I hold an H1B visa and have been renewing it annually for about eight years, having previously held F1 and O1 visas. As a Chinese national, my re-entry visa for the U.S. is valid for just one year at a time. Each year, I renew it out of concern that I might need to rush home if a family member falls ill, and then quickly return to work without jeopardizing my job.
I vividly recall being stuck in a hotel room in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, waiting for my visa to be reviewed. Unable to return to the States, I was overwhelmed with emotion, crying hard in that hotel room. Despite my belief in free will, I felt trapped. In the midst of this, I had to compose myself for a phone interview with designer candidates, pretending everything was normal.
After a week of waiting and feeling too scared to venture out beyond taxi rides for meals, I decided to head to a bigger, safer city to await my visa. A search led me to Mexico City, the cheapest option at $50. Taking a risk, I bought the ticket and went to the airport.
Flying seemed impossible since my passport was with the U.S. consulate, and foreigners are required to show their passport to fly. All I had was my U.S. driver's license. At the airport, I tried to appear relaxed. When the officer asked for my passport, I confidently handed over my ID and insisted, 'No, you don’t need my passport.' When asked if I was American, I didn't lie, simply repeating, 'No, you don’t need to see that.'
Miraculously, as if I had performed a Jedi mind trick, the officer agreed, letting me proceed without my passport. I walked forward slowly, not daring to look back, fearing they might change their mind.
Reaching the boarding gate, heart pounding, I sat down and began booking a hotel for the night. Thus began my unexpected adventure in Mexico City.
