Leaderboard

All dreamers, whether approved for DACA or not, will be eligible for RPI. The college degree requirement is for when you want to apply for Permanent Resident, after the 5 years of RPI are up.

I cannot wait for them to release the entire proposal and more than anything pass the bill @Santi- It would be so amazing if they would let us dreamers finance our grad school education with subsidized loans. I hope they realize how hard we are willing to work and succeed

Hello everyone my names Gian and I just wanted to share a bit about myself I wish I had signed up earlier but better late than never I suppose. I was born in the Philippines, moved to the United Arab Emirates at the age of 2 with my mother to live with my father who had a job working in Dubai. When I turned 13 my family decided to leave for the US to try for an even better life. We arrived in the states in 1997 I was 14 my younger brother was 4. From what I know my family tried several ways to get us all documented but lots of problems arose and with that our visas ended up expiring. Living undocumented was a tough ordeal I'm sure many of you know but I remember vividly instances of friends and family getting their drivers licenses for the first time and me just siting there wondering when ill ever be able to even do that. It was even harder after high school I just ended up going to a community college for a couple years and due to me not really being motivated due to my situation, I didn't see any way to progress even if I did get a degree, I ended up dropping out. I would spend my time in and out of depression for a couple years trying my best to keep my mind off things by extensively indulging in video games during my down time and helping my mechanic father make ends meet fixing cars. I remember hearing about the dream act and being a little skeptical about when it would pass but lo and behold it finally did, so last September my family hired a lawyer to work on both mine and my younger brothers cases Im 29 and he's 19 now. We both filed our cases together and sent them in on October 16th 2012, on November we both got our biometrics done and then on December my brother had his approved I was so happy for him he finally had a life to look forward to it was a joyous Christmas for sure but there was still mine to wait on. I knew in my heart that I would be approved, my record was spotless I had more than enough evidence to prove everything they needed but it was the longest few months I probably went through. I never really checked on my case status i figured i would just get annoyed checking on it if nothing was going on. Until around the end of march I got a severe urge to do so, I opened up the uscis website and typed in my receipt number. When I read the status my jaw dropped and saw that it was already on card/document production I screamed out loud for my parents and brother to see and hugged them as hard as i could. All our hard work and sacrifice finally came through I was approved on march 28, 2013 and the card was delivered to me on April 3rd. I turn 30 on the 17th and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present.

Yeah massbay is about 3 grand every 6 months...depending on what you take and how many credits. It is reasonable, but the criminal justice one is sooo expensive for me, so, I think I will have to go with parallegal. I do not want to get into debt at all, so, a one year course will do for now. I am confused, all I ever wanted to do was be a cop, but after I figured I couldn't I just kinda gave up on everything and anything. So, I don't know yet, I wish I could work with an immigration lawyer if I took this course, so, I could help people at least.

Absolutely! It is a post-secondary degree, so go ahead and pursue that opportunity... I visited MassBay and it looks like a traditional junior college, and not the for profit institutions described in the documentary...so, if it meets your goals, enroll whenever you can! Perhaps after your Paralegal certificate, you can pursue other certificates that complement your previous training...that way, you will be more than able to qualify for the PR after the bill is passed (if it does - fingers crossed)...

It doesn't matter if you went to College or not...what matters is that if you didn't, you have 5 years to get some sort of advanced degree in order to qualify for PR... I believe that they are giving us this opportunity to basically become skilled labor, and not just another average joe/jane...Hence, the requirements... Since I have always supported a higher education, I encourage every single individual that has not had the opportunity to get some sort of post secondary education, to go ahead and enroll in any program (associate's, bachelor's, technical, etc etc), whenever your particular condition allows you too... It is an investment of time and money, but it will more than pay off in the future... However, Caveat Emptor... Beware of for profit institutions that are super expensive and basically drain your funds, and become a super long term liability...these are U of Phoenix, Everest, ITT, etc... I would suggest attending an accredited institution like a community college, junior college, for tech/associate's, and accredited universities like State Us or Private Us...There is a huge difference between private and for-profit... Here is a documentary that will basically shed light into these for profit institutions...after this, you are more than welcome to make your decision...just wanted you to become more informed in regards to higher ed: http://video.pbs.org/video/1485280975/ It is about 50 mins - but you will be 50 mins smarter

Apart from camping in his office and demanding his help to get your money's worth for his services, you can insinuate that the North Carolina Law Bar would be very interested in hearing about your case and the events surrounding it and that his negligence/error causing your case to be in jeopary and have the possibility of dismissal could lead to an investigation that could remove his law practicing license. I work in a law office and have seen how nervous the attorneys get when a client mentions taking the complain and opening a case with the respective law bar association. Good luck.

Go back to his office and ask him if he can give you the letter, don't leave his office without it. A lot of those immigration lawyers are full of sh*t.

You will all get approved soon !!!!!! just waitt I waited since august 15th and was approved yesterday so that's like 8 months and a day .or 21,081,600 seconds 351,360 minutes 5856 hours 34 weeks (rounded down) But it was worth it

They want to put some metrics in place regarding border security... If those metrics are met, I guess that is a green light for undocumented immigrants - maybe the situation will be a little different for us, since we are already part of a process... Let us just wait and see...

Mi amor! Hay que destapar ese Guaro!!! Prefiero otros tragos, pero cuando hay que celebrar como Criollo, se celebra! Felicitaciones y muchos exitos! Here you go...get started!

Funny that you posted this today because I got approved at noon!!!!!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) UGH! I'm so happy. Anyone else waiting: they seriously waited until the last possible second to reach the 6 month max (business days) for me so just get your mind off it and live your life until then! It'll happen.

None of us here has waited less than 4 months, I don't think. Mine took exactly 7 months from the application mailing date til now, I just got my card last week. With the rising number of applicants, I think if you are lucky, 6 months, if not, 8-9. I think the application numbers can only rise. It is completely normal to take longer than 5 months. If it takes more than 6, then you can call. Otherwise, it is just a waiting game. I will be honest and say chances are they didn't even open your letter except to take out the check, and they will only open it a week before they approve you or request RFE. They only put everyone in Initial Review so we can all be at ease and make us think they are looking at our stuff, but reality is they are not. They will approve you in the weeks they open your package, and it is not going to be for another 4 months, at least. But like I said, if the 6 month mark comes and they don't say anything, call them. 6 months from the application date, not the biometrics date. Good luck. (They are frustrating, but don't get mad and desperate, because believe me, that does not help, most of us were tired of waiting and complianing before our stuff came in the mail).

After months of negotiations, a bipartisan group of eight Senators has drafted a blueprint that would sharply transform the nation’s current immigration laws. NBC Latino obtained an advanced memo of the bill’s main points ahead of an announcement. Here are some brief key provisions: Pathway to citizenship for undocumented The bill provides a path to citizenship for the nation’s approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants as long as they entered the country before December 31, 2011. Undocumented immigrants without serious criminal convictions have one year – though that may be extended - to apply for Registered Provisional Immigrant Status (RPI). This would allow them to be in this country legally, work for any employer and travel outside of the United States. While RPI confers legal status, it does not make individuals eligible for public benefits, including healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. The costs to apply for RPI status are a $500 fine, assessed taxes and application fees. After 10 years, a person with RPI status will be eligible for a green card provided they have worked regularly, paid taxes, learned English and civics, and paid a $1,000 penalty. After three years with a green card, they can apply for citizenship. Dreamers can get their green cards in 5 years, and will be eligible for citizenship immediately after that. Under a new AgJOBS Act, undocumented farm workers who have been working in the U.S. would be eligible for an Agricultural Card, and if they pay taxes and a $400 fine they and their spouses and minor children can adjust to legal permanent resident status. The bill addresses the issue of families who have been separated through deportation. Undocumented immigrants who had been deported for non-criminal reasons but who had been in the U.S. before the end of 2011 can reapply to re-enter and apply for RPI status, if they are the spouse of or parent to a child who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident, or a Dreamer eligible for the DREAM Act. SOURCE Here's a 19 page Outline if anyone cares to read it. http://www.scribd.com/doc/136230105/Outline-of-the-Border-Security-Economic-Opportunity-and-Immigration-Modernization-Act-of-2013

I finally got approved after waiting almost 6 months & so did my sister & brother! thanks God!!!! I'm so happy guys!!!! wish those of you who are still waiting the best! Hang in there!

In my opinion, for many other reasons, the longer the program, the better... If you can get an Associate's in Science from a Jr. College: You will be able to use your degree right after graduation and look for a job in your respective field You can transfer your credits to a traditional 4-year university if you want to continue your studies Your debt load will be significantly lower than if you attended a Career College I, personally, attended a Jr. College and transferred to a State U...it took me around 5 + years, but it was definitely worth it! If you don't have significant commitments other than a full time job, you can at least strive for the Associate's degree...schedules are mostly flexible and you can study around your work schedule... Even if you have a family, you can take a couple of classes per semester until you meet the requirements for the degree... Keep in mind that the requirements for PR will go into effect, if and only if, the bill passes in congress... However, it is still a good investment that will eventually lead to a career and not a job.

Yeah DO IT!!

Yeah Santi you're right!! I never liked those Institution that you mentioned because they seem they're just interested in the $$$. Gezinha, try to stay with community/ Jr Colleges for the career you want because even some states ( IDK about Mass.) to pay for tuition. I manage to pay because it's affordable to me ( $300-500 every 4months).

So I'm thinking that applies to Dreamers who are not under DACA...

Yeah, you should check the letter they sent and send the evidence they are asking for by yourself, I hate scumbag attorneys. I did mine and 3 other applications, and everyone got approved. Attorneys are just hungry money sucking leaches. They take on 100 cases and do them all half assed without a thought or regard for the people are actually supposed to be helping. Go get the letter, and if he doesn't give it to you, you tell him you will report him. This is absurd! Don't miss this chance because of this, go get the letter from him. Good luck! ***And if they are asking for more evidence, you can send ebay and paypal stuff, just so you know, to speed up the process in case they are asking for more dates in your case.

Congrats !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yup me too thank you google noe im 24/7 logged in i love this forun its easy to use and super super helpful and the people here are just like part of my family i luv u guys

Most likely will be a faster path. I know you have been in line for some time right? It would be good that whoever is in line gets this before any of us can even apply, it is only fair because they have been waiting for so long. While securing the border, work on people who are waiting already, then get their cases out of the way so they can receive the other millions, because this is not going to be fast, at all! And the people who are already in line shouldn't have to wait.

yeah IF, WHEN, THINK is what scares me a little bit. Do you think it could be more than a year? I am so afraid that anytime my husband could be stopped driving and get deported, urgh, I just can't stand this feeling of having received DACA and having this, and it is too good to be true and something will happen to him. Oh my, I am so negative, I cant' help it. lol It will pass, I know it! And in less than 20 months, maybe all of us will be visiting our families in our countries!

dont think it's going to take 2 yrs to pass.

no, we will more then likely send a copy of our DACA approal letter and our EAD. but not all the evidence we sent with the DACA application.

Well - I am just glad your wait is done... We'll keep crossing bridges when we come to them If you come to tan, let me know...I promise not to behave

You are such a Bostonian - notice the 'wicked hot' in your sentence With DACA, your company under your name, and other perks, you can ride down here... Just don't get married...keep your bf so I can hit on you like the Paisa that I am

Gracias Santi!! I cannot wait to get my motorcycle license... Just in time for summer!! Hahahaha it's wicked hot here... ALMOST 60 DEGREES!! You jealous?? Lol I hate you and your Miami sun. I miss it!

I am glad you enjoyed yourself! Now, the sky is the limit... A la orden por aqui cuando quieras solecito de Kendall

Muchachito, me demore tanto para dejarlos saber porque llegue borrachita a la casa!! LOL! Qué descanso tan inmenso. EEEEEK! So excited!!!

It will - I am glad I found this place... Not only because of the invaluable information and assistance provided by all of us, but also because we get to help other people... We will continue our efforts when CIR goes through!

just messing with ya i was just thinking back to when this forum really took off last year and it makes me think (with a smile) how this forum is going to shift when CIR passes. :)

I got caught in the moment?

SANTI!!!!! that's scary..why would you even put that up??!!

Haha for sure more than anything I want to become an international creep doctor let's all pray for a fast legislation and process.

Very interesting... Now, this is my personal query which perhaps covers the interests of some of us here as well: I plan to go to grad school in the near future (maybe 2 years). In order to do so, I need to take a standardized test, the GMAT (Business School), which is similar to the LSAT (Law School), MCAT (Med School). Assuming that the bill passes with flying colors, I wonder how this new 'Legal Status' will enable us to take those Tests, let alone attending universities for advanced degrees. As it stands, I guess the majority of us (excluding CA residents - correct me if I am wrong) won't be able to qualify for Financial Aid, or several other grants offered by the government, and will have to resort to private loans to finance our studies ($100k, @ LIBOR + 2% from a bank = a lot of money to repay at the end of ~2yrs). I wonder if under this new provision, we will be able to tap the Treasury's coffers to finance our studies, with a promise to repay in the future... I don't know, but I would really like to know this, meng! I gots to keep my Nerd On Brah!

You are still waiting??!! Amor, you will be approved soon...no worries Just keep doing that 'woosah, yoga pose' stuff

what service center adrian??!

My application was received on Sept. 4. Look at my timeline.

me dijo un amiga, del amigo, del primo, de la tia de mi vecino que fue a una fiesta de la prima de mi vecino!! NOmbre no se crean lo mismo que to2..... lo gugguglieeeee! jajajajajajajaja

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!!