True Story: I Immigrated To The United States

In honor of July 4th, we have a very special episode of True Story, in which we interview blogger extraordinaire Gala Darling about her experience immigrating to The United States. Hilariously, Gala is from Wellington, New Zealand, the city where I used to live and would very much like to immigrate.

Tell us about where you grew up.
I grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. It's one of those places which is really beautiful, but as a teenager with big eyes & perpetual curiousity about the world, is never enough. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand & it's small, the population is only about 400,000. My home was in Eastbourne, which is about an hour from the city by bus, & all I really remember from my teenage years is catching that bus, listening to Bauhaus on my DiscMan, & spending hours wandering from Lambton Quay to Willis Street to Manners Mall to Cuba Mall to Courtenay Place.

When did you first begin to think about living someplace other than New Zealand?

I feel like I had always known that NZ was not where I want to live. Actually, as a child who read a lot of Sweet Valley High & Babysitters Club books, I felt cheated by the fact that I didn't live in America! I didn't know what a Twinkie tasted like, & I was mad about it! All those crazy American traditions, like cheerleading squads & sororities & drive-in movies, were larger than life. I wanted so badly to be part of it! I think I knew it was only a matter of time until I peeled out.

What was is about The United States that appealed to you?

It seemed like it had a really strong youth culture. I lived in such a small place & found it difficult to meet people who I clicked with, & I suppose I thought that if I lived in a bigger city, the odds would be better. Plus, all the books I read (I was a huge bookworm) made it sound like the best place on earth. I would say that Judy Blume, Francine Pascal & Ann M. Ryan have a lot to answer for, if I didn't agree that is the best place, hands down.

How old were you the first time you visited? What do you remember about that trip?

I was 7. My parents took me to Disneyland & then Hawaii. I remember my parents buying me a Minnie Mouse which was so big I could hardly carry it. I remember going to Toys 'R' Us & MARVELING at the scope of the place. I remember seeing a guy sitting in the back of a pick-up truck holding a rifle. (?!) We went just after the riots in L.A., & my parents' friend drove us through some of the areas which had been affected. I remember burnt out shops & smashed windows & not understanding at all.

When did you decide to actively pursue living in the U.S.? Why?

I came back to the States when I was 22. I spent time in San Francisco, attended Burning Man in Nevada, & stayed in New York City for about a week. When I stepped out of the cab in NYC, I instantly felt like I was home. I had never felt anything like it. I loved it so much & the thought of moving to Australia (which was my plan) didn't excite me at all. I wanted to be in NYC! Anyway, a year & a half passed & I found myself back in New York. My boyfriend at the time & I had come over for a party (also, to celebrate his birthday). A week later, he had to go to London for work & I decided to stay in the States for the 3 months I was allowed on my generic travel visa. After about another week, I decided to get a proper visa so I could stay for good.

Tell us about the immigration/visa/green card process. How difficult is it? Where are you in that process? Are you interested in becoming a citizen?

It actually wasn't as horrifying as it could have been. I have heard the most hideous stories about people trying to immigrate, & my experience was really a walk in the park. I did some research on immigration lawyers online, & went to meet one for a consultation. He told me it would cost $3000 in legal fees (not including application fees, etc.), payable in two parts: $1500 up front & $1500 when I got the visa.

It took me ages to get the money together, & also I was being really lazy about it. Anyway, eventually I scraped up the funds & started collecting press clippings, reference letters, etc. I came out at the other end with an O-1 Visa, for "Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement". Fancy. My visa means I am able to stay here for 3 years.

I don't know if I'd want to become a citizen, but I'd love to have residency. I haven't done a lot of research into the differences yet. All I know is that it's important for me to hold onto my passports from New Zealand & the United Kingdom!

Tell us about the process of adapting to life in America. What are the biggest cultural differences that you've noticed? Are people constantly freaking out over your accent?

The major thing I've noticed about the USA is that men behave really differently here. In New Zealand or Australia, you're often not sure if a guy likes you or just wants to be your friend. It's another story here! Men in America are SO forthcoming! They're really into the pursuit & the chase, & making a big deal over you. I think antipodean men are much more laid back, almost to the point of passivity.

People, generally, are more outgoing here, or at least more outspoken. Maybe it's just New York City, but sometimes it seems like everyone in the street wants to talk to you or give you a compliment. It's awesome. In New Zealand, people ignore one another. Haha! No, they don't really, but NZers are generally much more shy & reserved.

American television gives me The Fear. I live with my boyfriend & we just cancelled our cable subscription, which is the best thing ever. I feel like watching the commercials is enough to do anyone's head in! It's so aggressive & fear-mongering & repulsive!

Yes, people freak out over my accent all the time :>

What are your favorite cities in America? Favorite foods? Traditions?
New York City forever! I also really like Austin & Los Angeles, even though it is insane (& I don't drive), & I love Las Vegas. I'd love to explore the South more. Actually I'm dying to do a roadtrip all over the States! I would love to load up an old car with my boyfriend & dogs & hit the road, Jack.

What advice would you give to someone who's considering immigrating to another country?

One thing I learned when I moved to Australia from New Zealand was that changing country isn't just about the physicality. You have to be open to discarding things you were used to or familiar with, & embracing new things. My ex-boyfriend & I would have regular tantrums, for example, when we had a craving for fish & chips. (It's just not the same in Australia!) Really though, that energy would have been better spent embracing something new that thrilled us just as much. It's natural to crave the things you associate with home, but dwelling on it doesn't do you any favours. You just have to keep evolving. Your life has changed, & that's a wonderful thing! Keep your eyes on the horizon!

Have any of you ever lived (long-term) in another country? Any questions for Gala?