Yes, dammit...I am authorized to work in the U.S.

One thing I enjoy about Google shaking up the IT world is the residual hiring frenzy its caused. I've been getting hit up a lot the past month by headhunters and corporate recruiters for various positions at some tech companies. I can tell things must be getting better (or more desperate) if they see from my resume that I'm from Guam and they still come after me.

But the one thing that gets me is how HR staffers or hiring managers never take into consideration that (1) Guam is a U.S. territory, and (2) we're not in the same time zones as the mainland. I've taken several 3am calls recently from prospective employers wanting to talk. They always get embarrassed for calling at such an odd hour, and always say "I've never dealt with anyone from Guam before, but I know it's in the Pacific...".

Also, deferring back to Point #1, people have a tendency to ask me if I'm fluent in English - in mid-conversation and despite the fact that my CV lists me as an American broadcaster. The kicker is also when they ask if I've got the proper visas or if I'm authorized to work in the Continental U.S. It's a running gag with me.

So yes, we out here - in a U.S. territory - enjoy full citizenship. And do keep in mind we're GMT+10.