uncertainty, the stress. And for what, we were both on this side of the "wall"? Because, both my wife and I immediately recognized either one of us could be one of these human beings left in limbo, but we're not, because the color of our skin and our (lack of) religion. I question my citizenship, the country we fought so hard to be part of. I know things will be ok for us. But I can't help but see myself in an office at JFK/LAX/ORD wondering what happens next. I don't think that anxiety will leave as long as this administration is in office. Peace. Resist.