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Hi everyone. It's very encouraging to go through these forums, and see so many peers that have fought against the odds as undocumented youths like myself. I stumbled onto this site after searching to see if anyone else's DACA application has been taking too long to get approved. I'm glad that I'm not alone in this, though it's a little disheartening to learn that some people have been waiting far longer than me and still haven't heard anything. Anyway, my name is Armando; I'm 24 years old. An uncle carried me across the Mex/U.S. border and into Phoenix, AZ when I was 4 years old. I'd always been aware of my status as an undocumented immigrant, but it hit me hardest when I was in high school. Between the student exchange programs, summer trips to Germany, and university offers that I could never take advantage of, I was crushed. It felt like I was up against the entire world. At the least, I was determined to get attend college like any native student might do. After getting fake work credentials, I worked throughout my high school years, saving as much as I could. Even so, I had to spend 2 years at a community college before I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for my last 3 years of study. I relied on a few private scholarships, and practically obliterated my life savings, but I obtained my B.S. in computer science in May 2012. It's kind of ironic, I was the valedictorian for my graduating class, and I gave a speech about engineers' responsibility to better society. Yet, I'm the only one who's life has remained stagnant since graduating. All of my friends have careers and fuller lives. Luckily, my siblings were all born in the U.S. (I'm the oldest), so they don't have to face these difficulties. Still, I can't help but feel a little jealous to see them get their driver's licenses, receive FAFSA support and go off to study in New York. I'm glad to have found a place to vent, and share these things. And I'm overjoyed at the opportunity presented by DACA, though I wish things would move along. My one regret as a DREAMer, is that I was silent while so many others, much braver than me, raised their voices through non-violent protest. DACA is still a far cry from allowing us to fully realize ourselves as Americans, but it's a hard won step along the way, possible thanks to the courage of youths like the ones on these forums.

That was interesting! I really liked the mix of middle eastern, reggae, and hip hop! Here is mine, before I go really exotic on your butt

I've been going through several lawyers websites and i've also read other peoples comments on on those websites nd their cases, nd even though they didnt apply for DACA they have being wating on their immigration case to be processed nd approved also. Its pretty much clear that the Vermont center is the main delayed center because of many, many other different immigration cases still pending even before August 15, so even though they are trying hard to approve most of the application for deferred action they still have to worry about other immigration cases nd try to help those not fall behind just bacause of daca so basically im pretty sure we will have to wait most of the time we have been told unless your case is easy to handle.....good luck guys

Once my application gets approved and I get that email notification. I will be like .

Every case differs. For instance, me and my little sister applied to Vermont office 3or4 days apart. She got her approval after taking her bio in 22 or 28 days, if I remember correctly. We both are on the same asylum case, live in the same location, sent in almost similar evidence, but the only difference I saw is that she finished her undergrad in a different University of Maryland school system.And, I am sure what school you went to really don't matter, but I have been waiting since Aug. 31. So, my guess is each application goes through different procedure which would affect the decision period. Always, remember they will scrutinize your application in any way the could. So, be patient and Hope for the best. Best of Luck

Man U falls, just because Chicharito sucks (no offense to any MX fans out there)... Regarding Celtics, you are right. However, anything can happen in Champions. That's why so exciting to watch! I'd like to see Porto advance ( many Colombians playing there ex. James Rodriguez), as well as Bayern, Schalke, Barca, and Juve...Valencia v PSG, I don't know, since Valencia is playing very good, but PSG has Ibra... In other topic, what do you think about Falcao? I would like to see him in Chels...there is also a rumor that Pep is going to Man City and Neymar has expressed interest in working with Pep. A lot of moves in Euro soccer!

There are different departments and staff members for each category. C33 is not in the same department as C01, every staff member is trained according to their department.

Of course, they were lucky but the momentum says they could pull it off, man. Just the same way Barca lost to Chelsea last year, Celtics could be that same upsetting team that beats the better opposition. Plus, once any teams gets on the pitch, one team is bound to lose and factors like confidence plays a major roll on wining. By the way, remember currently Barca are unbeaten in la lega, plus they only lost to Celtics and tied to Benfica in Champions League. Which makes it there best ever running record from what I can remember. So, I wouldn't compare them to there last year form. But, in any game where Barca is playing in the Champions league is going to be one sick match. And, I hope ManU loses to Real Madrid. Now that game, I wouldn't mind betting on if I had spare $$$.

I won't put my money on Juve Vs Celtics game. The way Celtics play from what I have seen they are one dangerous underdog team man. Don't forget Celtics found a way to beat Barcelona on there second head-on group stage match. So it really hard to say, If Juve would overcome celtics confidence and advance to the next round. For possible Juve vs Barca match, I've to say that would be one heck of a match man. And, I would be rooting for the wining team with a possibility of supporting Juve - if they can find a way of containing Barca one two passes. I wouldn't mind seeing Pirlo pick up champions league trophy for once.

It seriously drives me nuts to see how there are so many talented hardworking people on this forum and there are probably way many more out there who haven't joined and most of us have to be content with half of what we can really accomplish. I guess that is the case in most aspects in life when you aspire to bigger and better things all the time. But it's nice to meet you all here. Because I can see our hardwork and ambition will soon prove who we are to those who have the chance and hardly ever aknowledge it.

Welcome to the forum! Good luck! Happy waiting haha!

At the risk of oozing cliché, true love is priceless. I won't lie, it would suck for both of us to be in the same situation, but to discriminate against someone else for their status is to discriminate against ourselves. It would be saying that our American citizen partners should have walked away from us because we're hopeless. Parents always want the best for us, even if its not fair or kind.

Omg I loved the video! I totally shared it with non-undocumented friends! Pow pow

Love the instrumentals on that! I have a collection of Arabic, Greek and Bollywood I haven't even gone into yet! Bring on the exotic lol love these guys... U know them?

Son increibles.. el show de ellos fue el mejor que he visto. "Niña Rica" es malaaa y chistosisima!! Tambien me fascina Los Aterciopelados... dos de las miles de bandas Colombianas buenisimas!

One thing on our minds... Our moment is coming...

i did my biometrics oct 23rd, sent to California and still not approved, i think it depends on the officer that gets your App, i did biometrics at the same time as my cousin and she got her permit 3 weeks ago also sent to California center... lets keep positive and busy.

They are absolutely amazing and this girl... AHH! She's phenomenal. Saw them live!

UPDATED INFO: I like to browse around other forums with fellow DREAMERS and educate myself over various subjects. One of the things that is very present at the time is doing my taxes. I found a post by a DREAMER by the username of msaccountant where he/she gives extra info we may not be aware of. Here it is and at the end I have posted the link to where I found this info. I take no credit for the following information The purpose of this thread is to try and educate fellow DREAMers about filing individual income tax returns. I won't go into full details again like I have said again and again I'm no tax expert but I do have basic knowledge when it comes to this and I will try my best to help anyone out. (Any other members on here accounting majors, business majors, and anyone that has experience/knowledge is more than welcome to help out.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What do I do with my ITIN now that I have an SSN? Once you're approved for DACA/EAD and have received your new SSN you must give up your ITIN. This thread will tell you what you have to do: http://dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=33829 Once you do that you will not use your ITIN to file taxes ever again your new SSN will be the number you use from now on. Do I qualify for the Earned Income Credit/Earned Income Tax Credit? Depends. You must be at least age 25*, your filing status must not be Married Filing Seperately, have a vaild SSN, and meet the income requirements. Once you're approved for DACA/EAD and have received your own SSN you will have a valid SSN. However, you must know that if anyone on your tax return does not have a valid SSN you will not receive the credit. I would advise those of you that previously had an SSN to get a new card before you file because if the preparer sees that it says it's not valid for employment then they will think you don't qualify for the credit. *If you have children the age limit does not apply to you. In addition, only the following income is classified as taxable earned income: Wages, salaries, tips, and other taxable employee pay; Union strike benefits; Long-term disability benefits received prior to minimum retirement age; Net earnings from self-employment if: You own or operate a business or a farm or You are a minister or member of a religious order You are a statutory employee and have income. Examples of Income that are Not Earned Income: Pay received for work while an inmate in a penal institution* Interest and dividends Retirement income* Social security* Unemployment benefits* Alimony Child support *Don't think any of you received that but still good to know. Do I qualify for Education credits such as the American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, or the Tuition and Fees deduction? First of all to qualify for any of the credits the amount you are trying to deduct must be paid out of pocket, if it's a scholarship or perhaps you receive state aid that portion is not tax deductible. Second, no matter who paid the tuition if your parents claim you as a dependent (they provide over half of your own support i.e.: pay bills, food, clothes, transportation expenses) then they will claim the education credit. This is tax law not something you can decide or argue with your folks about. If your parents do not have a SSN in other words they're undocumented they can still claim the credit. American Opportunity Credit (AOC) To qualify you must be attending an accredited school at least as a half time student for at least one academic period. (i.e: Half time student for spring semester) You must be deducting educational expenses that were paid out of pocket for the first 4 years of higher education (undergrad). You must not be convicted of a felony. Also, you must be receiving a degree and/or certificate. The following do not qualify as education expenses: Room and Board, Parking Permit, Student Health Insurance, Travel and Research expenses. The following qualify as education expenses: Books, equipment, fees, and supplies only if they are required for the course. The maximum credit per student is $2,500. Only refundable education credit. Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) To qualify you must be attending an accredited school. Unlike the AOC you do not have to be an undergrad and you don't have to be attending at least half time. No limit to how many years you can claim it. The following expenses will qualify as educational expenses: Tuition and any amount that's paid directly to the school to cover course-related books, fees, equipment, and supplies that are required. If you are purchasing any of these at a bookstore, internet, or somewhere else then they don't qualify. The maximum credit per family/return is $2,000. Tuition and fees deduction Same requirements as the LLC only difference is this is an adjustment to income not a credit. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is what I have so far. I will add info on the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the EIC income requirements. If anyone has anything else they'd like me to add then speak now (PM me or post on here). I will try with the best of my knowledge and by researching to assist y'all. I won't prepare anyone's tax return nor will I provide an estimate of how much you might see as a refund or if you'll end up paying. I strongly suggest to visit a VITA center in your neighborhood and also to consider volunteering for them because you will gain some knowledge and it's just a great experience to give back. Once you're hooked you will start doing research on your own and asking questions like me. Also very important the IRS has stated that they will not take any returns (e-filed or paper) until the 30th of January so if you file now and are expecting a refund the wait to receive it will start on the 30th. It's always best to get it through direct deposit though! Source/Link: http://dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=36978

Yeah, sure they can. Try to remember where you have made business, and have sign stuff, to ask for records. Wish u luck, let us know of any updates with you.

I did! I did my biometrics on Oct 11 and still not approved!

They recieved mine on 9/27/12 I got biometrics done on 10/26/12 and I haven't heard nothing since then idk man it's just extremely annoying how California is so fast but vermont sucks oh well we gotta keep waiting /:

you're welcome and also USCIS has 90 days to make a decision on your work permit AFTER they approve your Deferred Action.