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I think all of the users above me have said something that is true. We all know exactly what you're going through, because we are in the same position. One of my favorite quotes is "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers" Unfortunately no matter how much time you spend thinking or wishing your situation was different... it isn't going to change. It is something that is out of our control,so why waste time? I try to think positive. Like splif0clock said, when we think about it people throughout the world are going through SO much worse, they would kill to be in our position. No matter what, you won't get your 13 years back (oh how awesome life would be if we were given that option lol) but unfortunately it's not possible, so don't dwell on that. Dwell on making the rest of your life BETTER and living it up as much as you can DACA is only the beginning (I like to hope) but it's a very big first step, hopefully better things are to come for our people. It's very good that you're in college and little by little you're getting there props to you!! don't let a simple document hold you back from your goals. My life has been hard, but like I said above I like to keep myself the most optimistic as possible and with DACA I have so much to look forward too (as all of us do) The best of luck on your process!

I got to say, sometimes I break down and say F**k this eshi. But, at the end of the day, I always look at all the sad stories from around the world and be like It could be worse for me because most of the stories you hear are just sad. I could be in a city where there is constant war, no food to eat, or be in a situation where I don't have a place to call home. So, I end up telling myself that my life struggles are teaching me to become a better person than the average person. And, I do believe it made me a better person minus being too emotional. You just got to remember your situation could be worst and try to make the best out of little things and stay positive.

Its been hard, but I think what doesnt kill me makes me stronger and being undocumented made me appreciate what I have more and that the goals I have will be realized because if I survived this, I can survive anything., Also, God gives only his strong soldiers the tasks he feels they will be able to handle. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

If we could change something about current immigration processes/statuses?? Well, there's nothing I want more than for mi mami to have a chance!! She has struggled soooooo much and I just wish she could breathe easy for once!! Granted, my sister and I will stop at nothing to give her a better life, but it would be great if she could finally be able to live out some of her dreams, like traveling back to el pueblo, opening a business, getting a driver's license, etc... I think a lot of us here wish our parents had a chance, because they're the ones that gave up everything to get us to where we are... God bless mi mami, and God bless all the wonderful, hardworking parents out there that have made the Dreamers who we are!!

We all have stories as to how and why we ended up in this mess. I've been in this country for 13 years and it feels like I'm serving a life sentence for a crime that I did not commit. 13 years of my life spend in fear, depression, and hardship. There are many of you who have spend way more years without legal status than me, but I just want you guys to share some of your stories (if you want) as to how you've managed to stay strong and hopeful given the situation that you've been in for so long. Sometimes I just sit and stir at my friends who are Americans by birth and I just shake my head that my life is so drastically harder and so complicated than theirs, but yet we are so much alike. My friends have no idea how it is to not have legal status in this country, many people have no clue, but I've managed to finish high school and now I'm trying to finish college by putting pennies together in order to atleast take few college courses at a time until I can reach the finish line. Its been a tough 13 years, can't drive, can't enjoy simple things like working...etc, and once I get my DACA approved I don't even where to begin. Lol I came here when I was very young and now I'm in my mid 20s approaching my 30s, it's hard to believe sometimes how a document can make ones life so tough. The one thing that gives me strength and hope is the DREAMers movement, it's fascinating how a group of young undocumented youths can have political power and how organized and resilient it has become. DACA have given us a chance to take a deep sigh of relieve, especially for those who have been approved, but we still have a long road to travel and the Dream Act is our ultimate destination. But damn, I want my 13 years back. Lol How have this "undocumented" life been for you?

About time! I'm happy for you!

I came here when I was 8 from Trinidad and really up until my sophomore year in high school I lived a normal oblivious life. The last 3 years has been the hardest years of my life because more often than not, my mom and I couldn't make ends meet. But I think that we're all a lot stronger and more determined than other people our age because we know exactly what's trying holding us back and we refuse to let it. It's a bit silly but something my mom always told me that has gotten me through every difficult time in my life is: God doesn't give you anything you can't handle. Personally I volunteer a lot and that helps so much. I see families who live in shelters, people who don't have food on thanksgiving, people with illnesses who can't afford medication, and children who never get anything for Christmas. They're all American citizens. Here I am, without any documentation, and even at my most difficult point I have more than a good percentage of Americans. It's a struggle but we can do it for ourselves and for our parents who made the sacrifice for us.

I applied today for my SSN and the the one who assisted me told that I have to show them something with my full name/last name, I told her that I only use one name/lastname here in USA. I didn't wrote my two last name in the application only the one I use. Its up to you witch one to put... and it also depends what name it shown on your ID or the one you use in the State you live.

Congrats on getting to this point. It does change your life. The biggest shock is living a dream when we once thought it was never going to be real. Keep it up and go accomplish more goals

Yeah it does feel unreal. Glad your on the right track :-) many more blessings to come.

so i dont know what kind of lawyer you got but the application for the Advanced Parole is form I-131 and you can get it on the USCIS website. this is what USCIS states about Advanced Parole: New - Q3: If my case is deferred pursuant to the consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals process, will I be able to travel outside of the United States? A3: Not automatically. If USCIS has decided to defer action in your case and you want to travel outside the United States, you must apply for advance parole by filing a Form I-131, Application for Travel Document and paying the applicable fee ($360). USCIS will determine whether your purpose for international travel is justifiable based on the circumstances you describe in your request. Generally, USCIS will only grant advance parole if you are traveling for humanitarian purposes, educational purposes, or employment purposes. You may not apply for advance parole unless and until USCIS defers action in your case pursuant to the consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals process. You cannot apply for advance parole at the same time as you submit your request for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. All advance parole requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If USCIS has deferred action in your case under the deferred action for childhood arrivals process after you have been ordered deported or removed, you may still request advance parole if you meet the guidelines for advance parole described above. However, once you have received advance parole, and before you actually leave the United States, you should seek to reopen your case before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and obtain administrative closure or termination of your removal proceeding. Even after you have asked EOIR to reopen your case, you should not leave the United States until after EOIR has granted your request. If you depart after being ordered deported or removed, and your removal proceeding has not been reopened and administratively closed or terminated, your departure may result in your being considered deported or removed, with potentially serious future immigration consequences. If you have any questions about this process, you may call the ICE Office of the Public Advocate through the Office’s hotline at 1-888-351-4024 (staffed 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday) or by email [email protected].