DREAM Act Portal Forum - View Single Post

DreamerSD23 · 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by am1993

Hi guys!

Hope you guys are good. My name's Agnes! I've been a lurker here for about 3 years and finally thought I would say hello

Better late than never right? Anyways so my situation is a little different from a lot of people. I came to the United States when I was 11 (freshley 24 now).

Unfortunately, I missed out on DACA privilege by about 2 months, (I didn't even know I was undocumented until I had to file something with Homeland Security; another long story). Yup, I checked out on all the requirements, except for the part that I had to be undocumented before June 15, 2012. Bummer! But this didn't stop me! I went on to college and graduated last year.

Now i'm dealing with life after graduation and finding ways to make money without a social. In college I was able to get by because I live in a state that gives undocumented people a lot of financial aid, which was a huge weight off my shoulders.

Since i've pretty much grown up here most of my life, It will always be where I call home. Obviously I don't want to leave and be banned to seek opportunities elsewhere, so I was wondering what are some creative things you guys did before DACA came along? I'd kindly appreciate your responses!

Thanks and can't wait to hear from you guys

Hi there! I was roughly in the same situation as you when I graduated high school and DACA was not a thing then.

A lot of dreamers back then got an ITIN and do independent contracting.

For me, I learned programming and was able to do independent contractor to support myself. Couple of my friends did this too. A lot of small businesses need HTML / Javascript if you are willing to do it. It pays pretty well too, I was able to get $25-35 an hour doing this.

Programming is one of the few things in life that you can learn by yourself, has very low barrier of entry, and abundant opportunities. Really saved my behind!

One of my friend walked dogs and then opened up a dog walking business with the clients she had.

It was tough back then, but I can imagine it being so much tougher now.

Let me know if you have any questions.