Can't Believe It

Hi Everyone,

I just came across this site this afternoon! It is so good to be part of this community. I am in a similiar situation to most of you.

I came here when I was 6 years old and overstayed my tourist visa from Africa. However, during that time, my grandmother attempted to file immigration documents to help me gain legal status. Her attempts were no longer successful after I turned 18. My mother is a naturalized American citizen, but since she has a DIFFERENT last name than I do, she feared that filing on my behalf could lead to the government revoking her citizenship.

Luckily, not having legal status has done little to slow me down. I graduated from a public university in MD in 2006, magna cum laude and I am now studying at a top tier law school. Ironic, right?

I never had a problem enrolling in schools since I had a social security number that was tied to my name. Also, i have been able to get credit cards and a drivers license because of my SSN.

Between the time off between law school, I was able to find contract work with different organizations. My status was never questioned. My mother is now in the filing for me through her citizenship. However, it will be a long process since I am over 21 years old. I am weary that it will pan out and I pray that the Dream Act passes.

I know that everyone here has been through alot but reform is on the way. I will keep everyone in my prayers and keep working. Don't let this be an obstacle in your success!

Welcome to DAP! good to have you around.

My parents married here. My father is an american citizen born and raised. My mom went on vacation and had me in Mexico. When I was 2 months old she drove me across the border with my father without a visa. At that time all you had to show was a diver's license. My mother is not a citizen either, but she has a SS# and a Driver's License. My father never filed for her, because of fear. He was part of some shady business in the 60's and so he never did anything for me or my mom. And he tried to erase some of his past.

I grew up hearing that I was a citizen by law, because if you are born to American Citizen, you are automatically a citizen. When I turned 16 I wanted to drive, but I couldn't because I didn't have all the documents required. I couldn't apply for an ID or let alone a driver's license. My dad promised me he would take care of the matter before I was 18...but he didn't. I trusted him, but he didn't follow through. I had no idea what needed to be done. I am now 27 years old...and in order to get my citizenship I have to derive it from my father. Because he has had such a shady life, he has kept no records of anything. I now how to prove 10 years of physical presence for my father. I need 5 years before he was 14 years old and 5 years after. Sounds simple, right? But it only gets more complicated. My dad was born in the 30's and he was an only child. He attended an orphanage in the 40's because his grandma couldn't afford him. So I am waiting on that orphanage to send me some kind of proof of his time there in the orphanage. They may or may not find anything. It was so long ago.

They also told me to find his military records from 1950-1954. But I've tried...in 1973 there was a fire in St. Louis, Missouri where all the Archives and military records are stored. My father's information according to them, has been burned in the fire. They can't find his military records to prove he was part of the military. All I have are his pictures.

I got a lawyer thinking that I would get the help I needed. But he only swindled me out of 3,500 dollars. Money that friends and family lent me.

I was really happy to find that there were groups of people going through the same thing I was. Being Unidentified for years, and feeling discouraged of what will be possible in the future for me. I am an Actress/Singer/Dancer thespian and artist. I want to go to a good college, but I can't afford the tuition on an under the table job.

I am spreading the world about the DREAM ACT...and praying everyday that this act gets recognized as a necessity to millions of young people like myself. I will continue to study and learn and progress as an individual, even though my country will not acknowledge my existence!

love,
Me