to come to this unknown land, the one described by many as the land of opportunities, the land where dreams come true, the land of the United States of America.

This isn't disneyland, it is a country.  And it is a land of opportunities, but your family was lied to. who ever told them to sneak across the border and they would be treated like a citizen was lying to your family. it doesn't work like that and after 911 the began to enforce the policy. the good thing is that you were able to get a good education from the americans. they paid for your primary education. The people in your country need you more than the americans do. You will be a great asset to your people. Maybe if more educated people migriate south my children will be able to enjoy a holiday down there. You are bright and educated.  You will be a huge asset when you go home. Not the answer you want to hear but it is the cold truth as i see it.

I'm sorry you have to labor under the yoke of antiquated laws in this morally impoverished land. It sounds like Rutgers taught you well.

I was unable to receive financial assistance and therefore qualify for any scholarships due to my illegal status.

Not even private scholarship money?

I have a similar story, but I wanted to be a doctor.  I have my B.S. in biology and was ready for medical school, now I have to settle for nursing school.  One of the things that upsets me the most is too see people my age who are citizens and they have no desire to do anything with their lifes.  These people don't even think a high school diploma is important, some just get drunk or high, others have kids and collect welfare, others just end up un jail or worst.  I just don't get it.   People like this are not productive members of this country and yet have all the benefits that we DREAM to have. 

Carol, I am tremendously impressed by your accomplishments. Your story illustrates that the DREAMers have to work twice as hard to accomplish what other students take for granted in this country (working extra shifts, etc). It distresses me to see such dedicated, hard-working students denied opportunities simply because they lack a certain document. How absurd it is! President Obama has said  that the DREAMers are Americans for all purposes, except for a piece of paper. We need more nurses and teachers with your dedication and commitment.  If you believe in yourself, no one can hold you back. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Carol.

My first thread was yesterday, and the first response back was from you, Analisa, and I didn’t know what DREAMers was.  Too bad you can’t use can’t use links, I would have known right away. 

Anyone who reads this and doesn’t know where I’m coming from, I’ll spare a link- I don’t want to seem like I’m taking advantage, it’s in another thread anyway- I’m a little s**t on the ballot for Governor of NJ as an Independent.  The diarist went to school in my home state which is interesting since I’m for amnesty-  but after Mexico gives back something to us- as in taking seriously the corruption down there by arresting some crooked police after they announce they’re as serious about that crack down as the one against the drug cartels.   It wouldn’t take much, if the whole world was watching, if and when we instituted a boycott from here.   Don’t the Hispanic’s realize what a powerful force they can be?  I’m Jewish and look at- what is it APAIC, the lobby accomplishes.

The first step in helping the diarist in my “dream world” would be if I could, since I’m a candidate and treated with seriousness by the media, tisk, tisk, get one reporter to go down to Mexico with me, and visit  my two friends who previously lived in my Republican house for 5 years but are back home now.  I’d show that stinkin reporter a thing or two.   But it’s never going to happen……….me showing how both Dems. and Rep. could be in this thing together.

p.s. against my advise at the time, my friend tried 7 times to recross the border but got caught every time.  I told him don't do it, I'll get some action going up here.  Boy was i naive.

I too am attending school at Idaho State University,  it is very difficult to attend college and have to pay it in full out of pocket.  it is one of the most frustrating and hindering things we must go through.  i was able to save enough money for this semester and planned on getting a job to help me continue on to next semester.  with the economy suffering the way it has, it's been hard for me to find a job.  i am slowly but surely running out of my savings and find myself forced to drop out of school for the following semester...for the third time! hopefully i find a job soon and save enough money throughout the winter and summer to try this again next fall, with God's help and grace, the DREAM Act will have been enforced by then.

Brown Eyes, today is election day in NJ for Governor.  I’m on the ballot; only a handful of people even know that, or why I did it.  No big deal, I’m already revving up for next year.  On the remote chance that gets me any attention-  (pssss, truth be told I’m doing it right this time) I’d like to be in touch with you over the coming months. 

(What the heck, for you and the others, here’s part of the strategy.  I’m going to change parties and become a Democrat, try to win that nomination, and be the main opposition to my Republican congressman in the fall.  I’m never going to raise any money therefore I’ll need a bunch of rabbits to pull out of a hat.) What about keeping me informed on how you’re making out?  No publicity, just an anyonomous friend.

I’m fascinated that you just joined this blog and went back 4 months to post this thread.  There was a more recent “Dream Act” profile but something about it made me…..

As I said, I’d like to, little by little, know how you’re progressing.  Your real name is not important.  I understand I’m asking a lot considering the pressures you must be under and your age. I know for sure you're mature. Read about me and decide, given my background, my determination, and last but not least, my natural fiscal conservatism, whether I might make a compelling candidate against the 9 term incumbent Republican, who if I remember correctly from 08 (I was a candidate then as well)  would “be the first to oppose any amnesty….”   I'd like to include you in my circle of friends.

I’m also a little curious why your real name showed up in my email, and of course the e-mails of the others who contributed threads to this story?  Maybe someone here can explain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkK9uO470vI   

p.s. The charge to get into that resort?  About $30, or three days pay for two of those guys in the video.  The other does better playing soccer on the wknds. for cash.  His money goes into the family pot.  He just got a job as a teacher and that' s an interesting story on its own.