New here, but not to this.

Hey everyone. I've been lurking for a few days, reading all of your stories and it's heartbreaking to see just how many of us there are. I've decided to go ahead and share my own:

My dad left for America when I was 8 months old to find work and support us. The political climate in Poland at that time was difficult. My mom and I did not re-unite with my dad in the US until I was 3 years old. My parents tell me that they had originally intended to return to Poland. Months went by - then years. I did not know that there was a problem with my legal status until about 3rd grade when I had trouble getting a library card with the rest of my classmates on a field trip. I think that was when I realized I didn't have a SSN. Clearly, I didn't know exactly what this entailed until high school. Unable to drive or work legally was one thing. Learning that my college prospects were severely limited - was unthinkable.

I graduated as the valedictorian of my class. I had been heavily involved in independent research projects and attended several US competitions (unable to fly, my dad would drive). I applied to Northwestern University's Undergraduate Research Program on a whim. With this program, you can obtain your Ph. D in 6 years. I was one of five chosen from the nation - but was unable to attend because it was simply too expensive. I revealed my situation to the directors of this program, and they honestly tried to do everything they could in terms of financial assistance. Still - it was not enough. Since Illinois offers in-state tuition for undocumented students, I pursued that route.

I've been lucky. My dad makes a decent living and is able to support my education. He pays taxes every year. There is also a student insurance program. The university assigns every student a university identification number (UIN) that is used in place of a SSN. This is what is reported on the student insurance forms - so health coverage is available. This has been invaluable to me. As I neared the end of my freshman year, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. That year would have been a disaster for me and my family, if I had been uninsured. After surgery and radiation, I'm considered in remission. My doctors told me my life could go back to normal again. Of course, little did they know, it was never normal to begin with.

I'm currently studying Bioengineering and carry over a 3.8 GPA. I'm now a junior, and while I value my education, I know deep-down this experience is bittersweet. I don't know what will happen in two years when I graduate. It's sad how quickly the doors close when you graduate from high school. It's sad to think that my cancer was easier to deal with than my immigration problem.

Dream needs to be passed, and it needs to be done quickly. I only hope our Senators can realize that this has nothing to do with race, birthrights, or political agendas, and everything to do with living life.

-Sparklepouf

OMG.. I hope people can see this.. how can anyone not support dream after a story like yours..

welcome! your story is very inspirational.....dont give up hope! we are all in this together we just need to unite and hit them hard...so join us as we call call and call some more....

WOW...!

I agree... you are a true DREAMIE

Welcome to the forum! Your story is very inspirational... I just can't imagine that certain people in this society would not want a person like you (and everyone else here) to be part of America. We all share the same hopes and the dream of one day becoming legal citizens... and that day could be really soon. Again... welcome!

Wow!!! Amazing story.... ! very inspired... Welcome

Everyone's stories always make me cry.

Would you mind sending your story to some newpapers ,tv shows, or Oprah? You wouldn't have to reveal yourself.

Oprah!!! lol... she's cool

We need change and we need it now. Welcome to DAP, let's work to make this happen.

You got me again with that username