I am so glad I live in America!

Recently our synagogue set out to hire a new cantor after the old one retired. For those not familiar with the job, a cantor is the person who sings the prayers every Saturday and during special holidays. It requires a great deal of discipline and learning and there aren't that many around.

After a long search, we found a cantor from Israel and moved him and his wife to the United States. They lived here for several months and then desired to visit their family in Israel. On coming back to the United States, his wife (who had been living in the United States) was denied entry because she did not have a work visa.

This has of course caused serious trauma for them and the synagogue is helping with legal fees to get her back in the country. It was really pointless for them to deny her as I'm sure with a number of lawyers involved they will get her here. All the border agents did was put more stress on a non-profit organization that is already having financial difficulties.

Another friend of mine moved here with her husband and daughter, but her son was not allowed to move here because he was over 21 years old. After several years, he flew here to visit from Latvia. While his mother was waiting for him at the airport, they detained him for six hours. Finally they explained to him that he will not be allowed into this country because they felt he would stay here (which probably was correct). He said that he understood and asked if he could just see his mother, who was waiting for him in the next room, before he left. They said no and she cries about it to this day 3years latter. Why couldn't they have let him at least see his mother - perhaps through a window at least?

He will eventually wind up in this country anyway, as his parents will become citizens next year and can then sponsor him.

My uncle worked for several years to get his wife and kids into this country. I find it ironic that after he wrote a personal letter to Dick Cheney, his request was finally granted.

I am just very Thankful that my family moved here without any problems, well we did have few hick ups, but not as bad as people I know.