The English-Speaking Friend of the Family

A first-hand look at our government at work.

Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to build strong connections within my city’s Chinese technical business community. This group has been quietly shaping an impressive venture capital and startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and growth in ways that continue to inspire me. As someone who can fulfill the roles of CIO, CDO, CSO and CTO, I’ve had the privilege of assisting these startups where they need this leadership.

Beyond my professional role, I’ve found something even more rewarding .. as I call it, “The English-speaking friend of the family.”

This role has allowed me to support these families in navigating daily challenges due to living in an English-speaking country. Something as simple as a restaurant reservation, an auto registration, school enrollments, or simply describing how local services work.

.. and yes, a traffic ticket (or two).

This volunteer work has helped me become a bridge between cultures, families and the government, helping to make life a little easier.

Recently, this trust led me to an experience that gave me a front-row seat to my own government in action: a trip to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) facility to assist a family member with their green card renewal biometrics appointment.

Walking into the USCIS facility was nothing short of eye-opening. The sheer scale of the operation was impressive .. a supermarket-sized room filled with about 500 people, all waiting to complete an essential step in their immigration journey. And yet, what struck me most was the precision with which everything was run. The USCIS staff moved people seamlessly through the process, from initial check-in to biometric data collection. Groups were efficiently organized, directed to their respective stations, and guided through each step professionally and carefully. It was an incredible example of a government system working precisely as it should: efficient, fair, and respectful of the people it serves.

In an era where government efficiency is often questioned and complaints about immigration are loud and sometimes cruel, it was refreshing to witness an operation running like clockwork, ensuring people could renew their documentation in a safe and structured environment. For many, these moments are life-changing .. the ability to stay, work, and build a future in the United States depends on these processes working smoothly and fairly.

As I watched, I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the people behind the system .. the staff who make it function and the immigrants whose perseverance and patience define the experience. It was a brilliant reminder for me: at its best, government service can be a powerful force for good.