New Guy...

Hey y'all...
New guy here, so, basically, I'm one of you...
I was brought to the U.S. by my parents on a visitors visa, and I was 11 years old at the time. My family overstayed and we have been in the U.S. for 13 or so years. It hasn't been easy, I/we have survived so far but now that I'm getting older (I will soon be 24) It's a whole lot more difficult and challenging to live like this, more so, since I don't get along with my parents, don't have an ID card, cannot get a decent job, health care, social-life(Yes, I've actually had friends who, knowing full well the situation I'm in, are against the Dream Act), and lets not forget that feeling of an outcast(if you haven't felt it yet, you will, just give it time).

I have given this a lot of thought, and I've often questioned my parents decision to move to the U.S. and i grow increasingly frustrated at the system(or lack thereof) ,In-fact, I've actually thought about going back to my country of origin (not knowing what awaits me there). I'm actually a few courses shy of an Associates degree but I have taken a break from college, because I don't really think it will make a difference, not until the Dream Act is actually passed. Citing the recent downward economic trend, i don't believe the Dream Act is on Obama's priority list, he will get to it eventually, but not in his first term(just my opinion, and I hope I'm wrong) and I don't know if i can wait that long.

I know i sound somewhat negative, but, I'm just a realist...

Welcome, be sure to stick around friendo! And I hope you are wrong boo boo, cuz 2009 looks like a mighty fine year for Dream Act to be passed

Hi Peanut & Welcome to DAP,I got to say your past story is kinda similar to mine & I am also a realist,but I don't think anyone can discern at this point if Dream act will come up or not,only Harry Reid,Pelosi & Obama know that.The only thing we can do is try to highlight our scenario under the current immigration laws & showcase why Dream is needed so urgently,which is for our future.

Thank You, and it's good to know that I am not alone in this, that there are others out there...
P.S. i also hope that I'm wrong.

welcome!
make sure to stick around.

I came here with my parents on a tourist visa when i was 11 too. I almost left this summer because i was so frustrated but i end up staying here because i want to graduate college here. So hang in there. 2009 is our year.

Hey peanut,

I feel you on the frustration, especially as you get older. I announced more than a couple of times that I would take a break for reasons similar to yours. I never actually did it. I graduated from college this past spring, I have a B.A. but can't really be "legally" employed.

I am still here, writing this to you.

If you want to leave at least get your bachelor's before you do if you can afford it. At least you will have something to make your return a softer landing. Nobody can take education away from you.

You said you were taking a break from college and that for now your social life isn't the greatest (same here, getting a little better). Why not try to do what you can to prove your prediction wrong?

We have nothing to lose.

hey welcome to DAP

i'm in a similar situation.. life gets harder as you grow up.
my advice is to at least get your degree first because a degree from here will help you back in your country of origin more than a degree from there and then if you decide to leave well thats your decision but i'd stick around a couple of years and if nothing happens then we must find an alternative.

stay active!

Welcome, feel free to contact me at anytime if you have questions or need help.

Welcome to DAP.