@buckminsterfullerene - Thanks for linking that article.

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“Their entry into a stigmatized identity has negative and usually unanticipated consequences for their educational and occupational trajectories, as well as for their friendship and social patterns.”

This relates well to Gebodup post.

It’d be interesting to gather information on those who have been waiting for 10 years +. And compare it to those beginning their efforts. Or to those who has given up on legalizing. (Either by forced or self deportation.)

More on topic:

My anxieties have compounded: constant feelings of failure, mood swings, etc. I’ve given up verbally speaking to others altogether.

I lack a support system. But believe many of my problems would lessen if I had family, friends, etc.