A ray of hope shines bright by finding this site...

"A community of individuals that know my situation and truly understand my frustration. Wow"

That was my first thought upon stumbling into this website.

Hello, My name is Travis. I'm 18 years old and currently residing in Killeen, Tx (Home to Ft. Hood... many of you probably know of it because of the mass shooting... pray for the wounded, and families of the deceased.). I'm an immigrant from Germany, being brought over here whilst in 2nd grade (around the age of 8/9).

Like many of my fellow DREAMers, I grew up like a normal child, unaware of my future restrictions. As I began to get older (particularly high school), I began asking questions. Why could my friend work and drive, but I couldn't? It had then been revealed to me, and I, like many of you, was devistated of this news. What am I to do? Unable to work, I could not afford an attorny. Even a free consultation provided me with "Well, it's going to take time and money... and we MIGHT be able to get something done for you".

I didn't really hide my situation much. I always told my friends, even sometimes joking of the situation. Many of them were shocked, mainly because (please excuse their ignorance) I was a white country boy with a Texas accent, so there was "no way in hell your an immigrant.... illegal at that!". But many realized I was being truthful when my expression did not change nor imply laughter.

It was hard growing up and not driving or working. Never had money for things I wanted. Never could hang out with friends. Parties? Nope couldn't get there. Date with that wonderful girl? "Uh... can you pick ME up?". I finally managed to aquire a job through a friend's dad. Installing doors, windows, and storm doors. Decent pay (better than not working!) and a good learning experience.

It's been roughly a year since I graduated High school. I graduated at the age of 17, having skipped a grade due to showing an above average learning ability, but it feels as if such an accomplishment is being wasted, sitting here not being able to do anything with my life. I see my fellow US friends who have the oppurtunity to move forward in life, but do not take it to its full extent. I get highly upset at them and they don't understand at what I'd do to be able to have that chance they have. So mainly I sit back and try to motivate them to move forawrd :P. Hey, at least something, right?

Currently, I guess I could say my life isn't as bad as some have it, so that's always a bright side. Whenever my situation starts getting heavy on my mind, I am thankful to have my wonderful girlfriend (just celebrated our 1 year on the 22nd of Oct.!). Without her, I think I would have already lost all hope, and god knows where that would have led me. She's always looking for a way to help, and she always gets slightly upset at me.... we've already talked about marriage (NOT because of my papers), and I've told her countless times that I will not marry her and allow her to help me with my paperwork, because I never want there to be any doubt in anyone's mind about why we got married. I want to know that everyone's mind will know that we got married on a basis of love.... not paperwork.

Well there's my story. Sure, I could elaborate more, but why waste such efforts on self pity when the efforts could be used to better progress the situation......for all of us.

I didn't see any rules on this... so here's my personal myspace: www.myspace.com/the_maverik . It will give a bit more insight on me, and put a face to the story.... And please, do not get offended by the rebel flag in the back ground. I am not rascist... I see that flag as a symbol of fighting for what you believe in.... and isn't that why we're all here at this forum? Fighting for our rights. Fighting for the right to live our life?

Thought so......

i totally understand you. and i like that you keep a positive outlook.
so good luck to you!!
and welcome
:]

WELCOME! It was great to read your story. Sounds like you have good support already, but I think that after you read some other people's stories you'll realize just how big your support group is now! You'll learn a lot by participating in different ways with other DREAMies. Glad you found DAP!

welcome!!

Welcome!

Maverik,

Welcome. Seeing that you graduated ahead of schedule have you looked into higher education here in Texas? It's feasible for undocumented youth in Texas. For more info on the subject check these sites out http://www.cheis.net/ and http://universityleadership.org/

-Carlos