Hi.

2006 was an interesting year for me with lots of different experiences around the world. It is the year when I first moved to New Zealand, than moved to Zurich (with Non-EU B permit) and it is the year I won the green card lottery from the US. I have just received a notification that I have passed the pre qualification and they are expecting me in US Embassy in Bern for my interview.

I have a 3 year arbeitbewilligung and 1 year aufenthaltsbewilligung in Switzerland (B). I am employed in the telecom industry as Proj. manager. I was just about to get used to living in here and set up a new life and my green card opportunity (which is permenant residency in the US and chance to obtain citizenship within a few years) has started to really put me in a dilemma.

Sometimes I feel like I am really fed up with the work permit residence permit mess in Switzerland, the attitude towards "auslanders", (you cant even rent a decent house even with B permit!!), being stuck in the middle of europe and still applying for a Schengen visa just to pass to Germany or Italy which are a few Km away, getting lost between trying to learn German (which is a real pain) and trying to understand swiss german (still have no idea), not being able to change jobs because my permit is limited to the Zurich canton and to my current employer etc.

Switzerland may have a lot of advantages but sometimes I really feel like running away. It may be a country with lots of advantages but it makes me feel more like an auslander animal in a zoo!

I just wanted to share my feelings with you all. I am stuck in between going to the US or staying here. What would you do?

Regards to you all.
Baris

the green card I'm sure is not a done deal - why not go through the steps and then let your heart decide?