DAVENPORT -- The drizzling rain falls through the screened poolroom while two sandhill cranes feed just outside, seemingly trying to eavesdrop on the party. The crowd of British expatriates around the pool area introduce themselves, telling their stories of coming to America. Nearly everyone has a bad tale to share. The rare one has a happy ending with a green card -- the piece of paper that lets them stay in the United States indefinitely -- at the end. .