Talking to friends last week, I realised something: that particular work trip abroad may not be so hassle-free at all.
I quickly learned that I perfectly fit the demographic for suspicious persons that immigration officials look out for: and that’s single women who don’t have the means to clearly demonstrate rootedness.
Rootedness is defined as “the quality of being rooted or firmly established”. In the immigration context, it means “proof of reason to return” or “deep ties” to your country. This can be demonstrated with documents showing ownership of properties, businesses, financial records, travel history, etc.
Simply put, it’s that assurance that you are able to put forth that you are DEFINITELY going back after your trip.
Oh if only I could argue the case of an overly needy dog! Seriously, just the thought of going away for several days is causing me anxiety now, just thinking about my dog’s reaction by then.
Plus I really like where I am now. I live in a good neighbourhood that offers plenty of conveniences. I have friends and family and lots of other interests to explore.
Living in a foreign land, while it’s a great big adventure to others, just does not appeal to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love discovering new places and sharing experiences there with loved ones, but I feel that I am supposed to be here — exactly where I am now. Loved ones may have to move away for some time, but this is my place.
It’s just a pity that that kind of grounding, which you might say is rootedness, in essence, won’t hold water when having to explain to an IO.
Oh well. So here’s to about a month of figuring out what to do, collecting documents and advice, and wishing for some kind of a miracle to help me breeze through immigration.
I have learned this at least by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
I just have to remind myself that stressing out won’t help. I mean, what’s the worse that could happen?
Clearly, it’s nothing which comes close to even a fraction of my worse days!
I guess I’ll just have to go give it my best shot and see how it works out. Wish me luck!
Update: I was able to go through without a hitch! Okay, so I got asked a little bit more questions than the lady before me (based on my observations). But all was good and the airport still remains a magical place for me and I got to enjoy the view from my window seat!
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