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To anyone who has a parent/relative that is illegal like us and does NOT know English, I encourage YOU to encourage THEM to learn!! ENCOURAGEMENT!! :) :) Lots of talk has been circulating about possible immigration reform... One of the prerequisites, though, would be that they have to know English, my mother was always a firm beleiver that if you will be residing in a certain country, the least you can do is learn the language. So, I encourage you to get them to take classes (lots of organizations offer English classes) and if they cannot find any or cannot afford it or are too embarrassed to "go to school at such an old age" (I get this a lot! lol) then encourage them to get an online program or DVD program, something. Finally, if all else fails, YOU take the initiative (if you're up to it) and see if there's anyway you could teach them English... Our parents/relatives really deserve this opportunity and I wouldn't want ANYONE to miss out on this opportunity simply because of the language barriers... I have no certifications from anywhere but my local church gave me some English books and I also looked up course material online and have begun to teach English classes in my community... IF ANYONE wants guidance or thinks that they would be up for such a task, contact me!! I am more than willing to help and think it is SUCH a great cause!!! There's no better feeling than knowing you made a difference in someone's life! Best of luck!! AND please do encourage people to step up and take the initiative to learn the language so they aren't left behind!! PLEASE! Keep the faith and pass it on!! P.S. When my mom learned English, it boosted her self esteem and made her MUCH happier! Furthermore, she is able to do a lot more on her own. She thought she signed up for English classes but actually signed up for GED classes!! (lol) and now she speaks it very very well... It really honestly does help to watch shows in English and put Spanish subtitles on or vice versa!! And also, she learned in early 2000ish sooo Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, and Nsync really helped!! hahahahaha!!

After a record-setting number of Latinos turned up at the polls in key swing states across the U.S. on Election Night, lawmakers in Washington look like they might finally be moving towards making the hot-button issue of immigration reform a priority. The Hispanic vote played a major role in President Barack Obama's Nov. 6 victory that secured another four-year term for the president. According to Latino Decisions, which measures Hispanic voting data in the U.S., Latinos turned out to give Obama a record-breaking 75 percent of their votes nationwide, helping him shatter Bill Clinton's 72 percent benchmark among Latino voters in the 1996 election Read more at http://www.latinospost.com/articles/6806/20121112/immigration-reform-2012-latest-news-gain-higher.htm#ylCA6luV965b8pbi.99

There has been some talk that those who have already been approved have turned their back on those still waiting to be approved or have completely lost interest in what happens with DACA or future immigration topics. I, for one, will have to say that I COMPLETELY and UTTERLY disagree with this. Think about it. For the most part, there were some of us that had ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to log into the forum and help others out and encourage those around us in the same situation. HOWEVER, now that a lot of us (at least on this forum) who have been approved and received their EADs, SSNs, and DLs, we are living the life that we have always wanted to live and doing so without fear. We are getting jobs, and driving, and being productive and in doing so we no longer have the same amount of time we once did when it comes to logging on. For this, NO ONE should be made to feel guilty and NO ONE should make someone feel guilty. I also think that is goes against the morality of Dreamers Movement for making someone feel guilty because they are being a productive person. If this offends anyone, i will not apologize for it nor should I have to. I feel at this point in time that I have helped when I was able to help and will continue to do so in the time that I am able to given my busy schedule.

You are right Itzel. It wasn't a typo, and I'm giving you a public warning right now. If you insult directly or indirectly to anyone else, I will personally give you an account warning. Not everyone thinks like you, learn to respect others. This topic is now closed. PS: I encourage you to make new topics without insulting anyone and everyone is entitled to their own opinion as long as there's no harassment and/or insults involved. Gracias!

I kind of have to agree with PSWA this time. In my case, I grew up in the States since I was 13 years old and I can barely remember my life over there. My life has ways been here and will continue to be for as long as I'm allowed. Just because someone feels more on the side of North Americans, doesn't mean they forgot where they came from.. they just simply don't remember much about their country. If I had to choose between the country that I was born in and the US, I would choose the US. The US gave me the opportunity that my "own" country didn't give to my parents. Whether someone sees you as a Hispanic or not, it does not matter. You know your own self and that's all that matters.

Pues que lastima que perdistes eso, porque ser hispano/a es algo que no cambiaria por nada en este mundo... Que lastima que no sabes nada de tu cultura... que lastima que ni si quiera sabes tu idioma... que lastima que ni si quiera tratastes de saber quien eres... porque la mera verdad en este pais, aunque TU te creas muy americana y muy de aqui, todos los americanos/gringos (sin tener en cuenta si son racistas o no) SIEMPRE te van a ver como diferente, como hispana, porque la mera verdad tienes el nopal pintado mija... No me arrepiento por lo que te estoy diciendo... Total, es tu vida y realmente no tengo ninguna razon para juzgarte... Quiero que entiendas que no te estoy juzgando, nomas me duele mucho que pienses asi... Suerte

What was said has been said and it's time to move on and focus on what the forum is really about

Can we please move on? Let's not keep feeding the fire. There are far more important things to talk about and care for.

I'm sure when the other post was made, the girl who wrote the post didn't write the post with an intention to make anyone feel guilty. She was simply pleading everyone not to turn their back on anyone after the DACA is granted but she never mentioned anyone to be here all the time. I'm sure she's got the common sense that we will be busy after we get the EAD. It is just so true that some people discriminate certain group of people, such as us, even within the same racial group. I think she wrote the post out of her hurtful experience, which I'm sure a lot of people can connect with. This forum is just a really good community with everyone walking on a very similar path, so of course no one wants to lose the connection made here. I know that I will be sticking around here whenever I get the chance, and I'm sure most of us will be checking the forum even if not actively interacting within the forum. The staffs for the forum aren't required to sit in front of the computer all day long just to wait for someone with a question to pop up. And we all try to help out the beat we can when we get the time. There's no need for someone to be offended or feel guilty about anything. If anyone need help and can't wait for someone to answer their question in next few hours, he/she should hire a lawyer.

I didn't see anything wrong with her post. I know what she means and I promise it was not meant to offend anyone. She simply is saying we should stick together. We all know once everyone gets an SSN, they wanna live their live. And maybe once in a while check in to the forum and see whats going on. We can all still help each other because you used to be that person that was asking all the help. Also I've been getting messages that seem to be always negative. That's not what a forum should be. We need to help each other.

I'm pretty sure that only happens on busy states, but the rest will do it without any issues. Best of luck and drive safe!

This post is way tooo interesting..... Mira reina, tu y yo sabemos que hay maneras de decir las cosas, y desafortunadamente para ti, la manera que empezaste este "post" suena como si estas criticando a la gente y como si te cree la gran cosa. Todos en este forum empezamos de la misma manera, ayudandonos mutuamente. Yo no voy a caer en el juego de explicarme o mis aaciones despues de haber obtenido DACA. Te sugiero que en el futuro cuides tus palabras para no insultar a otros. Para serte honesta, por gente como tu es por lo cual voy a desactivar mi cuenta. Que Dios te bendiga..

Nilvia started off saying one thing, but apparently you guys misunderstood and came up with another. I have seen Latinos, not born not in the U.S. They somehow became citizens and they totally forget where they came from ( I could care one bit about the age they got here) and simply because they now have residency or citizenship they go against other latinos who are lnot in their same position of being a resident or citizen. I saw on the news, three people from Arizona dressed up as members of the KKK they were racially attacking a hispanic woman (Mexican) They cops somehow stopped these people unmasked them and only to find out they were Mexican as well. Except they were citizens. What the fuck is that!? I was brought here to the U.S when I was nine years, I have no ties with my country and that's because I can't travel to it. This. Country has given me everything I have now, I was raised here and this is the only country I know, but I'm still Latino, I still speak perfect spanish and the fact that I was raised here doesn't make me a white boy. I'm still Latino... I'm proud to be able to speak Spanish and English. Its about keeping it real.

TOO many people are getting this post all wrong.... this is about remembering where you come from and not turning you backs (metaphorically, socially) on us... it's about remaining proud of your ethnicity and people... its about remembering that you're still one of us (whether you're latino/hispano/whatever) regardless of what papers you may have now and new opportunities... I AM NOT SAYING that those of you that aren't dedicating your lives to help others are backstabbers, etc... ALL I am saying is DON'T DISASSOCIATE YOURSELVES FROM THE REST OF US JUST BECAUSE NOW YOU HAVE OPPORTUNITIES THAT OTHERS STILL DON'T... Once again, I AM NOT calling ppl backstabbers just because they don't spend all of their time helping others, I am only PLEADING that you remember your struggle and you don't judge ppl that are still struggling... Chill out ppl, I am seriously not judging or calling anyone out on anything like that, this post was solely based on personal experiences with people I know that feel better than others once they get their legal status... Please read all of the original post as well as each of my comments before you explode on me thinking I'm hating on people... En serio, a todos los que estan aqui les deseo lo mejor y no los estoy juzgando... Deseo que encuentren felicidad, tranquilidad, y exito con esta oportunidad que nos dio Obama... Total, tambien deseo que nunca se olviden de donde vienen... Que Dios los bendiga!

Soo, I received my license last week and I am taking a kid from my town to his biometrics appointment because his parents don't know how to get there and are scared to take him since they don't have a license... I just wanted to make sure that if you are a minor, you don't need to have your parents come with you... Anyone who is under 18 and had their biometrics appointment already.. did you need your parent/guardian there??? I just don't want to take him all the way there (3 hr. drive) and find out he needs a parent/guardian there... 0_o

I don't know how many of you know about it (for those in California) but AB 131(which is part of the CA Dream Act) will become effective on January 1, 2013, very soon! so here is some info about it. The California Dream Act of 2011 is the result of two bills, Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) and Assembly Bill 131 (AB 131). Together, these bills allow undocumented and documented students who meet certain provisions of AB 540 law to apply for and receive private scholarships funneled through public universities (AB 130), state-administered financial aid, University grants, and community college fee waivers (AB 131). AB 131 : Signed into law on October 8, 2011. Becomes effective on January 1, 2013. Apply for and receive institutional grants like the UC "University Grant", the CSU "State University Grant", the CSU Extended Opportunity Program (EOP) or the California Community College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). Apply and receive California Community Colleges Board of Governor's fee waiver ( BOG fee waiver) . If you are attending a California Community College and plan to transfer to a 4-year institution in the fall of 2013 or later, you may qualify for a Community College Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant also known as the CCC Transfer Entitlement Cal B (Apply JAN - MAR 2013) . If you are enrolled or expect to enroll in a career technical program at your college, you may qualify for a Cal Grant C ( Apply JAN-MAR 2013). Dream Act students without legal immigration status will be required to fill out the CA Student Aid Commission's own Dream Application in lieu (stead) of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Like any other dependent Cal Grant applicants, Dream Act students will be required to submit parental income and asset information. The demographic information students will provide on the Cal Dream Application is largely the same as the information that students have already supplied to their high schools and colleges. There are no checks and matches between the Cal Dream App and any federal databases. Dream Act students' and their parents' information is protected by the same privacy and information security laws and safeguard as all other Cal Grants applicants. California Dream Application website: www.CalDreamAct.org I also attached more info on AB 130 & AB 131 CA Dream Act (AB130 & AB131) FAQ's.pdf

Hello everyone! I'm so happy we are finally seeing change here in the U.S. I know many of us deserve this opportunity! I was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico and lived there until I was three. My mother brought me over to the U.S. illegally to better my life (and my sister). We first lived in Long Beach, California. We stayed there until 1996 and then we moved to Iowa. We moved a few times here in Iowa and have finally settled in a small town where my mom is content. I am now a student at University of Northern Iowa and am studying Sociology with hopes of getting into a graduate program after I complete my major! I owe all my success to my mother. She was the driving force that kept me going. She was a single mom that went in and out of three bad relationships throughout my life. I have seen her suffer so much. My biggest goal is to help her someday. Fortunately because of the DACA and work permit I will hopefully be able to do so sooner than I planned! I have lived through a lot in my 22 years of life. -abusive family settings (stepfather's behalf) -poverty -racial inequality -shattering of dreams I am very involved in my community and am currently working on developing a NAACP chapter for my town. We have been dealing with a lot of racial profiling and hostile police behavior towards the Mexican community. Hopefully I will be able to do more now that I will have my work permit and DL! I am so thankful to God and my mother! If anyone has any questions with their application or process, let me know! I will be glad to help (I have helped a few people file their applications).

You know when a person first gets to this country and experiences the struggles and things that come with being an immigrant. It is through that that many of us can relate, because we know how it feels. Have you ever met a person you knew that went through this, and fortunately they acquire their residency, becomes a citizen and then they turn their back on you like they're the shit!? They suddenly act like they're better than you because of it. This is what I think Nilvia was trying to point out. Nilvia is smart to enough to know that people have to take care of theor pririties and that eventually one has to move on to do what one has to. She also knows that there's many more people who are willing to contribute and I did not see nor understood that she was asking people around here to stop what you're doing and to stick around. She simply said, if you get approved for DACA, someday acquire citizenship don't turn your back on your people and to remember that you too came from the same place. Peace... Don't stay mad

Just saw this post... interesting, never even thought about it... here is what i found from the IRS site... the link is at the bottom! What do I do when I am assigned a social security number (SSN)? Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN. It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns. It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so we can combine all of your tax records under one identification number. If you do not notify the IRS when you are assigned a SSN, you may not receive credit for all wages paid and taxes withheld which could reduce the amount of any refund due. You can visit a local IRS office or write a letter explaining that you have now been assigned a SSN and want your tax records combined. Include your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy of your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment, if available. The IRS will void the ITIN and associate all prior tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN. Send your letter to: Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0057 http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Additional-ITIN-Information

I'm sure we all are going to go through busy times when we finally get a ssn and a license. I think it is common sense and everyone should be aware of such thing, this is an open discussion forum and no one need or should have to be online 24/7 which isn't the case Everyone helps when possible

There is something that I see a lot that is soooo overwhelmingly disappointing and infuriating!! Anyone else notice that often times when someone finally gets legal status/residency/citizenship, they seem to turn their backs on the rest of us and begin to see themselves as better while judging everyone that hasn't gotten there yet? I see that a lot, and it makes no sense to me!! WHY, after having been in the same boat, do people feel all of a sudden better than everyone else??? Those people begin to disassociate themselves from the rest of us and all of a sudden se creen la gran cagada!! I want to plead with all of you here that when you are approved for the deferred action, get your EAD, social security card, and license, you won't turn your back on the rest of us... Keep on fighting for us!!! Keep on being there for us!! Furthermore, if one day you get a full path to residency/citizenship, don't you EVER forget where you came from!! Don't you ever forget that struggle, don't you ever forget those hardships, and don't you EVER leave your own people hanging!! Keep on striving to help not only fellow dreamers, but also any other community members that are struggling as I'm sure a lot of our parents are struggling... Always keep that passion, don't ever let it burn out!!! Good luck to everyone y que Dios los bendiga!! <3

Yes, there have been some locations that don't allow walk-ins, but the majority do. It can't hurt to try. If they don't want to let her in, tell the guard that she won't have a ride on her appointment date and that she came from far away.

Rawf....i wouldnt bother responding......judgemental people dont deserve attention...

Nilvia, respeto mucho tu manera de pensar en todo este aspecto! Mejor no lo pudiste haber dicho!

wow, for someone who says that she's not judging, you just did.

Wait it's fine to have both an ID and a drivers license correct? I can feel "americans" laughing at my questions.

i get being proud and all that but here's my situation. even though i was born in mexico, i have no ties to mexico. i dont know any one there and can honestly say that i dont want to either. i grew up in a small town in southern california where 99% of the people are white. i grew up with white kids and spoke english just like they did. my mother sent me to private school for my education. i can honestly say that i dont relate to the majority of Dreamers. i dont mean that in a bad way, i'm just saying that my upbringing was COMPLETELY different then most of everyone here. i dont speak spanish and dont feel the need to. I have gone 29 years without doing so and have gotten along just fine. i have been told that I have "sold out" of being hispanic or latino because I dont speak spanish but if I never knew what it was like to be hispanic or latino how can I have "sold out"? I am proud of the upbringing that i had and would love to do it all over again, the exact same way, if i could. for me, i am PROUD of the person that I am and the person i will become rather then being proud to be hispanic or latino.

if you live in California you qualify for cal grants, UC grants, CSU grats, EOP, EOPS, BOG fee waiver here is more info because there's an application you need to fill out http://forum.adreamact.com/topic/847-ca-dream-act-ab-131/

I live in New York and yes we do get instate tuition lol

New York has something similar to this. Check it out guys: http://www.nydreamact.org/silver-introduces-new-bill-to-assist-undocumented-youth/

I like how you keep it real Nilvia and how you seem to be a proud Mexican. I also think its lame when a hispanic person wants to act like they don't speak spanish when they do! I've had these encounters with some latinos whom I spoke spanish to and they've acted like they can't speak Spanish but then you have to listen to their broken or improper English. That freaking irritates the f$*&k out of me...

I agree with you 100% and wish I knew why you feel or gave examples of how others are turning their backs. I used to be here more often but unfortunately am not because I found a job. I am a receptionist at a law firm and the hours are long. Its not that we've "turned" our backs, the thing is that we finally got the opportunity to work and start making arrangements to go back to school. Because I am not here as often as I used to, I have seriously considered stepping down as moderator. Let someone else have the spot. Good luck to us all.

nilvia tell me bout it...i see that a lot here where i live now! feel like slaping them right in the face... i feel the same way never forget where u come from! i understand that some ppl have everything here in USA but thats no need to be la gran cosa cuz there NOT!! cuz we are all the same with the big nopal in our face wich im so proud! lol and those ppl talking shit just make our raza look bad....Being mexican is something to be proud of even if we dnt have the same chances we are getting here in the USA.

Thanks for sharing your story! Like many of us, you have had your challenges throughout your life here in this country. However, you have been able to move past particular issues and fight for your dreams. Much success in your endeavors!

thanks! I definitely will keep on fighting on! =) thanks Nil!

aw thanks for sharing your story ... seems like you've gone through a lot, but keep on striving for the best and most important, don't give up

Angela - Traveling to AK and HI is not a problem with a valid DL or ID. I have travelled there before. So, you're good to go once you have your ID or DL. Have fun traveling!

So true. A lot of young people are allowing in fear to hold them back. but they don't realize that it is faith that got us this far, and the persistence of so many people who are advocating on our behalf is why we're here today. I used to be so jealous of my bro and friends because they were born with a gold spoon in their mouths but now i and many like me have a chance. We have homework 4 times as hard, dare to dream and make that dream our reality. Be leaders but follow the right path, strive for excellent and nothing less.