Hey Max, how close related are the rellies in NY? Perhaps that can overcome the greencard problem for you.
As for me I plan to get a J-1 visa (2years study and work as an instructor) followed by conversion to F-1 (Sierra academy in SF can do this) if you continue studying at night for an Embry-Riddle degree part time you can keep working for 3-4 years. In that time I plan to have a hell of an Adventure in the states and then if i get kicked out then so be it. I have often wondered how useful FAA licences are Dunnunda?
Are they employable down here... comments appreciated.
Weasil
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"eagles may soar but weasils don't get sucked into jet engines..."
http://users.hunterlink.net.au/~dfckm/weasil.htm