Ok, I'm a British Asian, Muslim with Pakistani parents too. I have a British Passport (london born and bred) and a US Green Card (don't ask how). I've held my FAA Comm/Multi/Inst since 18 (pre-sept 11th). Everythign back then was cool-totally cool. I'm currently in Daytona Beach, Florida doing my instructors rating and I have a job here after it.
Now, pre-sept 11th when doing my training it was all fine. Now thins time, I've been here 2 wks and well, I don't know whether its paranoia, but you hear the odd remark here and there, and the americans aren't exactly known for the political sensitivity now are they. I found most people perfectly fine, just getting on with business-but as soon as theres a slight and I mean SLIGHT something, like coming back from a flight 10 mins late or having mail sent to you with the name being spelt wrong, they're onto it like a hawk. They really are. The other day I had mail come to me from the bank with my first and middle name printed and not my last name. I was promptly asked by the boss of the flight school 'who is this person'. I explained that the bank have mixed my last and middle name up which I have to notify them about....and then I was told 'we need to watch out for people like you'...yes, from the boss. Now I swallowed it and held it inside me. I didn't feel good at all. Whether it was meant tongue in cheek or not, I don't know, but the again, the yanks aren't known for their political sensitivity. Brother, my advice to you is, go for it if you want, but do the good old JAA/CAA way. It's home and hey, as assy as the CAA/JAA are, at least you know who you're dealing with. You don't need to tip toe, in the slight event you innocently do something out of the norm that will everyone be on your back. And over here from what I hear, any thing, ANY SUSPISSION and they'll take you in-no questions asked. I'm not trying to scare you or anything really. The average civilian here is actually really nice and accepting and have broad minds. But you're going to get a few who well, seem normal on the face of it, but just watch your back. Anyway, do what you need to do where you need to do it and keep FOCUSED on the goal!!! And that is to fly in EUROPE in SANITY. I hope I offended no party involved and wish everyone the best of luck wishing to pursue this career.