Greener from a Distance

9. To stay or not to stay

109 9 To stay or not to stay lbert had a decision to make, stay in America and build a case for asylum or return to Cameroon. Because he had left Cameroon during the long school vacation, he was not missing any work. He had also come a month ahead of his course and still had time to attend it. Albert attended the course; the primary reason for which he had been given a visa. It was a very educative experience. The moderators emphasized the importance of returning home and training their colleagues and other professionals in the field. However, Albert was still struggling with whether or not to go back to Cameroon. If he had to go, it had to be before the start of the school year. With a month to go before the start of the school year, he decided to make the best of his time while contemplating his future. He visited as many places as possible. Whenever he had the chance to spend time with Samson, he made the best of it; seeking advice on key issues and asking him questions about his American experience. “If you knew what you know now, would you have left Cameroon to come to the US?” Albert asked Samson. “As you already know, I went through a rough time when I arrived. But my life has changed; I am as successful as any surgeon can be in this country. In that regard, I can categorically tell you that I would do it again if I had to start all over. However, ask other people that question and you will get completely different answers” Samson responded. A 110 “I wish it were that easy for me to decide on staying. I wish there were a way of knowing the future; knowing whether I will be granted asylum, get a job in my field and have a successful career in America. I wish we had those villagers who throw down some cowries, hold your hand and read your future. Oh, wait a minute, they are no different from what the Americans call psychic readers. Maybe I should consult one” Albert lamented. “I wish I could help you my friend. The decision to stay or go back is totally up to you. I can assure you the path will not be easy and what lies at the end of the tunnel usually is unpredictable; what looks like a light could be another challenge coming your way. If you succeed, you will say it was totally worth it but if you end up in perpetual despair, you will wish you had stayed in Cameroon. What is keeping many people here is their children; the American dream has escaped most first generations but they continue to see or hope for a future for their children. In some cases, these children are on the right path but in some cases, the disappointment has already gone beyond one generation” Samson said. “By the way, I assume you resigned from your job in Cameroon. Will they let you reclaim it if you go back?” “Resigned? Nobody resigns from their job before leaving Cameroon. I know a colleague who had decided to leave his job the proper way; give a resignation letter in advance and hand in all school property in his possession. When he submitted his resignation letter, his school principal advised him to just walk away from the job. That way, he would continue receiving his salary for as long as possible. In exchange for this advice, he could give the principal postdated cheques for a fraction of the salary. The principal made every effort to convince my colleague it was a win win 111 situation; that many had done it and never been caught” Albert narrated. “In the USA, without the adequate advance notice, an employee is required to pay the employer; in Cameroon, it is a win win situation?” Samson asked. “The principal was right that many had done it. In fact, my former colleagues currently in the USA are still receiving salaries from the Cameroonian Government years after leaving the country. Some professors, teachers, medical doctors and other former government employees who had since gained US citizenship are possibly still on the Cameroon Government payroll. Simply put, the Cameroon Government is probably giving naturalized Americans, possibly Canadians, British, Germans and French free money; directly into their now overseas (Cameroon) bank accounts...