Would I Qualify?
 

Hey, I am a little hazy over the requirements over this piece of legislation. See I meet all the requirements, but one:oops::
I have two misdemeanors on my record. The first one I was arrested for driving without a license. The whole thing was just moved over to a warning by the County Judge after I wrote him a letter and he saw that I wasn't a bad kid, just a little stupid. This happened in February 2009. I was still 17 back then. The next was while on the job, the city police was conducting a compliance bust. I accidentally sold beer to an underage, undercover police officer. I did have to go to court on that charge and I pleaded guilty. I paid my fine and it was over. This happened in February of this year. I am now 18 and I was 18 at the time. I haven't driven since that time I was arrested for driving without a license and I don't work at the gas station anymore. I don't work at all. So with these two things under my belt, would I still be eligible?

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

Well, I would think so but I think we won't know for sure until the time comes for you to submit paperwork. At which point, you should consult a qualified immigration attorney and work with him or her on this issue.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

Thank you. So I have to wait and find out then.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

you got screwed badly two times

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

You mean I screwed up badly two times? And if so, I know I did man. The second time though, I wouldn't have done it if I knew that you could be a police officer at 18. I thought it was 21 and the undercover police officer was one that was a regular at the gas station I worked at. So that day he came in and he bought a beer. I didn't think to check for his ID since in my mind he was 21 or over and that's how I got arrested. But yeah I know I screwed up big time. I just hope it doesn't rule me out in case only the DREAM Act happens.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

Just to be blunt, with a criminal record the chances of you attaining permanent residency or citizenship are nil.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

If you meet all the basic requirements, then you still have a chance for DA when it passes. Although, the misdemeanors may be counted against you when you apply, so like abaddon said, best to hire a lawyer for the process. If they're minor cases, then a lawyer can help you out.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

I don't think you have to even worry about the first thing. It was when you were 17. When you turn 18 your record starts anew. But this latest charge in Feb or 2010 can be bad but then again you say it's just a misdemeanor, so I don't know.

I was given an ordinance violation ticket last March of 2009 for possession of weed, and I don't think that would hurt me at all because I talked to an immigration expert from USCIS and she said it's nothing to get deported over but I'm hoping I can still get in on the DA

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

You were busted for weeds? I think I can say with certainty that you are in a world of hurt, immigration wise. Best consult an immigration atty.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

I am actually in agreement........expert or not the decision always come down to the adjudicator.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

Given the Dream Act passes as it is currently written, any drug charges (misdemeanor or felony) is against the "show of moral character". It clearly states "no drug charges"

Edit: Let me clarify. No where in the Dream Act does it say "if you have a drug charge, you do not qualify". But, one of the requirement to qualify for Dream Act is a good moral character. This can be done via things such as having been paying taxes, or simply, having no criminal charges. It, however, does say that a drug charge is against the "show of good moral character".

So, when and if it does pass, you would want to talk to a good attorney and approach your case in a "case by case" basis with the immigration department.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

I remember reading that 1 count of "simple" possession with less than 1 gram of weed is not at all a big deal... This was in the bill that was brought up about 2 years ago BUT It can probably change and be updated... we'll see

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

I don't believe that people in possession of drugs are qualified for the DA. Nevertheless, I suppose we will let immigration authorities determine that...

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

I was never in possession! I don't do drugs. My friend with my was in possession and the ranger gave all of us a ticket for possession. It was an ordnance violation and it's stated that I wasn't the actual one with the drug!

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

Nevertheless, that ordinance violation screwed you. I believe even legal residents with any form of drug violation couldn't pass citizenship requirements.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

So would this mean getting busted for furnishing alcohol to a minor, (20), more than likely disqualify me? I don't mean to sound stupid, if I do, but I've been thinking a lot lately and I can't help but freak out.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

In the end anything that's drug related (I think alcohol is way more minor; since it's legal in the first place after all, but you did get caught doing something illegal with it) will probably screw us over. But I think it'll help to know that it's only 1 count and you've only gotten in trouble once in the 20 or so years you were here growing up.

Re: Would I Qualify?
 

Well I hope they also take a look at my school record, since I only got written up once in 8 years of school and take some of the testimonials of people that know who I am and what I stand for. Also I am actually just 18, but here in GA you only have to be 18 to sell alcohol. Been here since I was 9. But I hope that when and IF, BIG IF, the DREAM Act passes I'll have a chance to qualify under it and get on with my life.