Complex situation HELP!

First of all wanna thank the makers of this website! Thank you so much!

Little about me: 24 years old, residing in USA. I came to USA when I was 15. Lived a year here and gone abroad for two years. Then I came back and been living here continuously for 6 years. So far so good, I am well within the requirements. Or am I? My question is will the two years of absence work against me? In the bill, it basically says be gone over 180 days and you're out. Is it ANY period of 180 days or it only pertains to 5 years immediately prior to the enactment? I am getting mixed message on the bill itself.

What am I missing?

hmm.. this is a complicated situation. my best guess is that you would not qualify, but im not an expert, and i really really really advise you to go see a lawyer asap. i hope things work out!
oh, btw, welcome.

Thanks for your input. I really hope it won't be a problem. God only if I could get greencard. My life would be soo different! I love America!

Can anyone else provide input?

You have to have lived here for five continuous (that is the keyword) years since before age 16. The six years you are counting began after you were sixteen and you left for a period beyond 180 days so you can't count the year you were here before age 16. That is based on the last version of the bill, the text of the new version is not out yet.

Unfortunately, if you left the United States at the age of 16 or later, you are not qualified for the Dream Act. You need to enter the United States before the age of 16 and stay here for consecutive five years before the enactment of the act.

No. The bill says immediately before the enactment.

Did I come to US before age of 16?
-YES

Did I stay for 5 consecutive years immediately before the enactment?
-YES

In the bill says you can't have left the country for more than 180 days BUT this limitation specifically points out to the 5 consecutive year period.

You are right, it says before the enactment, I was wrong. Memory is failing me, now you know I'm not your gal when it comes to legislative details. Other members might know more about this (Ianus is pretty knowledgeable). I guess it depends on how "initial entry" is interpreted in relation to the other requirements.

Thanks lu001

I hope he will come here and give an answer!