英文短篇故事（纽约）220 She Wants to Come to America

 　　Lorna's sister wanted to move to America. She lived in China. Lorna had moved to America many years earlier. Lorna talked to May, an immigration¹ lawyer in Manhattan. May said, "The paperwork will cost $1,000." Lorna said, "Can her husband move here with her?" May said, "Of course, for another $1,000." Lorna said, "That's no problem. They have the money. I'll call them later tonight. I'll tell them the good news. They can move in with me. It'll be so nice to be together again!" May said, "Whoa! Hold on! Don't tell them to start packing yet. There's a long waiting list for people from China. Do you know how long it is nowadays? Even if you fill out the application form today, they won't be eligible² to come here for another 11 or 12 years." Lorna's eyes opened wide. "C'mon!" she said. "That's ridiculous³!" May said, "Maybe even longer."

1 immigration   

n.外来的移民，移居入境

参考例句：

• The government has decided to tighten its immigration policy.政府决定实施更加严格的移民政策。
• Do British immigration laws conflict with any international laws?英国的移民法与国际法有抵触吗？

2 eligible   

adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的

参考例句：

• He is an eligible young man.他是一个合格的年轻人。
• Helen married an eligible bachelor.海伦嫁给了一个中意的单身汉。

3 ridiculous   

adj.荒谬的，可笑的；荒唐的

参考例句：

• It is simply ridiculous to attempt such a thing.试图干这种事，简直可笑。
• It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life.这是我有生以来听到的最为荒唐可笑的事。