Originally Posted by
Kenny
Gentlemen,
Before this thread gets out of hand and we have an internet based pistols at dawn type situation on our hands, I'd like to say a few things.
First off, I'm not oblivious to the fact that there are 000's of American citizens, formerly employed by various airlines in the US that are currently out of work. Without wanting to patronize anyone, they have my sincerest sympathy. I've been furloughed and it's a $hitty thing to have to face, especially when there are pretty much no options out there.
I'm one of those foreigners that a few of you seem to think should frog-marched out of the country because I have a Green Card and work as an airline pilot. There are those that seem to think that you can simply front up at the border and be allowed in, with all the rights that come with being a permanent resident. This just isn't the case. To work for any 121 carrier in the US you have to be either a US citizen or a permanent resident with a Green Card. Having been through the process of becoming a Green Card holder, I can tell you they don't hand them out like candy. You must either be married to a US citizen or have family members that are US citizens. The former will take 2 years for an application to be processed and the latter is currently around 8 years for processing. So it's neither quick nor easy.
If you then choose to be become a US citizen, it can be as quick as 2 years and as long as 5 years AFTER you get your Green Card.
If an American were to marry a citizen of the EU, they would be afforded exactly the same rights as I have here, with regards to living and working. Absolutely no difference. The only difference would be the amount of time and effort involved to get an JAA license, compared to an FAA license. But let’s face it, should the FAA ever adopt a JAA style ATP system, half the people currently flying wouldn't probably be able to. Simply because it requires far too much effort, time and money.
When you hear a foreign pilot on the radio, exactly how do you know they're not a US citizen? Just because you have a US passport doesn't mean your accent changes overnight.