Ismail Msuya
The immigration process for people coming to the United States is very different today than it was for immigrants in the 19th and early 20th century (see immigration laws panel). They have become even stricter since September 11, 2001. However, there are still thousands of people coming to the U.S. every year who go through a very detailed process to live and work in the country. Even those who come to the U.S. because they are married or getting married to an American go through a lengthy and thorough screening process.
Ismail was born and raised in Tanzania, where he studied to become a web designer. He was working for his brother’s travel agency creating web marketing, then he met someone who would change his life. He was asked by his brother to pick up some American science students who were getting a scientific tour of Tanzania. One was an NMU graduate from Felch, Michigan named Colleen Marie. Over the course of several months, the couple got to know each other and fell in love. When they decided to get married, a very lengthy process began for Ismail to come to the U.S.
He applied for a K-1 visa (for fiancés of American citizens) in January 2015. In addition to documentation of his relationship with Colleen, they both had interviews at the U.S. Consulate in Tanzania and in the U.S. Applications were sent to the U.S. and then back to Tanzania. Ismail had to submit to medical tests at the U.S. Consulate. This included another round of interviews asking about his relationship but also what he planned to do in the U.S. and where they planned to live. In the end, he was granted a 90-day Visa, as long as they were married during that time. He then had to immediately apply for an adjustment to this Visa, which would give a 2-year employment Visa (aka, “Green Card.”) This entailed interviews in Wisconsin and Detroit before it was awarded. He not only had to prove the marriage was real, but they documented shared ownership of property and parentage of their children. He received his “green card” in 2016 and it will expire in April 2018. He is now applying for a 10 yr Visa, which will allow him to apply for U.S. citizenship after 1 yr. Though this has been a lengthy process, it has been more than worth it for Ismail and his family. He has come to love his life in the U.P., though the weather has been an adjustment. “I had to get used to the changes of season. We don’t have that in Tanzania. What people don’t appreciate is that it not only changes the temperature, but also the way of life. People in the U.P. have to adjust their whole lifestyle, even the way they walk, with the weather.”
Images courtesy of Ismail Msuya.