It feels good not to be alone

I don't know if I have the ability or the words to truly express how amazing it is to have discovered this board. I've lived for years in limbo, feeling like an outsider and non-entity. Like many of you, I found out about my lack of status in my senior year of high school just when I had finished applying for college and was getting ready to fill out my FAFSA. Devastated, doesn't even go near to how that news affected me. In my mind I was an American, I had never been anything else.

I came into this country when I was 2 1/2 years old on an F-2 visa (I think) that eventually expired as my mother stayed past her end date. I lived and grew up in New England, went to school and eventually graduated an honor student in 2005. I was forced to take a year off because I couldn't afford to go to any of the art schools that I had gotten into, but now I go to the local art institute, only able to take a few classes each semester.
My mother was able to adjust her status to asylum in 2002 but because of some very bad legal advice, she didn't process my paperwork along with her own and the 2 year limit has long since passed. My 21st birthday is coming up in just a few weeks but we are working hard to find a lawyer to make a case for me so that I can finally stop living in darkness.

It's hard to keep hope alive when I can't do any of the things I see my friends do every day with enviable ease but after learning of the DREAM Act, I pray that it will pass soon and I am more than willing (though slightly fearful) to do my part to see that happen. I'm so glad to be here and to know that there are so many like me out there. We are more than paperwork, more than numbers, more than a status. We are DREAMers.

Welcome, I like your writing.....stick around

Welcome to the fold

WElcome to dap!

Hi Gratiea & Welcome to DAP,

It looks as though you have several potential options to adjust your status within the United States because of your mother but if you meet certain circumstances.It's also good to see another New England-er amongst the DAP crew.

WelcomE!....

Thank you all so much for your warm welcome, I'm proud to be a part of this

Welcome to DAP, Can I quote your last two lines for an academic paper?

Lol. No seriously, we are a pretty friendly and supportive lot so feel free to participate in discussions, ask questions, etc.

Welcome!

Like others mentioned, you'll learn to love this board for its overall scope on our DREAM!

Hope your situation gets worked out, if not the DREAM Act is potentially your release.

Thank you so much, I definitely intend to participate as much as I am able to and yes of course you can quote those last two lines