my question is this:
i've lived here in the us since i got here back in '84 at the age of 4. i've lived here all my life, went through the whole us education system. i'm not a criminal in any sort but a family man with dreams of becoming a famous dj. how is it that i can't work in the country i lived in all my life, and grew up in its culture. i dont even know what my country looks like in person, but according to the us gov. i'm a illegal immigrant. i'm really growing tired of not being able to work, go to school nor vote for who i would like to lead the country in the election. how is this possible?

who cares? There are thousands of American children who want opportunity, an education, etc...they are at the head of the line, you are not....tough.

Perhaps you ought to ask the people that made the choice for you to become an undocumented alien and brought you in to the US illegally while you were a minor.

Unfortunately, due to their choice and the fact that you failed to take responsibility for your status when you turned 18, you really have few options to legalize your status.

Now, I have a question for you. Why do you think you and your family deserve to jump the queue and be handed immigration benefits while thousands of us every year have to prove our worth before we're allowed to set foot on US soil, facing hardship and extended separations from our loved ones while we do so?

BrokenChasis: It's possible because your parents thought that they were way too important to obey the law. I agree that you're an innocent victim, but it's your own parents who placed you in this impossible situation.

You do have the option of returning to your country of origin...where you'll be able to work and go to school - and, unless it's a dictatorship, you'll even be able to vote.

The blame for your predicament is not the American Government's....the blame is solely that of your parents.

I feel your pain, brokenchasis. This is exactly what's happening, blaming others for not accomplishing anything on their own. We cannot punish kids for their parents act, if they were trying to get better life for their families and came here. It's easy to blame then to work out the solution so it should be fixed for once and all. Anyways, being here as a child would have made you qualify for Dream Act, which failed last year due to all these political football. Research on this act and hopefully with new president we might see this act getting approved. I know personally so many smart kids who are just waiting and praying to get this act approved. And believe me these kids have really worked hard and they have not stolen any benefit from American born kids, if they are not willing to work and achieve high grades as these kids have. Then they blame them.
It's easy said wait in line, but THERE IS NO LINE. We need to fix our immigration laws so we don't go in this problem again. We need to have secure borders, strict enforcement laws alongwith we need to give some kind of earned legalization to the people already here for more then 5/10 years. And get them on books, make them pay taxes, fees n all. Not only that they will start spending in this country, buying homes, cars, ins. and all. Economy will boost and will benefit the country. But, politics is playing big role right now. Hopefully, this will end soon, as it's been going since year 2005 and enough is enough. Good luck and don't loose hope.

Hello Brokenchasis,

To answer your question....

Being Legal is a process.

Is your wife a US citizen?
or you have a child 21 years of age who's born here?

If yes... you can go back to your country
of origin have your wife or a child file a petition. You might get a 10 year barr upon leaving the US. But there is a waiver application for that.

You can PM one of the power member here (4now)
ask an info about it.

However, you also have to consult a legal advice from a lawyer.

This is one way to get back on the line.

but some on your case are hoping and waiting
for the "comprehensive immigration reform".
No one knows what's the future of this Bill thou.

Well, if brokenchaises you entered legally via valid entry and inspected, originally. You don't need to go back if married to US citizen and can get your status adjusted here. If entered illegally, then I guess you still can start your process with a waiver and all depending on your situation. Need to speak to the lawyer for legal advice. Otherwise, if no US sponsor like a spouse/21 yr. old child, then you just wait for the bill, i guess. Thats' what I meant there is no other legal process for the people who are already here for the longest time and want to adjust their status. They need one chance atleast. Ok now done is done. If they are not criminals and have proven to be a good citizen, there should be some kind of relief for them. We need CIR Bill to fix all the problems. When it will happen, who knows for sure. But, hopefully if the democrats picked up the presidency and some more seats in congress/senate, then next year. Too much politics have already being played by republicans, now. They need to go. So, now we can resolve so many issues held hostage in the congress/senate by them. They haven't learned their lesson from 2006 election. Hopefully this year.

quote:

how is it that i can't work in the country i lived in all my life, and grew up in its culture. i dont even know what my country looks like in person, but according to the us gov. i'm a illegal immigrant

"How is it"??
Answer: Simple, you and your parents never got caught. Don't blame the US for your parent's mistakes. The US did not go to your home country, pick you up, bring you over here. Your parents did. Instead of pointing the finger at the US, point it at your parents. As far as the US is concerned, you should be thanking them for giving you a FREE education, not to mention i'm sure, many other free social services thoughout your life, you may not even be aware of, even to this day.

It's official: something is really terribly wrong when after asking a question, one gets more questions than answers in return!

Hi Brokenchasis,

There appears to be many like minded stories such as your at the following website.It might be worth it to check the site to see if anyone has overcome their undocumented status.