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So today I left my house very upset with someone and got a ride to get my daughter of the school n had to go to home depot ...came home to see a email alert on my phone I opened it to see that I am approved!!! I'm thanking my God cuz he knows all the heart ache I've gone thru n still going thru and to come home to.see such an awesome email I had to get on my knees and thank him ...64 days of waiting n only checking my status four times I can say I'M APPROVED !!!!

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!

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.

Notify IRS about your new SSN & rescind ITIN Individuals who are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number (SSN) instead get an Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN). An alien individual can't have both an ITIN and a SSN. Therefore, once you receive your SSN (e.g., after getting an EAD), you will have to rescind your ITIN. After you receive your new SSN, you will have to send a letter to the IRS ITIN Unit requesting a rescind of your ITIN. The SSN will become the primary number and must be used for all future filing purposes. The IRS will void the ITIN. All prior tax information under the ITIN will be associated with the new SSN. Send a letter to: Internal Revenue Service ITIN Operation P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342 Enclose the copies of your ITIN and SSN. You will then receive a letter from the IRS confirming that your ITIN was revoked and to use your new SSN for all tax purposes. source: http://www.immihelp....etting-ssn.html ************************************* How to Transfer Your Credit History to a Newly Assigned SSN When you are assigned a new Social Security Number (SSN), your previous credit history will not automatically transfer. Credit history is not kept by the Social Security Administration. Instead, the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, keep their own records of your credit history. Therefore, to transfer your credit history you will need to notify each of the credit bureaus directly and provide evidence of your claim. 1. Contact your current lenders and inform them of your newly assigned SSN. They should begin to report your credit under your new number. 2. Type a letter to the credit bureau, explaining that you have a new SSN. Keep the letter simple and to the point. List all previous numbers you had credit under and any previous names you used. Request that your account be listed in your new credit report. 3.Print four copies of the letter, one for each of the three credit bureaus and one for your own records. Sign the three copies for the credit bureaus. 4. Address one envelope to each credit bureau, affix a stamp and write your return address. The three credit bureau addresses are as follows: Equifax P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 Experian P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 5. Make three copies of the document you received from the Social Security Administration informing you of your newly assigned SSN. Attach one to each letter and put each letter in an envelope. Mail the letters to the credit bureaus. 6. Wait a month or two and request a free copy of your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com from each credit bureau. Verify that your credit history has been transferred by each credit bureau. If it has not, call the credit bureau in question to sort out the problem. Equifax 1-800-685-1111 Experian 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion 1-800-888-4213 source: http://www.ehow.com/...signed-ssn.html ******************************************************* Notify Selective Service (males 18-25 yrs old only) If you are a man ages 18 through 25 and living in the U.S., then you must register with Selective Service. It’s the law. According to law, a man must register with Selective Service within 30 days of his 18th birthday. Selective Service will accept late registrations but not after a man has reached age 26. You may be denied benefits or a job if you have not registered. You can register at any U.S. Post Office and do not need a social security number. When you do obtain a social security number, let Selective Service know. Provide a copy of your new social security number card; being sure to include your complete name, date of birth, Selective Service registration number, and current mailing address; and mail to: Selective Service System P.O. Box 94636 Palatine, IL 60094-4636 source: http://www.sss.gov/default.htm ***************************** Do not forget to contact your bank and/or any other relevant institution (school, memberships, etc.) about your new SSN.

If anyone has any problems or sees things that seem out of the ordinary around the forum, please PM me with information. You can also PM me or one of the moderators here. We do not tolerate disrespect around this forum. If you see this and want to report it, please send me a PM and I will look into it further. Spam/rude comments/explicit content, etc. We have to have a good and friendly experience for everyone. Thank you and have a good day/night! ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE REPLY BELOW! I WILL ANSWER THEM ALL

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!!

I take no credit for this guide. What Happens After You Send In Your Forms? This will be a guide to what happens when everything for your DACA case goes as planned. You have sent in your forms I-821D, I-765 and I-765WS (G1145 for those that want the Email/TXT notification of application acceptance). So what are the steps and events that happen subsequent to this event? Assuming your package made it to one of the different Lockbox locations as specified in the instructions. You should receive an electronic notification or an electronic I-797C Receipt for both I-821D and I-765 forms. (5-7 days after they received your package at the Lockbox) The previous steps would mean that your forms had all the required information, that your forms were properly signed and that you included the correct filling fees. Your case has now been routed to one of the four Service Centers (Nebraska Service Center (LIN), Vermont Service Center (EAC), California Service Center (WAC), and Texas Service Center (SRC)). All service centers have different processing times for the forms you have sent; depending on their queue of pending applications you might see different processing dates. (This guide will detail more or less my case routed to LIN) You will then receive the physical receipts of the same notification (if you did not send form G1145 then this will be your first notification of your case), I-797C for both I-821D and I-765. (5 to 7 days after the Service Center received your package) The next step in the process would be for background checks as part of the decision process. USCIS will now request for your biometrics (fingerprints). You will then receive a subsequent I-797 Notice of Action receipt in the mail with your appointment date for your biometrics to be taken at your local Application Support Center, ASC. (7-10 days after the Service Center received your package) You have an appointment, the date arrived.* The ASC has successfully taken your biometrics/fingerprints, your photo and your signature. Depending on your background checks, whether your record is clean or not so clean, the following will take less or more time. Your biometrics are sent to the FBI (who usually returns your record within 24-48 hrs) and its forwarded to USCIS for them to do IBIS Name Check and IDENT Fingerprint Check as part of the background checks. The Biometrics letter after your appointment, notice the stamp. You should then receive a TXT (If you have Signed Up to USCIS Portfolio) showing that your I-765 application has been accepted and your card has been ordered for production. This change will also appear in Case Status online. (6-15 days after the date you did Biometrics at ASC) Congratulations! Your case has now been accepted! The adjudication of I-765 means your DACA case has been approved. You should then receive a TXT (If you have Signed Up to USCIS Portfolio) stating that your I-821D has been approved and a notice has been mailed. (1 day after your I-765 EAD goes into production) You should then receive a TXT (If you have Signed Up to USCIS Portfolio) stating that your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), has been mailed. (1 day after your I-765 EAD goes into production) You should then receive a TXT (If you have Signed Up to USCIS Portfolio) stating that USPS has picked up your EAD. (1 day after your I-765 EAD goes into production) Then you should receive a First Class Flat Rate Envelope that contains I-797D which contains the approval notice and the EAD card itself. (4 days after I-765 EAD goes into production) Front of I-797D Back of I-797D As you can see from the process above the time is streamlined and very efficient. I cannot guarantee that your case will take the same amount of time, because that is unrealistic, every case is different, and as time goes by there might be less or more realistically more applications for USCIS to go through. I sent in my application through Priority Mail on August 16 and was approved on September 11, which was less than 30 days. But, others have not had the same luck, so this is just so you can see the steps the case must go through. I cannot put a timeline for a case that might be sent a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent of Denial (NOID) because I did not receive one and I have not read of any. This is case-by-case basis and if all the odds are in your favor you should expect the same result. This is also under the assumption that you qualify for this benefit, if you are committing fraud then you risk being denied and your case being referred to ICE. I take no credit for this guide.

After a long wait and yesterday giving up and completely being broke!! No phone no money for books and items I need for school god smiled at me and finally send me good news today!! I received three notification emails saying I have been approved and my card was sent into production yesterday!!! I got them at 5:00am so that was really early! Omg I'm finally going to be able to work in the hospitals and finish my nursing career!! Help my dad with his business and move on in life legally. I'm extremely happy and hope everyone else gets approved so we can finally live our lives without fear!!! And rock on!!!!!

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.

...Whenever I check my e-mail and no notice from USCIS whatsoever...

I'm literally pooping on myself right now. I went to check my case status and it said "Card/Document Production"!! They just updated it today!! When I saw that, I literally got on the floor and did a backwards somersault. Not kidding. I'm soooooooo excited!!!!!! Just gotta wait for the card and letters now! Yay! While waiting for this, I always remembered something that someone said on this forum: "God doesn't start something without finishing it" and it was hard to be patient, but it truly does pay off in the end and you appreciate it so much more. I also just want to say thank you to this forum for providing all the support and information

I got mine done today at the ASC in Elizabeth, NJ. You walk in and show the guard your biometrics appt letter and your identification. Then, he/she gives you a form to fill out & also makes sure you turn off your phone. You fill out the top and it's basic information, your alien registration # and your receipt numbers. You show the guard that you completed the form, then you walk to the receptionist line. This line is a bit longer but at that time, it took about 10-15 minutes to get to the desk. The receptionist at the desk writes in a few details on the form you filled out, looks at your ID, asks to look at your hands, then staples on a ticket with a number on it. NOTE: They were adamant about minors being accompanied by an adult, so plan that accordingly. Next, you wait in the biometrics wing at a seat until your number is called. When your number is called, you proceed to an area in the room. The technician asks for you to approve the info they have on record. Then, he asks you to sign an electronic notepad. Next, he sprays alcohol on your hands and takes 10 prints, and an extra one of your right index finger. After each finger, on the corner it'll say either pass or rejected. Once all of that is set, you sit down to have your picture taken for the EAD. After all of that, you're done and the technician might ask you to fill out a customer service questionnaire and drop it off. Then, you can go home and endure the hardest part: the wait

I came across this website (Thanks to Aled) and found to be very interesting. Top 10 Benefits of Being a DACA-MENTED. If you have or haven't been accepted yet you can still make a difference! http://unitedwedream.org/daca-top10/

On May 2, 2013, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283. It's official! One month and 1 day after my I821D was approved my I765 got approved! For those still waiting dont give up hope your time will come!

Ive been in the U.S since i was 4 years old. All i remember from that life changing journey is that i was crammed in the trunk of a car for what seemed to be an eternity before arriving in the state of California, more especifically the city of Santa Ana. Growing up as an immigrant in Santa Ana wasnt all that bad until i got to high school. The dumb slurs about immigrants would get more irritating and more real. Ive always been proud of being a Mexicano, i am proud of my roots and my identity. Being like that always got me in trouble when i would hear negative things about immigrants because i always had something to say. While in high school i was a member of the Puente program. When it came time to apply to colleges and or scholarships, the harsh reality of being an immigrant sinked in. while everyone applied for their favsas and other government appointed grants, i had to settle for smaller ones where there were masses of others competing for as much as they could to apply towards their college educations. At that point i started to get a bit discouraged about the whole college idea. Ive always been a good student, school was always one of my biggest interests, but hearing stories of people like me going above and beyond to get a degree and not being able to get a job in their field of study was an enormous tragedy. Not wanting to deal with all of that dissapointment i got a job after i graduated high school and working became my priority. I thought that making my own money and being independent would be much easier than trying achieve and education that at the time would not benifit me in any way to get a job, i had a rude awakening when i became a part of the immigrant work force of california. In a society where a social security number gives you access to a drivers license, a cell phone contract and a job, things were beginning to be really hard for me. Asking others for favors like getting me a loan for a car or applying for a cell phone started to get old really fast. Driving with the fear of getting pulled over also took its toll on me. it seemed everywhere i turned and everything i tried to do was never going to be enough because of my status. Seeing others around me that were legal waste away their opportunity of going to college and getting an education really frustrated me. I would always ask myself, "why me?" "why couldnt i be one of the lucky ones to not have to deal with any of this?" Everything happens for a reason right? im still trying to find the reason for this. After working countless jobs from burger joints to fire and water restoration, I finally found one where I could work without worrying about my status. Its not the best job in the world nor does it pay well and on top of that I have to put up with the constant verbal abuse of the oowner since he uses my status to his advantage, but its better than not having a job. i decided to go to college where i have been going part time since 2008. It hasnt been easy working full time and going to school, but i wont give up, or atleast not yet. When the defferred action was passed it seemed too good to be true. After all this time something in our favor comes along and gets approved. This is the only thing that i have that can change my life. The big break i have been waiting for since my junior year of high school. hopefully it all goes well and i get approved sooner rather than later. Hope is still alive within me. thanks to all that read this and thank you all of you that put in a lot of time and effort on this forum providing others with help and hope.

Ladies & gentlemen, guess what... Today I git an email saying that my card/document is in production! Woohoo! I got approved! I want to tahnk God and my Virgin Mary for hearing prayers. I also want to thank you guys that kept me calmed and gave me advice though this past 3 months. Thank every single one of you guys

Actually... you shouldn't be having a "job" since you are illegal. If you work, you must pay taxes. I swear there is something wrong with you, but I cant be rude in these forums. You pay taxes for security & such. I am sure Mexico, Guatemala or Dominican Republic is very violent, the possibility of jobs in these countries is minimal and life, in those places, is not easy. Here, in the U.S., people pay taxes for the police, the fire department, the schools, and so many more institutions. He is BRILLIANT for letting us work. We feed off of the taxes of the citizens and residents. For all those years you have been living here, working without paying taxes, and so many other aspects of your life, someone else had to. Your kids, if you have any, were being paid by your neighbors to go to school. We're here illegally. Why would they let us immigrate to another country and return **ILLEGALLY**. Advance Parole is a nice piece of paper because it allows those, us who came here without a choice, to immigrate somewhere for a good reason (i.e. relative's health failing, course, work(?) You criticize so many aspects of the country, the laws and policies and even some of the people, and minorities, on your posts. You are always whinning and never satisfied with what you have. If I were you Id stop. I am not going to say "I hope you get rejected!" because that would be horrible, but would like that you have more respect towards others and keep your beliefs in private if it should harm anyone. Also, be grateful you have a chance at becoming "Somewhat" part of society if accepted.

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

You can fill out the application at home and print it, or fill it in at the SSA office. http://www.socialsec...online/ss-5.pdf Find your nearest SSA office https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp http://www.ssa.gov/p...rred_action.pdf

Hi all. About a month and a half ago, a midst all the deferred action going ons, I decided to make a music video / mini-documentary about what we've been going through. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. So many stories that I went through in order to make the video come together. I hope I did them all justice. Enjoy it!

Hi everyone, My story starts in Medellin, Colombia, were I was born and raised until the age of 14. My mother decided to move to the US, so she left in 1999. In the year 2000, she sent for me, so I arrived to a small town in one of the Carolinas. I enrolled in HS, and started to work PT, since I was able to get 'fake papers' to secure employment. After a couple of years, my mother decided to move to Florida, since the environment in that particular town was detrimental to my personal development. Before moving to Florida, my mother was advised to apply for Political Asylum, since we had a very strong case to present to immigration, and hopefully secure a path to naturalization. We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale in 2003, and the process was going fine. Our case was being reviewed, so we received employment authorization and a SSN that had to be renovated every 2 years. Through this, we were able to get DLs and to secure employment that would allow us to get employment that allowed us to live 'comfortably.' In 2004, my mother decided to move further south, so we settled in Miami, some 30 miles south of Ft. Lauderdale. I was able to finish High School, and decided to work for some time. After a couple of months, I decided to enroll in college, since I qualified for in-state tuition, and was able to secure a subsidy for my education through a family member back in Colombia. After 2 years in college, I transferred to a 4 year university to pursue a Bachelor's in International Business. All this was possible due to the fact that my case was being analyzed by the respective individuals. However, this alone did not mean that I would be able to secure residency, let alone citizenship. During my time in the University, I was determined to graduate with the highest honors, since I was planning to attend grad school in the near future, and the programs that I was considering had very tough admission requirements. Everything was going according to plan. I was studying as hard as I could, and my GPA was very close to a 4.0. Through my academic performance, I was able to secure an internship with a Petroleum Trading firm, and I thought that the sky was the limit. Enter senior year, and start of the nightmare. During senior year, my application for asylum was denied, so we appealed the decision. This allowed us to buy some time, and for me to finish my studies. However, the appeal was denied and we were placed in deportation proceedings. Due to this new situation, I was not able to renovate my DL, and since I had to drive to school every day, I exposed myself to the risk of being pulled over and taken to jail. The risk became a reality. I got pulled over once, given a ticket for being a first offense, and let go (close call). However, I was to be pulled over a couple of more times, and since it was considered a repeat offense, it could be treated as a criminal one with the risk of being incarcerated for some time. Therefore, I contracted the services of an attorney to take care of that situation for me. It would not be the last. After being pulled over, again, I feared that this time I would go to jail. Apparently, a detective became obsessed with me and started harassing my house, saying that he was looking for me and that he was going to send me away for a long time. Because of this, I had to go into hiding for a weekend, until we talked to the attorney and, through the grace of God, he was able to erase the case and avoid criminal prosecution. Close call. After that close call, and after my graduation, I went back to the company I did my internship in. I was to be hired as a temp/contractor. This was because the company wanted to assess my proficiency, and decide if it was safe to offer me full time employment. I passed with flying colors. After about 6 months, my career was starting to take off. Many executives were praising me for my work. Offices around the world were familiar with my work, and management decided that it was time for me to go overseas. Enter the nightmare. The company decided to award me with full time employment, salary and benefits. This was like a dream come true, since I would be able to provide my mother with a more comfortable lifestyle and many perks. However, they noticed that I could not be legally employed, and I was forced to leave the company, albeit in good terms. Many people in the company asked why I left, myself included. That day, which I will remember forever, I fell into a deep depression. I wanted to go back to Colombia, since I saw a very successful, rewarding career slipping away. So much time dedicated studying the industry, the company and its operations...for nothing. My obsession with being successful, and to serve as an example to many people like me, was almost gone in the blink of an eye. Some days, I saw myself crying, trying to get some sense out of the situation, looking for a way out...without any luck. Apparently, all the doors closed in my face, and I would stay in limbo until ICE would come and tell me 'time to go, pal.' The decision was simple. Stay and fight for my dreams, or surrender and leave. I chose the former, and I was determined to fight until they forced me out of a country I called home. During this time, my new career interest dawned on me...I am to be an Investment Banker. However, to accomplish this, I have to go to a very selective graduate school that will provide me with the technical skills needed to become a 'Master of the Universe.' To attend grad school, I would have to take a standardized test, the GMAT, and obtain a very competitive score. However, in order to take the test, I have to show proof of residency, passport, etc. Once again, strike out. Even though I have stuck out several times, I plan to stay home. Like many of you, I want to stay and achieve my dreams. I know for a fact that there are many citizens who decide not to go to school, get educated and succeed. Rather, they want to 'suck on the government's tit,' and blame people like many of us for taking their jobs. Guess what? If I am given the opportunity to stay, I will gladly provide some 'milk' for that 'tit.' I just want to be given a shot. All of us do! In conclusion, that is me in a nutshell. While I wait for my employment authorization, which has been very detrimental to my health, both mentally and physically, I will keep culturalizing myself by reading works of literature. I will try to keep sane and pray that not only me, but all of us receive employment authorization soon, and a path to citizenship. If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to send me a messsage, and I will be more than glad to chat and share your burden. Hang in there guys, we are going to make it! With the kindest of regards, Santiago.

I have been in the United States for 13 years now. There is nothing else that I detest than to see someone who has the opportunity to be something and make someone out of themselves but take no action. As an immigrant, people don't understand how limited we are to goals, dreams or life itself. Being an immigrant has pushed me back multiple years from my 'to do list' or my 'what will I be in 5 to 10 years from now'. Being approve and given the chance to work legally or drive safely without having to look behind my shoulder periodically, would be one of the best things that could happen to anyone in our situation. So many paths will be open to us and I feel as if I can't waste anytime. I want to proof to those that have seen me as a failure because they have no idea of my situation that given the chance, I can be the best person I can be. I want to show my family that I want to better myself and live a better life than the one provided not just for myself, but for them as well. There are so many things I have been wanting to do for so long, that it infuriates me to not be able to keep moving forward with goals, dreams, life itself. Don't take opportunities for granted and take full advantage of them. We never know when another chance will come along. Don't be that person who will be asking themselves "what if" just do it. Let's show together that United States needs us as much as we need them.

Hi, im so happy to know this forum exists(: i'm 24 years old I applied for DACA On september 8, i went to my biometrics app on October 12, and on May 22, 2013 My status changed to RFE I sent out my evidence friday May 31.. So now im just waiting :/ its been so long since I applied but I have faith in God(:

I finally got approved! Received a text at 8:45pm... Check online and I was APPROVED! 8 long months but my wait is finally over...

Uscis had received my application on sept 20,2013 biometrics on Oct 24,2013 and since then I waited. I would call to try to get some type of answer and I would never get one, all they would say is wait and sometimes be rude. I've read some cases here were people talk about making themselves sick with depression and anxiety attacks, and yes i had those too. You can't help but to think your application is getting denied because its been sooo long, well at least I did. What I finally decided to do was to contact my local congressman which in my case was Raul Ruiz. Congressman can get into any Federal files with your concent of course. So I filled out the form and explained my situation, printed it out, signed it and faxed it. All that happened on a Monday April 8,2013 and by Friday the 12th I was already approved. Id like to think he helped me. After all you got nothing to lose, give it a try. Hope this helped.

I am speechless, cant say anything else than just i got approved! waiting for more than six months finally paid off.... Dont lose hope boys and girls....Recuerden que la fe mueve montanas!!!

Everything has changed for me. From ID to Learners Permit to License, was able to open 3 credit card accounts and purchased a car using a loan with extremely low interest. Don't have the job of my dream, but I'm working on it. Being able to work legally is the most amazing thing ever. Getting e-verified and coming up clean and valid is a great feeling.

Dude! C'mon - I understand your frustration, but this is uncalled for. Several reasons: Although latinos are the most popular immigrants in the US, we are not the only ones...people from all over the world are waiting for comprehensive immigration reform, just like us - Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe Arabs? They are Muslim of Chechen origin, but they are Radical, Extremist, Muslims. I know many muslims who are just super awesome and great friends - Arabs and Africans Hopefully this won't have an adverse effect on the debate (although I think it will), and hopefully I was able to clarify some of your confusions. Saying that are all Arabs are Terrorists is akin to saying that all Mexicans are lazy, all Colombians are drug dealers, etc etc. Just saying - let's avoid generalizations

Are you kidding me ??? Do you hear yourself ??? Like what is wrong with you? You have no idea what you're saying , you're here complaining that you dont deserve this law because you cant find a job??? you know i've been waiting to get approved now for a couple of months I WISH WITH ALL MY HEART i was already approve even if that meant i was unemployed! at least i wouldve been approved! You got approved faster than many of us, the fact that you havent been able to find a job doesnt mean you dont deserve it . Doors are closing on you? B....please! you just got approved...doors are opening for you ! now you can have a license, you can travel inside the US, nobody can deport you now, you have a social, you have a work permit ...guess what that means? more job opportunities! i dont know what kind of job you're looking for but there's jobs out there. Have you try the mall? they always always hiring people at the stores ! maybe is not the job of your dreams but in the mean time you can work there save up and money and keep looking for that job you want. You haven't wasted these two months like you think, you have been trying to look for a job for the last two months! That's not wasting time , you know whats wasting time what we the people waiting for the approval are doing. or most of us are doing , like being home doing nothing because we can't do anything unlike you we cant go and look for a job yet because we still dont have a work permit so what do we ? we just sit here and wait and check the mailbox every day expecting our approval, we check the website more than once a day checking that our case has been moved from initial review were it has been the last couple of months to whatever the next step is. Tienes una falta de ubicacion terrible! Stop concentrating on the negative and look at the positive ...theres many stories here of people that have been waiting months to get an approval and here you are spitting at your approval go read those stories , go and feel your heart break for the many young people that arent as lucky as you to get approved as fast! Sabes que tienes q hacer en la vida....Ubicarte!!!!

Link for those who missed it

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.

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Hi guys, First of all I want to thank MOE and the rest of the administrators here. I am certain we all appreciate the information and sense of community found here. The resources and information provided not only help us fill out our forms and express our concerns but also make life changing decisions. Personally, I stumbled across this forum on google and now I find myself checking this forum every day learning about the different aspects of this policy and also getting to know the human side of it. One thing that strikes me the most is the fact that we have tons and tons of pretty neat and intelligent people. Some of us have been able to finish college or already have great paying jobs even though we were/are undocumented. Others are just getting a start in life while still in High School or maybe we had to deal with more obstacles that put us behind just a little. No matter in what situation we are in, we all have a drive and desire to succeed and become someone in life. Hence why we all get those panic/anxiety attacks when we get impatient. Think about the runner who is racing a long distance race. The first couple of minutes he/she will give 70-80% of the full potential, as time goes by mental obstancles may kick in and the race might become harder and longer. However, there are those who keep their eyes on the prize/finish line and as it approaches their inner drive will force their body to give 1000% of its potential and abilities. So who wins the race? My point is we have been waiting years for this opportunity and who would have thought Friday June 15, 2012 was a glimpse of one of the finish lines in our lives. Did you wake up that Friday morning feeling like there was hope and you could maybe become somebody here? So, drop the negative thoughts and mental obstacles. Keep running the race like a beast.Because in the end the winners are only those who give it all even after crossing the finish line. Prepare for what is coming next. I am afraid some comments and posts are having a negative effect on people. I know you are probably thinking well you are just saying this because you already got approved and such. BUT NO! I am saying this because I like strive for constructiveness around here. This forum would benefit from keep being a place where people can find reliable information and cope with their concerns in a positive way. I am not saying stop complaining because you have the right to say what ever you want. All I am saying is please think before posting something - IS IT GOING TO HELP OTHERS COPE/ INFORM OTHERS? Believe it or not some people have told me they stopped logging in because some posts make them feel overwhelmed. Whether you agree or disagree with me, it's your personal opinion and choice. I am just exposing my thoughts. Best wishes to all of you.

Matthew 18:19 says "AGAIN I SAY TO YOU, IF TWO OF YOU AGREE ON EARTH ABOUT ANYTHING THEY ASK, IT WILL BE DONE FOR THEM BY MY FATHER IN HEAVEN." Friday is a big day for us. The Senate will be voting on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. I know not everyone is religious or believes in God , but please pray to God or whoever else you might pray to. It's been too long and we've suffered enough, I truly believe that our time has come. Also pray for a change of heart from some of the Reps in the House because they are working hard to defeat this bill. That's all, Thanks for reading!!

Hey all. I've been a lurker since nov 2012. Just wanted to thank u all for contributing to this forum, espacially for those that read in silence. Just wanted to come out of lurk-mode and say how grateful I am for the guidance of this site. Many of us came to America not knowing what our lives would embark on because we came at such a young age. It sucks but I'm just grateful for a change in "status" (not legal status but being able to have an ID and work legally is still great) and I hope it gets better sooner than later. I applied for DACA Jan 29 2013 and received my Approval notice (April 29) and Work permit today (5/2). I really hope to one day travel abroad but I'm thankful for this first step. PATIENCE IS EVERYTHING WITH THIS PROCESS!!! I kinda forgot about it and randomly checked my status online to see a message saying my approved items are in the mail. I was shocked with happiness and received it the next day in the mail. God is great and his time will forever be the best time. Just in time for my new job!! Hope all of us get approved and get what you deserve. Please continue what you guys are doing on this site and your blessings will continue to pour in. Later guys...

I am soo happy! I got my work permit today. Finally after being in this country for 24 years since I was 7 Years old I am now here legal! Just wanted to share the good news with everyone . I don't comment much on here, but I read a lot of y'all posts and to the ones that have not been approved yet, just be patient. You will get approved soon!

Guys i got approved ! They received my application on October 2 , I did my biometrics November 5 and on Feb 15 my case got transferred from Vermont to Nebraska and March 22 I got approved!!!! I'm so happy I still can't believe it. I waited and waited , the waiting was tough and there were moments were i thought that i would shave my head a la Britney Spears circa 2007 lol but I'm here and didnt shave my head ! hahaha I put my faith in God, and the bible says that he doesn't start something he wont finish and amen to that! I knew that I would get approved , man did i pray! Thank you to everyone on this forum! It has been so helpful and comforting to read your stories and struggles! If you are still waiting don't give up is right around the corner. It always gets darker before the sun comes out !! I feel like I'm giving an Oscar speech lol ...but seriously guys thank you ! and you! and you!! and dont worry you too will get approved ! I still can't believe it ! One of my happiest moments for sure ! Thanks to Obama too! who didnt forget about us, and believed in us ! Tell all your citizens friends to vote democrat always ...eff the republicans and their bs ! Thank you God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is to a new chapter........................ CHEERS!!!!

FINALLY after f'in 6 mnths im APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! got da txt dis morning @ 915am saying my cases were updated n den da email saying dey sent out my approval notice n plus my I765 is in production!!!!!!!! i was crying n wat not...FINALLY GOD! FINALLY AFTER ALL MY TEARSSSSS N PAIN! GOD IS GOOD ALL DA TYME!! WHO EVER WAITING KEEP WAITING!! HE SOON WILL DELIVER FOR YOU <3 <3

I have been APPROVED ! I'm literally over here jumping up & down from excitement. I'm so happy. God helped through this & never let me lose faith! I'm praying for all y'all who haven't been approved yet. Don't worry it will happen when you least expect it. )

Don't you guys hate seeing a U.S citizen out in the streets, or being gangsters. Not appreciating their legal status to become someone greatful in this great country. Or even worst seeing our own dreamers out in the street being gangsters, like really we are here to become someone our families will be proud of. Not causing problems to our coummunity. Although, some "peolpe" in this country will never admit this country is this powerful thanks to us immigrats. We shouldn't leave that image from our community. In addition, I have to admit MOST of us are doing great things with our lives in this country. As a dreamer, I have to tell you I feel proud to be part of the "DREAM ACT COMMUNITY" I don't have the privilage to know anyone in this forum personally, but when I read someone of your story's, and I see all the hard things each and everyone one of you been through makes me get so mad at people that throw away their lives in the streets. Like I said I proud to be part of this dream act community, and I also feel proud of ALL OF YOU that put our name high with the great things you are doing in this country. I just wanted to let you guys there are people out there who appreciate your hard work just like my family feels proud of me I feel proud of all you doing great things.

Ok, so I thought I would start a post about what we, as DACA applicants, have done since we have been approved. I know that there are still a lot of people waiting to get approved and this is not meant to make them sad but to show them that, even if, we as DACA applicants, may not have legal status, we can still be productive people. Here's my experience: Before DACA, all I could do was work minimum wage jobs (for a short time) and just try to get by with what I had. I lived with my mother and my sister and stayed home pretty much most of the time. It was depressing know that my sister and brother could do what ever they wanted and I couldnt. Sitting at home day after day sucked big time!!! After I sent in my applications, I started to look for jobs that I knew I could do and would just hope that my past job experience was good enough to at least get my foot in the door. I was approved a week after my bio (yes, i know it was fast. took me off guard). After I was approved, I got my SSN, DL and State ID and more importantly, I got a job. To be able to get up every day (well, monday thru friday) and get ready for work is a feeling of accomplishment. And a feeling of usefulness. I finally feel like I am a person. Not just a living person but a person on paper too. To show my DL, is like showing someone a golden ticket. Like "yes, that is me and i am a person". But in finally having all this there is a sense of responsibility that comes along with all of this. The responsibility of showing America that we are not the free-loading people that some make us out to be. And we are not here to just have "anchor babies". That we are of use, not only to our families but the America as a whole. That we do not want to be given (ok, maybe a little) amnesty but at least given the chance to become as American as we feel. I have been in the country all my life. 29 years. (yes, i know, i'm old, lol) and throughout my years I have heard talked about Immigration Reform to only never see it go anywhere. I honestly and truly hope that 2013 is our year and that those who doubt us will have those doubts wiped away in the coming years. “There is a significant moral difference between a person who commits a violent crime and a person who tries to cross a border illegally in order to put food on the family table. Such migrants my violate our laws against illicit entry, but if that's all they do they are trespassers, not criminals. They deserve to have their dignity respected.” ― Madeleine Albright, Memo to the President Elect LP: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership

I'm somewhat controversial when it comes to the topic of terrorism and violence, and I love it. The biggest terrorist in the world is the United States of America, no question about it! What happened in Boston is tragic and there's no excuse for it, but let's get real for a moment. What do you say to the one MILLION Iraqis who lost their lives for nothing or the 1.5 MILLION Vietnamese who died in the Vietnam war? And not to mention the infamous Atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki that wiped out 250.000 or more people in an instant and many more suffered lingering effects of the bomb. The United States have been terrorizing the world for past century, and the number of innocent people this country have killed is mind blowing. The Boston tragedy is horrible, no innocent life deserve to be taken recklessly regardless of where they live or which god they pray to. Every life is equal in value and no life is more important than the other. No act of violence is excusable and that sure as hell goes for the United States as well. Terrorism breeds terrorism and violence breeds violence and for as long as this country continues to wage reckless and worthless wars on other nations, people will rebel and the result will not be pretty. We don't know yet the motives behind the Boston attack but whatever the motive is we should stop the hate and the stereotypes...and for god sake stop the drone war!

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

a public charge?! HAHAHAHAHA, as opposed to ALL the Americans that are public charges. oh yeah, let's all one day get up in the morning and say, "hey, lets just do what so many Americans already do and sit at home, watch tv, and wait for a monthly check so we can live off other peoples money." I DONT THINK SO!!! also, while we're waiting to AOS in those 10 years, wont OUR tax money go to support those AMERICANS on welfare and what not?? moving on... $2000 seems reasonable. I mean, now that most of us have jobs and fingers crossed will still have jobs within the waiting time. i would be more interesting in seeing how much the application fee is going to be. along with any other applications we're going to need to file as well.

This may be a long shot, but try contacting your local congressman/woman. On their websites, there's a form you can fill out authorizing him/her (or their agents) to look into your case. I did this last week after 5 months of waiting, and my case was just approved on Friday. There's no guarantees, but they can inquire into your case and possibly nudge them to move the process along. In my request form, I explained my situation and gave them my case number. A lot of people don't know but this is one of the functions of a congressman/woman. They are authorized to look into any government agency's processes, especially if a constituent (you and I) ask for their help. Hope this helps!

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

Okay kid, first, I don't need you to teach me about differences about anything. Thank you very much you don't impress me. Second, when I said attacking I was referring to you. Just because you don't like the way he thinks or what he says even if you're against it you don't have the right to insult him. You called him a piece of shit? If you look at others topics in here, people talk about whatever they want randomly. You mad kid, how about you start making your points by being respectful in the first place. An educated person doesn't need to insult people. If someone is ignorant you simply ignore them, you can't change people. You got problems. You're in the wrong forum. I have seen many posts, many things that have been said here. Just because I don't like the way they think it doesn't mean I can go ahead and insult them.

I already received my EAD. So far what I've done is acquired my SSN, and recently applied for a state ID. After I receive that I'll go apply for my DL. We're nearly approaching the new year and what I'm doing now is preparing myself on all aspects to finally go out there into the workforce. I'm looking to start the new year like never before, college also awaits me. I have big plans

Hi Itzel, I agree with Angela. This is my story. So according to my timeline, I recently got my EAD and still awaiting my SSN. I still did not allow this to stop me. The very next day, I hit up my local mall to start sending out those apps. I applied at, Macy's Lord & Taylor Barnes n Noble Express Bath and Body Works I've had 3 interviews with Macy's, Lord & Taylor, and Express. I was late for the one at BB because of the rain and public transportation (I know, bad sign and that's why I applied to the mall. Note: I don't have a car so all these places are in the same mall and 7-10 mins away by bus). Happy to say, I landed all three jobs; two on the spot. These are my tips: Use school extracurricular--I worked in a lab, I was on a Mock Trial Team Use internship experiences (even if unpaid)--I interned at a latino cultural center, community center, and law firm Use community activities (church, cultural organization)--I helped out in the office at church Use sports Use teachers, counselors, friends as references--I used friends and family friends. Some applications want to hear what your co-workers have to say about you. In the interview Make eye contact (very important) Make small talk while the interviewer is settling down/shuffling for papers (usually looking for your application) In retail, compliment them on something (your necklace is beautiful, nice lip color lol) Be confident (sit straight, hands on lap) Answer questions directly (don't blibber blabber lol, I tend to do that in everyday convo) I have had a lot of interviews and have been to mock interviews so I'm just sharing what I learn. Another note: do not settle for less. E.g. I intern at an immigration law firm. I started earlier this year. The position is unpaid. It is a small practice and I am the first "employee." Now, she offered me a position in August and I was excited but nervous at the same time due to my situation. Anyways, I went along and learned a lot about DACA and applied. Then, I waited patiently and prayed for a quick turn around. A couple weeks ago, my employer said that she wanted to pay me $9/hr. SAY WHAT!?! I was crushed. She is definitely taking advantage of me. Although, I do not have a lot of experience. I know her company in and out and the starting rate for inexperienced legal assistant (my title and position) is $12/hr. Anyways, with my mom's counsel and my own intuition, I gave her my resignation letter last week. She was disappointed but accepted and we're still cool. Anyways, long story short, do not allow employers to take advantage of you. You may feel inferior because of your lack of experience but still determine what you will accept and what you won't when applying for a job. Know what the standard rate for different levels of experience is in that industry. Just my personal take! I hope this helps and lemme know if you have questions.