View Full Version : Scotsman for LAPD?
Hello to everyone on the board. I have a few questions about joining the LAPD that I hope some of you can answer.
My situation is quite unique. I am studying at university in Aberdeen, Scotland. When I graduate I hope to emmigrate to the U.S and join the LAPD. The thing is I am not sure if this is a realistic option; I have been a British citizen all my life and I'm not sure how long I'd have to live in the U.S to be eligible to apply.
Anyway thats my ambition. I was in cali for a year and loved being there, there's nowhere else I want to live. And becoming a cop over here is nigh on impossible because most forces are so small.
Yes, perhaps this is unlikely to happen, but LO is the only career I'm interested in so I need to know.
Another question; I am both left handed and left eye dominant, are officers allowed to use their firearms with their left hand? Do they issue weapons designed for left handed users?
Sorry for such a long post, but it would be great if some of you could answer my questions.
Thanks
Don
TTRAIN222
08-09-2001, 17:31
Hello Don,
I hope to someday work in the LAPD as well, I live on the east coast. I am writing about your questions because I have been close to a family from Brazil who became permenant U.S. residents last year. It took them 6 years and a lot of money to do this, going through immigration is a long process, especially for people who are from the poorer countries. But it will probably be different for you because you are from Britian which is not as poor a country like Brazil. It sounds like you have already had a travelling visa to go to Cali for a year. I think you should contact the immigration office in your country and ask them about applying for a working visa to the U.S. and ask them what you should expect, how long you have to wait, etc. I know that having your college degree will only help your process with immigration here. It is almost like you have to sell yourself so they think that you are going to be an asset for the U.S. (hey then you'll already have practice for when your testing with the LAPD). This is something that I got off of LAPD's website:
The City of Los Angeles requires that a Police Officer candidate be a United States citizen, or that a non-citizen be a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is eligible and has applied for citizenship. During the selection processs, each non-citizen will be required to prove that his/her application for citizenship was accepted by INS prior to the date of application for employment.
California State law requires that citizenship be granted within three years after the employment application date. For information regarding citizenship requirements, please contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the Federal Government.
I really don't think anyone can tell you exactly how long it will take to get your greencard (permanent resident alien status), but the day you get it is the day you can apply for citizenship and apply to the LAPD. One thing, if this is really want you want the only person that can stop you is yourself, don't let the long immigration process or anyone else discourage you. Go for it! Hope all goes well for you, maybe I'll see you in L.A. 5-10 years from now.
Hope this helps,
Steve
LA`s Finest
08-10-2001, 03:37
Hey Don
I am in the same boat as you. I am from germany and and it is my dream to become a LAPD police officer as well. The best/or easiest way to immigrate in the US is the Green Card lottery, there are some ways but they seme to be impossible for "normal" people.
If you win the greencard (belive me, thats not easy), you are eligible to apply for citizenship within 3 or 5 years ( i am not absolutely sure).
But there is 1 probleme for the United kingdom, they are excluded from the Lottery becuase there are to much immigrants each year from the UK.
You`d better check the US embassy page. There you can find all the requirements.
I mean I dont want to throw spanner in the works but these are the facts.
But I am sure there are some other ways to enter the US !
I am searching for them too!! ;-)
Best regards
Steven
I really don't think anyone can tell you exactly how long it will take to get your greencard (permanent resident alien status), but the day you get it is the day you can apply for citizenship and apply to the LAPD.
This is something you may wish to check on, because I believe you may need to have been a permanent resident for 5 years before you are eligible to APPLY for citizenship...I'm not quite sure how the policy is actually worded, however, so you should check it out.
Most people who attain permanent residence status do so via the sponsorship of a family member who is either a citizen or LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) themselves, so even if you can show that you have a skill/want a job which is in demand in the U.S. and get some type of work visa (and a sponsor), there's no guarantee that you can become a permanent resident.
Someone with a work visa or visitor of any other type is considered a non-immigrant, and their permit is a non-immigrant visa. Someone coming to permanently live in the U.S. would obtain an IMMIGRANT visa, which are obtained in the country of origin via the U.S. Consulate/State Dept. and are much harder to get (but is basically a guarantee of permanent residence - that is the reason they are coming).
Incidentally, yearly quotas for immigrants are set by the U.S. State Department, and immigrant visas are given to each country according to population and needs of the U.S. (for job and ethnic diversity, as well as for various diplomatic reasons, etc.). Because of this, and because the ecoomy in Scotland is fairly good with respect to the rest of the world, there are probably not as many Scots applying for IV's and they may be easier to get. Conversely, IV's from Brazil are harder to get because there are many people there who want to come to the U.S. The U.S. does not accept/decline people based on the individual's economic status - that is merely a factor which dictates how fast the quota from that country gets filled up. Of course, this is only the handing ou of IV's. The U.S. DEFINITELY does not adjust an immigrant's status while in the U.S. (from a visa holder to permanent resident) based on economic status.
Also, I would be very careful about visits to the U.S. and overstays. If you have ever overstayed a visit/visa or abused the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (basically a program for countries whose citizens are not likely to stay illegally, so they don't need a visa and can visit for up to 90 days - i.e. most Eurpoean countries), INS will look petty harshly on that. Also, if you have ever worked in the U.S. under a visitor's visa, you can pretty much bet you'll have a much tougher time.
I'm not trying tpo pour water on anyone's fire, but being realistic. My advice - if you're really serious - is to get an immigration attorney.
k
RoscoeRuhl
08-10-2001, 05:25
D.B.,
I'm certainly no subject matter expert on citizenship requirements and don't profess to be! I've seen where most people have said it takes about 5 years. If you're lawfully admitted to the US, you have the ability to be employed. As far as law enforcement employment is concerned, it depends on the agency. Most require citizenship, but there may be exceptions based on the circumstances. Don't limit yourself to LAPD, there are plenty of other organizations available and of course, another 49 states and territories to chose from! To limit yourself to just one is giving yourself the same potential as you have in your own country!
Have a great day!
Actually, you need to have been lawfully admitted AND have a non-immigrant visa which permits employment. If you come to the U.S. as a tourist/visitor and you go to work in ANY occupation for pay, you will have violated your status and become a deportable alien. Be careful.
Roscoe's right - you need to look beyond the LAPD, because I'm sure there are agencies out there who may wish to sponsor a foreign officer, for the diversity of their own department, language needs (well, not Scottish, I guess - though I can hardly understand y'all :) ) etc.
k
BBradley
08-10-2001, 08:20
Don, actually your situation is not unique at all, there are dozens of questions on this subject on this web site from officers all over the world. There are two ways to get a LE job in the US. You must either be a citizen or have permanent residency. The fastest and easiest way to get citizenship is through marriage, and that takes three years. The only way to qualify for permanent residency is to prove that you can do the job, and that there are no US workers available. This is extremely difficult to prove in the field of law enforcement, as there are always US applicants to be found.
The vast majority of US LE depts require citizenship. Even if the dept waives it, the vast majority of academies require citizenship, and the vast majority of state POST Boards require it too. So if you wish to work in the US, you must find a dept which is willing to accept an application from you, and ultimately to sponsor you. This dept must be in a state where neither the POST or the academy requires citizenship.
You must then travel to the US (possibly several times) to test, then be offered a job. You must then apply for Permanent Residency, prove that no US worker can do the job, then be granted labor certification by the Dept of Labor and then permanent residency by the INS. This process which can take over three years and requires an attorney. If this actually works, you must then go through an Academy and start at the bottom of the pile, as no POST Boards in any state accept international training. These are the reasons why there are so few international officers working as cops in the States.
My advice would be to join a local Scottish dept, at least then you will have LE experience. I am afraid that a dept like LAPD is generally very hesitant to take recruits who are not of a LE officer/military background. What most posters do not realise is that LAPD take only a tiny fraction of applicants, and their standards are among the highest in the US. If LAPD are turning away US citizens, what are your realistic chances of being hired if you are a non-citizen, non-resident of CA, with no LE/military experience? As for your other questions, all depts cater for left hand shooters as OSHA requires this, and instructors would train you how to shoot even if you are left eye dominant.
This will be very long, still worth to read if you are a potential immigrant with PD dreams. I am also in the exact same boat and I am only posting this because I think I do have an extensive knowledge about immigration into the USA. Our company immigration lawyer who already have charged my company for more than $10000 in 2 years could not tell me 1 new thing so far other than sending the check but that is another story...
First of all the information is there in the INS page. Everything is there. That is the only page anyone ever really needs. It does take some search because some info is really hidden but it is worth to be well informed about your future in order to be able to make correct plans and decisions.
Now lets get into the middle of it:
There are a couple of ways to get into this country. I will go over each of them.
1. As a tourist
2. As a student
3. As a foreign worker
4. Visa Lottery
5. Relatives (close)
6. Marriage
7. Illegally. But we don’t want this right?
In case you don’t have relatives and you also do not have a 4-year degree, furthermore you do not have the money for a US college even further your country is excluded from the lotto than your only option is marriage. That is it. NADA else. Forget it. In order to get married you have to come here (or find someone in GB which is not that easy). But you can only come as a tourist. When you arrive you can’t say to the INS guy in Miami that you came here as a tourist for 2 weeks but it would be cool to marry a US babe because you actually want to stay here. He will kick you out for 5 years in a heartbeat. So you will have to lie. But by law you don’t really lie because you can change intentions while here. This is legal. So you just change your mind. This happens and is legal. So as a tourist you can stay here a max. of 1 year with extension. Through this time you have to support yourself legally and find a babe. Not easy. Perhaps you can get a job illegally but than you are a subject of deportation and that is not a good start if you want to get into LE. And if they catch you, you are out for 10 years!!! Finding a babe for money is another very illegal thing for which they can throw you out forever. So keep this in mind when thinking about the marriage way. Don’t get into a fake marriage no way!!!!!!!!
BUT if you succeed with it and find a great chick than yes, this is by far the fastest way to get to the point where you can apply for citizenship and start out as a LEO. It will take you from 3-4 years altogether.
Another way is coming here as a student. For this you will have to have the funds for the education. If you have it you will be granted a student visa. With that you can work part-time after a year than if you get the right education (in 4 years) than a US company will pick you up (I suggest computer programming which will also help you getting a LEO job I believe) and sponsor you. This process takes about 14 years. Sad but that is it if you don’t have a degree already and you have to get through college. Watch out one thing. Some student visa will require you to leave for a couple of years after you are finished with college. You don’t want those.
If you have a degree like me (4 years at least) than you can start searching for a company from home, which will hire you and sponsor a work visa. I am doing this and it took me a year to find the company (while I was here as a tourist... doh, actually a company found me luckily and that is legal LOL), not quite a year to get the H1-b visa, and it will take me 2.5 years here in FL to get the green card. (The length of the process also depends on you geographical location.). THEN another 5 years to become eligible to file for citizenship. This means a rough 10 years. I am 28 now came here at 26 and I will be able to get into LE by 35. Well not a great thing but that is it. No wonder I started to go for something else (aviation) for which you don’t need to be a citizen but a resident only. If you do not have any degree but you have a special work experience (3 years I think) (like nurse for example) and 12 years education than you can still try but takes even longer to get the green card. Depends where you are from. So again you are at 10-14 years depending on your education.
Visa lottery is another great way. You have a chance of 1:62-65 to get it. If you apply with your wife than it drops to 1:31-33 because only one of you have to get lucky both of you will get it. But you are excluded from this process. This process takes only 5.5-6 years max to become eligible to file for citizenship. Pretty fast and clean.
If you have your children or father or mother here that helps too. Far relatives will not help you a lot. I do not know this way because I have nobody here.
Finally the fact that you are British will not help you. As far as your origin goes, it does not matter if you come from England or from Romania. The only thing that matters is how many people came form your country already. INS will treat you the same. They try to keep a diverse immigrant population thus restricting the amount of people from one nation. That is why Chinese or Indian people have hard time going through immigration because so many of them tries to get in thus the quota is full for the next many years already. Whenever you apply for an immigrant visa you will get into a line, which is country specific.
There is one more way...if you are a celebrity or a millionaire or a great sportsman or you have a spare $500000-$1000000 to invest than yes you can come here. You are welcome.
What I SUGGEST for YOU and everyone else. Stay home and get a 4 year US degree at home. Get something that is either law enforcement like (but it will be hard to find a US equivalent in law enforcement) or even better get a computer degree. Programming. With that you will find a sponsor in 10 seconds. Guaranteed. So your way will be granted.
Once you are here and work already, it will take 2-3 years to get the card THEN join the service as a next step. PDs love army experience and being a US soldier alone is something that you can be proud of and I am sure it is an adventure. BUT the other great thing about it is that it lets you file for citizenship after 3 years of service. So you have spent 2 years less. Altogether 5 years and a bit and you are in. That is great. Plus the time you get your degree at home. :(
It will take you work and time, and patience. But if you are not too old than it is worth and doable.
If you have specific questions or you did not understand some of the mess above than message me or drop me an e-mail. I may be able to give you more info on the subject.
Sorry for this lengthy post but I though it will be useful for others to go into such a detail. By no means would I like to turn this forum into an 1-800-GO-USA free life and beer and the country of baseball forum...
Good luck.... you will need it...
Ohh yeah one more thing about which I am not yet sure. Perhaps others can help. Some agencies (Clolorado Springs PD and Hawaii PD) only listed that they require you to have a legal right to work in the USA. You get this with the green card sometimes even a few month sooner. Now if this is true than you are 3-5 years ahead because you do not have to wait to become eligible to file for citizenship. That is, if those departments want you.
But you can only come as a tourist. When you arrive you can’t say to the INS guy in Miami that you came here as a tourist for 2 weeks but it would be cool to marry a US babe because you actually want to stay here. He will kick you out for 5 years in a heartbeat. So you will have to lie. But by law you don’t really lie because you can change intentions while here. This is legal. So you just change your mind. This happens and is legal.
If someone really wants to become a US citizen, there are ways, some of which are mentioned above, and it IS a long and tedious road, HOWEVER:
Basically, what you're saying in what I've quoted here is: "don't tell them your true intentions, because they'll kick you out. The only way to get in is to lie. But don't do THAT, because it'd be illegal, so just pretend that you're a law-abiding tourist and THEN change your mind and look for a wife when you get there." (i.e. when it's convenient for you).
If you come seeking to marry a US Citizen - yes, you will be returned to your country of origin.
If you lie - yes, that's illegal
If you "tell yourself you're coming as a tourist" and then "change your mind" (???) - how stupid is that?
If you know you're coming to the U.S. with the ultimate goal of marrying a US citizen, then you're lying either way (if you're marrying a US citizen JUST to obtain citizenship, that's called marriage fraud, by the way, and INS deports aliens for that as well).
No matter what little semantic, bull%$@t "white lie" you TELL YOURSELF before you get on the plane, YOU still know the rtruth, so it's STILL a lie.
I am amazed on a daily basis by the high level of STUPID advice like this that people give, ESPECIALLY to other people who are seeking careers in law enforcement and who will one day be upholding the public trust, have integrity that is supposedly beyond reproach, etc.
I suppose that if you "pretend" that you are ignorant of something, you can "pretend" to be ignorant as long as it suits you, and then change your mind when it suits you as well, right?
By the way, that "INS guy" to whom you "pretended" you were a tourist - he is a LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER and you just LIED to him - however you manage to explain that to yourself (?) with this whole "mind changing" issue, try explaining it on a polygraph.
k
krellum,
It is not a stupid advice but it is the stupid law that allows it. All they would need to do, once you have signed that paper where you state that you do not have any intentions to immigrate, that they change the law and there would not be any way you can change your mind later without leaving USA first. That is all they would need to do. But no they don't do that. Wowow why leaving such a very obvious hole there??? Why giving the chance? What is the legitimacy of such a law that it so ineffective? Why? And you know what? I would not even do it again through this way since I have had another chance too which I did not realise at that time. Leaving this way open and easily accessible for some people only results in lies and illegal work and a lot of trouble, risk. All this would be avoidable.
On the other hand we are talking about this while X-million Mexican illegal immigrants will become legal in a second. No they did not lie to the INS guy because they never saw him since they just walked in here at night through the desert. So if I lied or not, well I don’t care a bit. Still I think of myself as a decent guy without trouble and if this was my biggest lie to achieve my dreams than I lied. Since than I paid taxes, did my part and will do and I had loved to do more by joining the service (that was my original dream but my history of asthma from the Hungarian service will prevent my forever)... what else? I have only one traffic ticket and planning to have a decent life with 2 kids, 2 cars 1 dog and ... ok no cat I hate cats.... Hmm. Sorry! Now jail me or throw me out of here.
As it is right now you have the right to change your mind. And that is a BS law that gives opportunity. Because if you happened to be born in a country where there is no way to have an OK life so that you pursue your dreams and you don't met any of the criteria I have mentioned (very hard to meet those btw) than there is no USA without a lie. I think of that lie as a small lie although you are right it was a lie.
BTW more important: I have not advised anyone to do this!!!!!!!!!!!! The tourist way is very painful and avoidable if you can get a 4 year degree. All I said is what is happening everyday to thousands of people. If you read my post than you had to see my advice was something very different.
And yes I do know that the INS is a LE agency. I hope by calling him a “INS guy” I did nut hurt anyone. If so than I am sorry it was not my intention.
Finally, I don't think I will have a problem with the poly cause that is only a mind game nothing else. If I got this far the poly wont beat me. (My accent will however :) Damn it!).
Have a great weekend.
TTRAIN222
08-10-2001, 15:27
Wow, I guess a lot of people gave a lot of info on this subject!
Something that I forgot to mention that I would agree with other people on is that the process of becoming an immigrant to a permanent U.S. resident is going to cost a lot of money. The famly from Brazil that I spoke of before had to pay around $70,000. Between the INS fees and immigration lawyers it is a very expensive process. Coming into this country the legal way is a long hard road, but it is not impossible. I am in no way prejudice, but I think that those who come into the country illegally, no matter what the circumstance, are totally wrong and they also make the road longer, harder, and more expensive for those attempting do everything legally:mad:. But if everyone did everything legally I guess no one would need any of us!:acop:
-Steve
I have to say that I agree with Krellum on this. I would not be taking the advice of zsolez, as there are many inaccuracies and mistakes in the info that he has posted. Anyone who is serious about the process should see an immigration attorney. TTrain222 said it the best, it is a long and expensive process.
skippy and others,
I really have no intention to argue here or to be cocky whatsoever. I came to this forum to learn about 1st hand experience of LEOs since this job and those who are in it have always attracted my attention. Sometimes I feel that I am mentally disturbed because all I watch on TV is Cops, AMW, Court TV, FBI files, Forensic Files, New Detectives etc... are there any more?
But I just can’t pass by your comment. I apologize for it in advance but please! Point out 2 mistakes in my post. I am pretty sure the numbers and the ways mentioned are true and correct.
And if you do not suggest my way (Btw do you know what was my suggestion? I understand it was a lengthy post and you may have not read through it.) than what is your way? That above is/was what an immigration lawyer will tell to you for $400/hour. Mine is supposed to be Boca Raton's best lawyers Mr. M. W. are his initials if it clicks for anyone. The best part about him is that for the first 3 times I have seen him he always introduced himself. Hmmmm... great guy... once sent me to Mexico to a US embassy and we almost did not come back. The only positive I can say about him is that I don't have to pay his checks. Thanks God. So much about him... but I have my info backed by him but I already knew all that before I first saw him.
Believe me I know the process. (However I did not knew everything when I came here. Most research I have done while already being here... kind of late...)
So the years in the previous post are the EXACT averages. And the best way is above as well. Not the tourist way. No. Also not the marriage way because that is another illegal thing. Or how do we explain that:
"I came to the USA to find my choice for the life. I had to come here because she has to be a US citizen."
ohhhh... boy that is just the same thing as my example at the airport with the INS officer...
Let’s go further a bit…
You can't really tell or show intentions here in most cases. Even if you are getting sponsored but you would like to work here in the US before actually getting the green card. YOU CANNOT STATE that after you get your H1-B you want to immigrate. IF YOU DO than you MAY have to leave and wait it out at home. But it is absolutely normal and every INS officers know that 99% of the H1-b holders will become immigrants in 2-3 years. Now this is a very legal way of becoming a citizen. What is wrong with it? Did you lie again? Well did they force you to do so? YES. Because INS can reject your re-entry into the US without any further explanation. He has the right for that. That is, until you do not have a green card. This is why I am not able to leave the country until I don't have my card. Because lawyer papa told me that you may not going to come back once they feel you want to immigrate but everyone knows at INS that all H1-b's are going to immigrate.
Be honest. I am confused now. Am I such a dishonest person? Are all those 100000s too? That would be a little too excessive I think. But one thing is sure. INS will always ask you this when you enter:
“Do you have any intentions to immigrate into the USA?”
No matter if you are on a business trip or if you come to look for your US marriage, or if you come to get your H1-b. If you say yes than good bye. And good bye for 5 years at least.
Sure you can wait it out at home too but consular processing takes even longer. And in some cases there is no way you will get a job offer while at home. If you are a teacher and you teach Hungarian history who wants to hire you? No one. Your only chance is to send in the lotto but … come on 1:64… you should be able to do better than that. That is not a chance you can base your life on.
Back to the many years I have mentioned. Believe me it was a tragedy when I had to face those numbers and the fact that I could forget about joining the service. But sooner or later you have to face these facts if you decide to immigrate here. And chances are sooner or later you will have to hide your intentions. At least in 75% of the cases. But this is how the system works. And it works. I did not design it. I am just in it.
Yes I can immagine that if you were born in this great country it is easy to say that “you lied to the INS officer. Why don’t you stay another 3 years at home so you don’t have to lie?" It is not easy to stay there for another 3 years if it already will take 10. I don’t think I will live until 100.
Finally about: "talk to an US immigration attorney..." Yes I agree. Do that. You will feel like crap after tha. All your nightmares will become true but you will be restless until a professional will read the INS page for you for a little change. Perhaps. So go and see one.
But where? In Hungary? In Britain? In Russia? There aren't any. NADA. It doesn’t really pay well to be a US immigration lawyer in Hungary LOL… how knows you may find one in GB… doubt it but who knows… My advice is:
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/
here you find everything FOR FREE. It is the best page about immigration. Great job whoever did that.
Or did you mean that you would advise someone to talk to a US attorney in the US? Ok but then again how will you get into the US? As a tourist... well then what are your intentions? hmmmm...
So again. I hope I did not piss anyone with my post. Or at least not too many.
SORRY IF I DID
krellum & skippy especially...
I know I was indeed cocky. Sorry guys.
Also sorry to those who came here to read about LE and ended up reading my lengthy posts... which are way OFF subject of this LE forum.
I am probably too much stressed out with my little immigration problems thus a little jumpy about the subject :bounce: especially if someone tells me that my info is not correct. I would love if you could prove that and say something else because in that case I will pull my little lawyer out of his intercostals bed Saturday morning first thing :D ... and than someone will have to call SWAT ...
Ok peace out. No flames plz. I just wanted to help here.
Wow, I knew it was going to be very complicated but..... damn.
Was intending to take a year out of study to go back to Cali in September 2002, which will no doubt make more of a mess of things.
Still, Im undetered . Thanks to everyone who replied, wasn't expecting such a number of well researched respones, so Im really gratefull to you all, cheers;)
Im going to get in touch with the U.S embassy in London and ask some advice, going to have to go there to get my visitors visa anyway. I'll let you know how it goes, and sorry for taking you all way off topic.
Thanks again
Don
D. B.
What is your field of study?
I was thinking again about the labor certification process in case you find an agency who really wants you. It is not impossible although there are huge amount of US applicants out there for the job.
But basically in order to get a H visa (special worker) you need to go through DOL (Department of Labor). They will research you case and will ask the company to advertise the job in a local newspaper for a certain amount of time or in a major newspaper for a shorter time. While this you have to show that your degree is US equivalent. The are flexible on that. I don't think with any European degree they would give any problems.
Then if nobody applies for the job or if non of those who apply meet the criteria your employer has specified (let say Scottish law enforcement experience, or speaking this and that language or having special experience etc.... it is relatively free to specify those requirements, though it cannot be like "white male 25.5 years old...: guess that is obvious) than you get the H1b and a 3+3 years visa which is extendable even further. Once you got the visa and started working you can apply for a green card. In order to get a green card Department of State will ask again DOL to see if there is a real need for you in this country. This is a similar but longer process (in FL it takes 16 months to get through DOL right now) but they don't really research all they do is they have the employer placing another advertisement into the paper. Well they could really do a bit better than that in order to server the real purpose of H visas but they don't care. So many many applicants get approved in cases where there is no real need for them but still they get approved.
What I am trying to say is that if you have something special. And if you find an agency who will sponsor you they will probably let youg through. I know they are more flexible with government agencies.
So try to do/learn something special, go into LE at home and try to work together with US personal... In general US employees in foreign countries are very helpful. I personally talked to quite a few high rank military persons and even 30 min to the US Military Attaché in Budapest. Well they could not help me but they really wanted to.
One more thing about the embassy.
You just go there and ask around. But let me make you 1 thing very clear.
AND I DON'T know how to say this so that I don't make others mad here. But here it goes anyways:
If you apply for a tourist visa to go to CA like you said and if you express your intention to immigrate into the USA (although you would like to come back this time) than you are not eligible for a tourist visa. Period. You cannot use a tourist visa to make preparations for a later immigration.
But anyways do not go there if you want to stay there as a tourist and then try something there. It is not worth and there are better ways...
Good luck.
Krisztian
The subject I am studying is psychology, which perhaps wasn't a good choice for getting employment in the U.S. I thought about taking law, but had already studied it in highschool and had doubts about passing the degree. Besides, Scottish law is quite different to U.S law so U.S PD's might not see it as relevent.
However, I've been told that a psych degree is generally good for getting into the civil service, and doing investigative work for the security service. Also I will be able to apply to most PD's in my final year of study while going through the selection process and being put on an accelerated promotion scheme if I'm successfull.
Those are the only options I've considered for working at home anyway, and I think they are the best options given my situation.
Somthing else I was considering though, is if I managed to get a garaunteed job during my stay in Cali next year. Im going there to train at Rick Tews martial science school, and there is a *very slight* possibility that I could get a job as an instructor at the end of the year. Any thoughts on how the immigration process would work then?
Thanks
Don
Don,
I think a psychology degree will be great for LE, though don't quote me on it. I don't know much about LE in general. I myself came to this forum to learn about it.
In your case or in any case I would finish the degree first. Then I would get a LEO job in Scotland and start to look for a company in the USA who needs a psychologist. Hard to imagine it you will find one. While working and searching I would finish my PhD.
That is considered to be an advanced degree by INS. A bachelor or master will give you the same H1-b visa later but in a different subcategory than the PhD. The process itself is shorter if you can show expertise in the field (things like published works, publications about you help tremendously… not easy I know). After the master the doctor is only 1 year of research work and publishing so it is not like being in school again. I would definitely finish that because the more advanced degree you have the more competitive you become later when you go through it. Perhaps you should focus your studies on criminal behavior and alike so it will give you a real edge. Unfortunately this is the field where private companies aren’t that actively looking for people. At least I haven’t seen any advertised job in that field.
You have to look for exchange programs. Also if you will already work as a cop then try to get into one of those international LEO work groups in order to build connections. Perhaps you would like to work together with US LEOs. Studying organized crime in Russia won't bring you closer right to the USA? LOL...
I have no clue about Scotland's agencies. What your chances are for such a kind of work. May be it takes years to get into such a group where you can start to build out your connections. I believe those groups are considered to be elite. This you have to research out yourself. May be it is not that difficult.
I probably repeat myself here: Although the psychology degree sound great for LE, another degree might get you into the country a lot sooner. I know it is a pain to study something you don't care for but if the final goal is immigration into the USA than you will have to sacrifice a lot.
A computer degree, or a biology degree or in general degrees that can allow scientific work will let you into the USA very easily. Even a bachelor. A friend of mine is a biology researcher he only had a 4 years degree when he came here. Now he is finishing his Doctor while he is getting paid for his scientific work here in FL. He got this job from home through an exchange program. His school is free too. Furthermore he already has offers from private companies but guess what? He dos not like USA and he will go back once finished. Anyways try to look for something similar.
So chances are by the time you finish such a degree you already have a company who would love to help you inside. The key is you have to focus on a degree where the labor market is open.
Concentrate on studying for an advanced degree and look for student exchange programs that can let you in here as a student. Who knows once you are here you find your other half too who will be a citizen?
If you are a brain and can find one program that is your field and will allow you a student visa than you are a lot further ahead. Once here it is much easier then doing it from outside.
But I would not charge on the Embassy with “how can I immigrate that is all I care for let me in…” I mean leaving your home is real tough. You can’t honestly say that you want to live here if you have never been here before. Although your intention is clear at this moment and that is what matters if we go by the law, I have seen most people leaving after a few months. They just did not like it here. It is difficult sometimes. Especially after the 1000th person 1st question is gonna be “where are you from?” after you have talked 2 sentences with him/her. Immigrants are treated very well and fair here and Americans are nice but you will always be the little different funny guy from abroad. But it is worth. A dream is always.
Good luck!
Krisztian
Well I've already finished my first year of study, if I wanted to change my course then I would have to repeat the year and that is not somthing I'm willing to do.
I had a look at the Colorado Springs PD webpage, it said you only need to have a legal right to work in the U.S. Do you first have to have a greencard to work in the U.S?
Damn I wish I had just been born there in the first place. Now I know why Springsteen was so ecstatic...
I don't know if for Colorado Springs PD a brand new green card is enough. Or they also would like to have the applicant filed for citizenship.
But alone the right of work does not even mean that you have a green card. So to me the whole thing looks like, whoever wrote the requirements on the page was not sure about the details and did not do a complete job. I think they simply failed to give complete info there. I just can’t believe that someone can get a LE job simply with a freshly issued permanent residency. I just can't believe that. It is already amazing that some PD's allow you to apply while you are still not a citizen.
Finally, I would not base my plan on 1 or 2 PDs only. Many good and competitive people get rejected. Even if they would hire you simply with a green card you may not going be their choice. If so than what? Another 5 years waiting. Hmmmm… better be prepared for that.
zsolez,
I think you may have misuderstood my post, so I want to make myself absolutely clear.
I think you gave some very good info about your own experiences with the immigration process. However, the fact that you advocated lying to a law enforcement officer (and you DID - read your own post) as the easiest way to accomplish one's goal of getting into the U.S. to find a wife (to marry JUST for citizenship purposes, which, again, is marriage fraud and is illegal in itself), coupled with the fact that you don't see anything wrong with this, leads me to the conclusion that you should probably re-evaluate your career choice (if it is, in fact, law enforcement).
Actually, the good info you gave is the only reason I have not deleted your post.
I think that everyone on this board will agree that encouraging someone to lie to a law enforcement officer is exceedinly BAD advice which could, at the very least, ruin their future. Also, this advice is generally not tolerated on this board. We do not encourage applicants to lie to BI's or to any other law enforcement officer for any reason, and if you actually believe that it's OK to do so, then you have no business being a law enforcement officer in this country.
Also, whether you think a law is "stupid" or not - IT IS NOT YOUR DECISION to violate that law or circumvent it in any way, whether you are a civilain or a LE officer. There are plenty of laws which I would agree are stupid, yet I still enforce them and live by them. I don't have a choice. Again, if you think that it's OK to violate what you think is a "stupid" law, you should probably find a job somewhere else (defense attorney, perhaps?).
And we're not talking about "X-million" Mexicans here...that sounds like a little kid who gets caught doing something wrong and says "well, HE did it, why can't I?" Again, if you still don't see the difference here or that this is not OK, 7-11 is always hiring.
I could care less whether you think the poly is a "mind game" or whether you could pass it or not. Based on your advice above, I don't think that at this time, you have the integrity for this business, and whether hired or not - with the mind set you're displaying here - you'll eventually be tripped up, lose credibility, lie on the stand, falsify a report where a law that you think is "stupid" is involved, etc. People with no integrity will eventually lose.
Not to say that there's no hope for you - I think you need to seriously consider what you advocated (and if I read your post right, what you, yourself have already done) and change the way you think - IF you want to be a law enforcement officer, that is.
I sense that I may not make you see this, so I'll end with this post. The advice is yours to take or leave. Good luck.
k
krellum,
This is my last response to this thread or to any if you decide to terminate my account.
For the last time: I did not suggest to lie, nor did I suggest to marry anyone. My suggestion was something very different. I even used capital letters…
"What I SUGGEST for YOU..."
…in my original post. That was my suggestion. And a lawyer won't give you a better one. So why do you say I suggested this and that if I did not.
With this whole thread you put me into a defensive situation where I feel I am a criminal and furthermore I am guilty of promoting an illegal way, giving false and illegal advices.
While In reality I did not promote it I just described an option yet I am still defending myself in this very moment.
In the most honest sense I myself did lie when I crossed the border. If I interpret the law I DID NOT! That is your law, which you are enforcing day by day. I know this is a huge contradiction but again I did not make that law. The law gave me the opportunity to avoid the real answer and I did avoid it. This is similar to the situation where law gives the option to a suspects not to make an incriminating statement about themselves by not taking the stand.
BUT YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
In the true law enforcement sense I lied! Therefore I agree I am hurting the feelings of the LEO members and the soul and purpose of this forum. But I hope I showed honesty by admitting to it.
I am not a bad guy (probably everyone tells this to you in every shift) and I truly think I would make a good cop though chances are I never will. I am sure very many of those who are already wearing a badge had more trouble with law than me yet still they are there. No I did not smoke MJ, I don’t have a DUI or 15 speeding tickets.
I just read a post from a LEO on this forum… or may be on www.officer.com I don’t remember… anyhow he openly admits that he has an extramarital relation and when his girlfriend called home, that was his scariest moment of being a LEO. Did you know that you can loose your green card if INS can prove that you keep a girlfriend while being married. You have to show a good moral character. I bet you did not know this did you.
But here again. Krellum you are right. I should not point to the others and give myself an excuse. Well I also don’t have to because I do have integrity, and I feel I am already over my biggest lie of my life. And if this lie will prevent me from becoming a LEO (which is not even my plan in this very moment) than the system is not fair.
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