i'm new here, so here's my story

Hi everybody. I just recently found this website because my mother told me about it. well here's my story. I am 18 years old and I live in california and I just recently graduated from a california high school, at the top of my class (and I took all honors/AP classes). I was accepted into every college I applied to and because of the AB 540, I was able to play in-state tuition to the college of my choice, which I will be attending in the fall. About 11 years ago, my parents decided to emigrate from Brazil to the United States. I was 7 years old and I wasn't old enough to understand my life back in Brazil. I mean, sure, I was around all of my family and I spoke the language and everything, but I was still young and didn't know much about life. Anyway, we arrived in California in 1996 and I attended school all the way until high school and now I will be attending college. However, now I cannot legally get a job, drive, or do anything else that requires a Social Security Number. I feel like I don't belong neither here or in Brazil. I thought the Declaration of Independence stated that "all men are created equal." In truth, that means, "all Americans with legal papers are created equal." I just get so angry when I see my friends (US citizens) who don't go out and get a job or their licenses. And it makes me angry that I know more about the American government and American history than US citizens themselves and in fact, could probably pass a naturalization test right now. I am very thankful that I am able to go to college due to the AB 540, but I still cannot get a job to help support my family. My father had a Social Security Number but he is in rehab now so he can't support us anymore, so now my sister, mother and I are living in a two bedroom apartment with 5 other people because we can't afford our own rent.
I just needed a place to vent...a place where I could feel safe saying all of these things. Sometimes I feel like I don't want any friends because then I wouldn't have to go through the hassle of lying to them about why I can't get a job or why I don't have my license.
Hopefully DREAM comes out soon because that would be such an amazing piece of legislation that would make us all feel more at home here.
<3

Welcome, you will find this place very helpful and supportive..
Please begin calling your senators - we have a thread "CALLING BLITZ" in the Taking Action section. It is updated calling plan every 3 days.. That helps alot- we have already changed TWO anti-immigration reform senators that will now be voting FOR the dream act..

Trust me man we're all in this together. Just keep pushing for the DREAM Act like us because it would solve many of our problems. This site does provide some good moral support. I would go into detail about my story but i don't want to repeat something you've probably already heard. I'm Juan Gomez btw.

wow. welcome!!
hey what school are you going to be attending? I live in CA too.

San Francisco State University

i'm going to san francisco state university this fall too! i'm going through the same things you're going through! don't think you're the only one =D

one more thing, i dont think you need to lie to your friends because i tell my friends what status i'm at and they don't seem to take it negatively or anything. they're just surprised, but then they forget about it later on.

Really? I'm just afraid to tell my friends because most people don't really understand so it's a big hassle having to explain my status all the time. That's really cool that we're going to the same college. What's your name? I'm sooo glad there's someone else like me going to SFSU.

Hey... We are all in this together, it's great to know that we're not the only ones... isn't that how it feels at times? Anyway... I was able to get my driver's license from another state... i bought my own car, have it registered under my name, and insurance... I too have told some of my friends my status and was able to get a job where they required a background check... by speaking to the owner (her niece is my sister's best friend so she knew me). When needed i simply say " I'm one of the few people who are in a very bizarre situation... etc." i also make sure to mention that everything is taking place, but it is an extremely long process... Don't sweat it... Think about the great things in life that you do have... and have faith in GOD. Everything happens for a reason, truly. Cheers!!