Sometimes, people ask me how I have time to achieve certain things. Frankly, I suspect it’s mainly because (1) I don’t have kids (2) I have a really good passport.
Both things have made many other things possible.
Now that I am not fighting an immigration system, like I was for the last couple of years, I also have so much more headspace now to.. just do other stuff.
Dealing with the U.S. immigration system was like having a whole other part time job. For years.
I think people with good passports don’t realize how much of a huge advantage that is.
I have never been asked to prove I have money to go to a country I don’t live in. No one’s ever asked to see my bank statements. No one’s ever asked me for an itinerary or hotel booking.
The richest people I know (like, generational wealth rich) in worse passport countries have to do that all the time
I can literally go anywhere I want in the world any time. (Staying forever is different. But often still easier) this makes a huge difference when it comes to: going for conference, business meetings, school trips, responding quickly to any opportunity that may show up somewhere else.
(I also grew up in a city that is connected to the entire world by plane. It was easy and cheap to fly internationally, even same day. I was able to afford this as a college student working two jobs)
I guess, in leaving that environment I’m becoming more cognizant of how that isn’t the same for many people.
@skinnylatte When I still lived in Nigeria, I once wanted to spend the summer in Britain. Even though I am a citizen of both countries, my mum suggested I apply for a visa and travel on my Nigerian passport (having one visa makes it more likely you'll get a second one).
It was hell. I had to get lots of documents. I also had to move lots of money to a single account (to prove I wasn't poor). Had to provide invitation letters. And then I queued for HOURS.
Only to be rejected. No explanation.
Adrianna Tan
David Njoku