Leaving/Deportation Proceedings

Hi,

I'm 24 and have been pretty depressed about my situation. I graduated from an Ivy, got offers for jobs, but of course, can't work because of my status. Some days, I really wonder why I worked so hard for. I have never been in a relationship either (I'm a female) because it's hard to talk about why I don't drive, don't really work, etc., and I'm just quite frankly tired of the lies. So with no boyfriend to marry me, talked to all the lawyers, and I'm left with this option.

I tried searching but I didn't get any specific answers. For those who left the U.S, how did you go about it? Did you buy a plane ticket and leave? Or do you have to be in deportation proceedings in order to go? I just don't want to go to the airport thinking I'm good to go, then being caught up in USCIS/INS crap detention and miss my flight or something.

I'll be leaving to Jamaica.

Talk to a Lawyer.

I am, but I'm waiting his reply on the situation.

I just wanted to get personal anecdotes on how people left the United States. A lawyer may know the legal ramifications, but I just wanted to hear other people's experiences.

First of all, Congrats on your Ivy degree. It is clear you've worked very hard to achieve it. Honestly, if you don't have any other troubles and are just thinking about leaving because you're frustrated, you should stick around for a bit longer. I'm damn sure a solution on this situation will come by the end of this year. If not, it will surely be resolved within first few months of 2011. The last thing you want is to leave and Congress to reform our immigration laws right after. Good luck!

Yeah, I know. But I've known about the DREAM Act since it has been introduced in 2001 and I'm tired of getting my hopes up and then getting them shot down. I'm more of a problem solver.

I wouldn't really do things immediately, btw (e.g. leave next week). I want to apply to a graduate program down there and figure out how much money I need to save before I legitimately make a go at it. I just don't know how others have done it since of course, we don't really have a manual on our condition. In case things don't go through, I don't want to waste another year of my life feeling miserable.

Congrats on your ivy league!!! i don't think you should leave. give it a year or so and truly think about it. why would you want to go back to jamaica, it's not really safe right now.. hope your happy with whatever decision you end up making. good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the congrats on the degree from the both of you. It's been 2 years so I've gotten over the newness, lol.

Yeah, I'm reading about Jamaica and it really isn't safe at all :-/ I'm hoping the situation improves though. I'm not leaving tomorrow, but probably this time next year. I'm talking to my college, old professors who know about my situation in the mean time. I just need to have a game plan.

It's my birth country and since visa laws are pretty strict every where due to the 10 year ban, I don't have much of a choice. I don't have family there, save for my estranged father, but I've been out of college for 2 years and things have gotten worse, not better for me. I hate living in fear.

I guess I'm tired of pretending; all of my friends are doing great things and I hate running into them (two know, most don't.) Living a lie for the last 20 or so years is a drain.

Haha, this is literally what was said last year and will continue to be said every year from now.

nagawa, I unfortunately don't have any answers for you; I am in a very similar situation as you--still here, mid-20s, with a graduate degree, no full-time job, still living with my kidnappers, no car, no relationship, no opportunity to really move or fly to visit friends who moved away. I have also started talking with a lawyer about the possibility of moving to a different country. Everybody has their limits. I know you are really depressed about this situation and no matter what I say, it won't be consoling, but I feel like at the very, very, very least, English is spoken in Jamaica, if you ultimately go.

The ten year ban is the worst. If I had the chance right now to move to and work in an English-speaking country, I would take it, but not being able to come back and visit friends and not telling them the real reason why is really killer.

Good luck with whatever you choose and keep us updated.

I hear you. The 10 year ban makes me feel sad, but I'm not sure what's worse for me: me without a dream or an ambition because I can't take another disappointment or me not being able to see family or friends ever again (I'm not sure what the likelihood of getting a visa after a 10 year ban). I guess for some, holding out gives them hope, but since 2001, I've been there, done that.

I have practically stopped talking to my friends (not like they notice since their busy in their lives now post-graduation) and deactivated my facebook account (again, no one really noticed) so I guess I'm preparing myself now for it.

I don't think I can legitimately fake being happy anymore. I spend a lot of money (commuting by bus and train) and time going to "work" just to feel more frustrated. I'm just tired of feeling paranoid and stressed. Just not the way to live.

Congrats on the Ivy!.. i also hope to go to an Ivy someday..

With that Ivy education you should do really well in US if you stay.
For me, im not giving up..gonna wait for the dream act to come down.. then build my awesome business. i have a million dreams to accomplish.

My sis just bought a plane ticket and left while i am staying here still hanging on. Good thing she did not run to any problems.

I think its still the best if you stay. US probably have the most potential then any other country.

Best of luck! XD