Tony, I didn't choose to come to this country, my parents decided this would be best for me. I'm sure you know that coming here legally would have taken many many many years and I doubt you care. But try to put yourself in my parents' shoes, who couldn't pay for my education anymore. If you had a daughter, wouldn't you want her to get an education and be someone?

My parents would have loved to come here legally, and they would have tried if immigration laws were fairer. Unfortunately, they didn't want to wait until I turned 20 to come to the U.S. because by then it would have been somewhat pointless.

This has become my country, despite what you say. I want to study and work and pay taxes HERE, not in a country I barely remember and don't feel close to. I have been paying international rates in college for 3 years, out of my own pocket, helping the economy. I don't want anyone to hold my hand and give me a "free pass." I want to work hard and graduate, work and pay taxes, do things to benefit my community and my country (the U.S.)

"Just like me, there are thousands of students facing the same obstacles. We consider ourselves American, but are denied the opportunity to attend college and work legally. We don't want or expect "freebies." What we want is a chance to prove what an asset we can be to this country we call our home. We want to be the future nurses, doctors, teachers, and engineers that will shape this country's future and continue to make it great."

Maria,

You are an asset to this country!  And all that you are asking is to be given a chance to prove it.  Unlike your critics, you have had to work twice as hard to prove yourself because nothing was ever handed to you. I think you would make a passionate advocate for the ACLU because you understand what injustice feels like. (btw, that's a wonderful organization...I get their newsletter every month, so I know all the incredible work they do on behalf of immigrants, etc, and the Constitution.)  

Please ignore the insensitive and ignorant comments of the nativists (obviously they have nothing better to do with their time).  I hope you will continue your education so that you can contribute your skills, talent and enthusiasm to the country you love.  This IS your country, too. Thank you for inspiring us with your story, Maria. I admire your spirit. 

You must have not read my post, because I pay INTERNATIONAL rates at the moment, way higher than out-of-state tuition.

As much as it might bother you, I'm not going back to my country of origin because if I did, I would not be able to come back.. and this is my country, and the country where I want to realize my dreams.

Like I already mentioned, I'm not asking for a "free pass" or expect to get things easily. Not to mention the fact that because it's so difficult for me to go to school, it makes me more determined to fight for what I think is right.

Thanks for your support, Lisa! I really appreciate it.

Maria, very nice story... the responses your giving these people, I and many others have given before; this and many other sites as well.

They call themselves Americans, yet they only get on change.org to comment on immigration issues.

DING DING, help your country and post or donate to other issues as well. Help the homeless or join health care, help kids with autism... damn it just do something else in this site besides posting on this issue.

If you want your voice to be herd, go to school, get good grades and become a senator, congressman or mayor... so you can present your thoughts in a more broad manner... gosh, aren't there other issues that concern your for your country.

Maria, 
I commend you on your accomplishments and your drive.  They are testament of what it is to be an American.  Many take the meaning of "American" as black and white and fail to note the merits of the individuals.  Many take their citizenship for granted.  Many concentrate their efforts on semantics and opt to penalize excellence, intellectual excellence. Keep on working hard because those against you will keep on placing blame on others for their own shortfalls. 

Let's examine the 14th Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution shall we?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizenship_Clause

"During the original debate over the amendment Senator Jacob M. Howard of Michigan—the author of the citizenship clause—described the clause as excluding not only Indians but “persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers.”["

And furthermore,

"The following persons born in the United States are explicitly citizens:

You're really diverting now debating citizenship and 'being American'... legally I'll be a citizen in a month? by law that is what I'll claim yet for you it doesn't matter, but I thought the law of the land is what prevails? Make up your mind, do you believe in the law or not?  You seem a bit confused there kid. 

As far as returning and reforming our country of origin? Really?You expect an American raised individual to know where to start such revolution? They probably don't know much more than you do of the country so how do you justify sending the blind to lead the blind and reform a complete country? Great logic there genius. 

Coming to America is not the easy way out by any means but it's the place where you could truly experience the benefits of capitalism through hard work.  If working and studying hard to achieve your goals is your definition of the 'easy way' then by any means blame us. 
Lastly, I understand that there is a great tendency to develop a protectionist stance in hard economic times but read and you'll see DREMies would be of benefit in these hard time.

Carlos,  You have no credibility with this statement,

"You're really diverting now debating citizenship and 'being American'... legally I'll be a citizen in a month?"

It doens't even make any sense in context of our conversation.   Are you here legally?   IF so you are not an illegal,  which is the subject of our discussion.

And this statement has a vital error,

"You expect an American raised individual to know where to start such revolution?"

Illegals are not Americans,  so your statement is completely biased.    You seem a bit confused there kid.   Maria is not an American.

"Coming to America is not the easy way out by any means"

Well what do you call it then?   An individual flees their country instead of taking the difficult measure of politicaly reforming their own country.   They do so because life is "easier" in the the country they choose to tresspass on.   If that isn't taking the easy way out nothing is.

The best benefit the DREAMIES could afford to America is to vacate the premesis so that Americans can utilize the jobs and resources illegals leach every day.   This country has hundreds of thousands of unemployed Americans.   We have not use,  or need,  for a wave of trespassers.

Tony: "If your parents are not lawfully in this country and you are born in this country you are NOT an American.

Seeing as how your parents are both illegal,  and you were not born here,   I hope you can clearly understand why you are not a citizen."

Here you tried to prove a point on being an American and being a citizen.  Did not prove a single point and just went off in two directions. My parents are illegal and I was not born here but legally will be a citizen in a month.  So I hope you clearly understand that your argument fails.  By law I'll be a citizen in a month, but by my ideals I've been American like Maria for years. We're not discussing the definition of a citizen, but emphasizing our embodiment of what it is to be American.  Maria never called herself a citizen, just American. Quit concentrating on semantics.  


Regarding your second argument I said 'American raised'...which is what Maria and a lot of us are, raised the American way.  If you want to concentrate on semantics we have all the right to call ourselves American for we were born within the American continents right?  Or does the U.S. hold complete owenership of that?  I mean we can call anyone from Europe European, and from Africa Africans.  If you're going to concentrate on definitions of the word don't be too vague.  Granted, we're referring to the U.S. when we talk about being American, but you just seem to base your argument on your belief that legally she can't herself that. Again Maria never called herself a citizen, just American. 

The best for DREAMies and the U.S. is for the DREAM Act to pass so they can start contributing back into this economy timesfold what they can as undocumented.  That'd be the best thing for them and the U.S. 

Am I the only person who thinks the "My name is ___ and I am an American" feature on this site is both cruel and pointless?

Dave, I know why you do this, but I think you might want to reconsider what you're achieving with these pieces.

Goodness.  Such bitterness here.

Maria, you are welcome in my world.  Your parents brought you here, you grew up here and you are participating in this society by pursuing your education and by engaging in a beautiful feature of the U.S.: freedom of speech.  The U.S. is not a fixed thing; it is a constantly evolving country.  If everyone accepted that because a law exists, no one could oppose it without obeying it at the same time, we would never have accomplished things like getting women the right to vote or getting rid of blatant, legal slavery.

We all have the right to our opinions and to articulate them.  Thank you for articulating yours, Maria, and again, you are welcomed by me to this country. 

Maria, you are an American. I wish others would stop treating you and your peers as some sort of scourge. You are the future of this country and I look forward to seeing you and your peers (including my children) sweep the bigotry and racism that has guided "policy" for the past 20 years, out of the door.

I'm glad you learned your history - at least now you know that the United States has a history of racism, bigotry and denying simple civil rights to anyone perceived as "different." I hope you make it to the ACLU and beyond.

You are worthy. You are a good person. No one can take that away from you, no matter how hateful their words are. When someone speaks ill of immigrants, they only show how shuttered in their own minds and hearts are. America is a nation of immigrants. How soon we forget.

Tony The Tiger wrote:

"Why don't you and your family strive for political change in your country?  Why don't you try to remedy your country's problems?"

If your ancestors had followed this advice they never would have come to this nation.

There would have never been a Plymouth Rock if this advice had been taken by the Pilgrims.

So it is right for your ancestors to seek a better life than the one they were living back in the "old country" but it is not right for others.

Oh, that is right, they came in through that imaginary front door.

Front door=Europeans get on ship and come to America. Get checked on Ellis Island. Bingo!

Tony the Tiger wrote

"So anyone who does not share your opinion is a nativist..."

He added "You need to reexamine your posts because comments like that... paint you as a racist."

I am throwing the flag and challenging this call.

Is it racist to call an anti-immigrant a nativist? Lets go to the instant replay booth.

What did the great anti-immigrant leader, the late Harvard professor, Samuel Hufffington have to say on the matter?

Huffington wrote in an essay entitled "Reconsidering Immigration: Is Mexico a Special Case?"

"First of all, we haven’t always welcomed immigrants. The National Immigration Forum, a very pro-immigration outfit, said in one of its publications, In addition to being a nation of immigrants the United States has also been a nation of nativists.' That’s true."

Huffington embraced the label in this essay. One of the leaders of the anti-immigratin movement did not see the label "nativists" as an insult. Yet, many "nativists" devoid of wit and quick retort simply respond to the label by whining "stop calling me names."

There is nothing racist in the calling of a nativitist a nativist. There may be something inherently racist in being one but that is another ball game.

Team Coyotl wins the challenge and will not be charged a time out.

Maria, I am proud of you. In my book, you are an American. I would be proud to have you as a neighbor.

One day the Dream Act will become reality.

Sadly, it will be a nightmare for those who have chosen to disconnect from any apathy for the innocent youth who were brought here by their parents.

best of luck to you and may your quest be filled with blessings.

Don't primary and secondary schools require birth certificates or proof of legal residency when the children are enrolled? If not, documentation should be required so that this type of situation can be mitigated at the beginning.   

If they are required, this situation resulted from bureaucratic error.

Either way, Maria (and others in her situation) should be permitted to apply for citizenship since the continuing problem was the result of flawed systems.  She has already put in her waiting period.

Don't primary and secondary schools require birth certificates or proof of legal residency when the children are enrolled?

No, the 1982 Supreme Court case of Plyler v. Doe made it illegal for public schools to refuse to enroll undocumented children.  The Court reasoned that denying these kids a proper education would likely contribute to "the creation and perpetuation of a subclass of illiterates within our boundaries, surely adding to the problems and costs of unemployment, welfare, and crime."

But I agree, Maria has waited long enough.

Thanks, Dave.  I'm obviously a neophyte in this area. I do oppose illegal immigration because of population growth and because it is unfair to people who try to immigrate legally. But deporting the children of illegal immigrants who have been in the U.S. for several years is ridiculous.

Maria, I feel your pain. I am in the same situation as you and while it is extremely hard at times, we should feel proud for being who we are. We are Americans in every sense of the word. We are young ladies who strive to become better individuals, who never give up despite so many hardships, who want to fulfill our full potential as students and individuals, and who only want ONE opportunity to suceed. Surprisingly, these characteristics sound too familiar to characteristics that other Americans have possessed in the past like African Americans, women, and many other leaders and activists who fought for a cause. Why are we any different from them? If we fight hard enough one day we will see our stories in history textbooks, we will see our success stories and one day we will not only be able to call ourselves "American" by word but also on paper.

Also, if I want to post my story on this website, how can I do it? I am new here, and I've been trying to find out how but I've had no success.

I am a US citizen Maria and  I have been given all the opportunities and my story is Ive had many friends like you who are hard workers they are intelligent girls like you and some of the best friends Ive ever known. So strange as it many seem I am here to try to protect and defend you. I want the dream Act for you because I believe you deserve just as much as anyone else and so I could tell story's from people Ive known. The East Coast is a very diverse area to live in and our broken immigration system is surfacing to the main stream and if you tell your story you will find that most people are on your side. Once they see how brillant and kind hearted you are they want to give you that piece of paper. You are as American to me Maria as I am to you and the truth is its just a piece of paper away and that is just a matter of time.

Yes, Maria, there is a 'Santa Clause'.

You ARE an American. Why? Because you said you wanted to be. Wanna guess what I am going to be? I am going to be an underwear model. Why? Because I want to be.

I look like a cross between Meat Loaf and a bloated walrus on a good day, but you have inspired me. I am going to follow your example and disrespect and discard things like laws and reality. I want to make the salary of (and help the economy by paying the taxes of) an underwear model, so -poof- I am.

Something that occurs to me, though, is that while you were fortunate enough to trespass onto American soil, many others cannot. You are physically here so I am going to assign you the label, Physicalist (kind of like Nativist) and accuse you of hatred toward the “Wishfulists” – people who wish they could illegally enter the US like you did, but can’t. It’s not their fault they can’t physically be here (it’s of course the Nativists’ fault) so let’s get them their rightful welfare, health, housing and education compensation in the mail right away. If you are against that, then you are a hate-filled bigot. I hope you are not that because you are an American now. Welcome your new fellow American, Saddam bin Taliban – because guess what – he IS an American, too. Why? Because he wants to be, just like you. To keep him out would be Nativist! Eww!

You have good qualities that make you the kind of person that Americans (even Nativists) want to see become LEGAL citizens. I realize that there is a Catch 22 in the machinery of becoming a citizen legally. Americans (even Nativists – I know because I am a proud one) are interested in finding a solution to that. The pathway to that solution is not to start things off by ignoring and disrespecting our laws.

I look forward to further discussion with you,

Mark B.

So an American is not someone who is proud to live in AMERICA? to feel patriotism, to be proud of this country, to LOVE this country, to be willing to fight for this country? Is it not a mentality, a differential from every other country in the world? Is it not a culture? I am sorry but if you don't think it is, then you are not an American. You are just an American-citizen and the problem with America today. If you have the ideas/ power to fight for poverty, and not just complain about it, if you can be less ignorant and realize that if we become legalized we are not going to take your jobs, or are you afraid of a little competition, then America will be a stronger country composed of the best of the best. These arguments against immigrants, minority groups, women, and foreigners have been made before and have never been validated. To turn away bright minds and hard working people is not the smartest thing, but i thought that was obvious.

I've read the blogs.  Most of the posts are complaints about how badly illegal immigrants are treated.  It seems that no one posts ideas or suggestions about how to actually FIX the problem.  Actually, I don't think anyone has posted the problem.  I hear that the immigration system is broken or the immigration laws are broken.  That's kind of like saying that someone is sick.  How do you fix someone that is sick?  Don't you have to know what "sick" really means.  Flu, cold, cancer, broke leg???   Same thing with the immigration laws.  It's not enough to just say they are broken, you have to say HOW they are broken and be specific.  Then explain how to fix these laws so they are fair to EVERYONE involved.

Interesting word, everyone.  Who does that encompass here?   US Citizens, illegal immigrants, the rest of the world.

US Citizens - people who "legally" have that "nine-digit-number".  People who vote on and decide the laws that we live by.  A small Group of US Citizens actually caused the problem that we are currently facing.

Illegal Immigrants - People who do NOT "legally" have that "nine-digit-number", sometimes through no fault of their own, but mostly by their own volition.  They, or their parents, broke the law to get into the US.  The very nature of their presence in the US "requires" them to continue to break the law on an almost daily basis in order to remain here.

the "rest of the world" - again, interesting.  This is made up of three separate groups.  Those who do not care, those waiting in line (Hopeful Immigrants) to get into the US "Legally", and leaders of foreign countries.

Hopeful Immigrants - these are people who have been waiting in line patiently, to get into the US legally.  Many of these are from the same countries that the illegal immigrants came from.  These are people that, in general, I think will make good citizens.  They started out in this country by following the laws, not by breaking them.  The US allows thousands, out of tens of thousands, of these people into the country every year. 

Leaders of Foreign Countries - These Public figures require that all US Citizens caught in their country illegally be treated as criminals.  Yet there are a number of these "Public Figures" who very actively condemn the US for doing exactly the same thing, and condone their citizens breaking the law in their country, as well as breaking the law in the US.

So tell me what exactly is broke, and how to fix it, so that it is fair to everyone.

Following my own rules about posting recommendations and opinions:
I am 56 years old, southern Baptist raised, Six years active duty in the US Military.

Opinion - Illegal Immigrants that post on these blogs are, if anything, the exceptions.  There are somewhere between 12 million and 21 million illegal immigrants in this country illegally.  There are literally thousands of this number that are exceptional.  The tragedy is that under legal circumstances these people would make excellent citizens.  However, the internet and cable news ensures that these people are knowingly, daily, showing a complete disregard for this countries laws.  Why should I accept these people into my country as my next door neighbor's? 
The average Illegal Immigrant is less apt to speak english, feels pride for "his" (or her) home country (NOT the US), sends money to his home country to support his family (i.e. his family, and therefore his home, is not in the US).  There is no pride in the US, and therefore no curtesy for US Citizens.  Again, why should I accept these people into my country as my next door neighbor's?

The standard legal Immigrants work to get into this country.  They have pride in a country that accepts them in much the same way a family accepts an adopted child.  They know english because it is required.  There home is here, because they worked for it.  And both the exceptional and average legal immigrant are people that, on average, make excellent neighbor's that I do not have to worry about.

Solution:
FIRST:  Offer citizenship to "anyone" that will join the military for six years active duty, stays for the entire enlistment, completes all requirements for citizenship, passes the test, and gets an honorable discharge.
To accommodate everyone, make a one time exception for age.  From 18 to 80 as long as they are physically able to perform one of the functions the military needs.  For children that will turn 18 while their parents are in the military, offer the same thing, allowing them to remain in the US until they are old enough to join with parental permission or once they turn 18.  For children that will not be 18 prior to their parents gaining citizenship, grant them citizenship once their parents are granted citizenship.  For those to old or feeble to join the military, allow them to remain as dependents of a citizen, or a soon to be citizen.

There are some exceptions that would have to be dealt with, however, for the most part those that accomplish this would have done the necessary work to make the US their home.  The vast majority of Veterans take pride in THIS country, because they sacrificed to defend the rights and laws of THIS country.  They would make good neighbors.

SECOND:  Find each and every US Citizen that has hired an illegal immigrant and prosecute them for breaking the law and hiring that person to begin with.  If convicted they should be sentenced to one day in jail for EACH man-month of illegal labor they paid for.  These people are not only breaking the law, but they are condoning, and exploiting, a sub-culture.  This is both legally, and morally, wrong.

This post does not adequately convey all of my thoughts and feelings about this subject.  There is much more that I could say about the causes and affects of this problem.  

The fault for this great tragedy lies MORE with the people that hire illegal immigrants.  Illegal immigrants share a great deal of the rest of the blame, but the citizens who do not speak up and actively tell their elected officials their feelings on this also share in the blame.  When everyone speaks up, the elected officials will act.  BUT, be careful what you ask for, you might get it.....

U.S. businesses and individuals who hire undocumented immigrants--even individuals who are hiring a nanny--should be receive substantial fines and assets seizure. 

Undocumented immigrants should be promptly deported. Still, an undocumented child who entered illegally with her/his parents--and was even permitted to go school here--should not be penalized by immigration "system" flaws.

Jack, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue respectfully. You have obviously formulated your opinions based on experience and not just ideologies of most of the country.  
In this 'forum' its safe to say that our proposed solution for this particular situation is the DREAM act. Immigration reform is needed but there is not just one solution that everyone can agree on, especially, in my opinion, because business owners know that either they cannot afford to pay people at a "reasonable" wage or they just do not want to, hence them being business people trying to get more money and I feel the government acknowledges this and protects them for whatever the reason may be.
For people like me and Maria who have lived here all their lives (my case, I was months old) and have known no other country, went to elementary, high school, and now college, the DREAM act is the solution. I acknowledge that I am not a US Citizen and I would do anything to become one, pay fines (regardless of who's fault it is). I know that my chances of gaining citizenship after leaving the country to another (which I've known nothing of) for 10 yrs, at least, are slim to none so that is the ultimate last resort. I think it is unfair to me and to so many others like me who are put into this situation. Personally I cannot live a normal life and it is very irratating. But nobody's life is perfect and will never be, but thats my struggle.
People say to "send all illegals back" but at what cost to the country? Irrational and uninformed statements are made everyday. Yes, it is a problem because these lead to hate crimes and increased violence in a now jaded society and it needs to stop.
I am 100 percent confident in the people who will benefit from the DREAM act because we know what its like to have lived a life of mediocrity by not being able to reach our full potential.

Thank you, Mary.  Most (if not all) states offer subsidized child care for low income mothers. Undocumented immigrants who work in any capacity are working illegally, and are being exploited.

Still undocumented children of undocumented immigrants should not be denied citizenship on that ground alone. I agree that if undocumented immigrants are to deported--and have committed no other crime--they should be deported within 24-48 hours.

The U.S. immigration non-system is broken, and the policies and procedures are unnecessarily complex.

i am a 4 year old alien my ancestors discovered california, nevada, texas...... today i live in a city called Riverside california 92507
it was once called alta california. as history goes.lolhow do you take indians lands and claim them as yours?i am not a illegal i am a settler  of the american continentchild things are going to get better, soon very soonHow Did Colón Become Columbus
1492 - in 1492, adventurer/brigand Cristobal Colon lands on an island in the western hemisphere, thinking he has landed in India. The boorish and brutal Colon sent his men out onto the island to loot whatever they could find, and they encounter natives there, who do not take kindly to these Europeans. Colon's ship is attacked that night, and he barely manages to sail away with half his crew still alive. The next island they land at is their last; Colon's attempt to enslave the locals ends ...1842-2009

one word AZTLAN

viva la revolucion viva la iqualidadviva la livertadviva la oportunidad de vivirviva la razavivan los estudiantes heroesvivan los derechos humanosAmor y paz para el nuevo milenioiqualidad para todosvivan los estados unidos de norte america

ningun emperio dura para siempre.solamente que sea divino.para entrar en el cielo no se nesecita el xxx-xx-xxxxdios los bendiga hoy manana y siempre

Don't kick anyone out. they will leave. just keep it up lol...  ..     ..        .0........................   stocks. history repeats its self 1929-09               .                   .                       .

Don't kick anyone out. they will leave. just keep it up lol...  ..     ..        .0........................   stocks. history repeats its self 1929-09               .                   .                       .

Don't kick anyone out. they will leave. just keep it up lol...  ..     ..        .0........................   stocks. history repeats its self 1929-09               .                   .                       .

Don't kick anyone out. they will leave. just keep it up lol...  ..     ..        .0........................   stocks. history repeats its self 1929-09               .                   .                       .

send your hate mail to dannyca1@yahoo.comthank you for time.

my apple makes me look like i don't space my words 

I am a native american.  I'm a cherokee to be clearer, well I think maybe mixed with a little chickasaw as well.  My husband is here illegally.  We got four kids.  I don't have a job.   OK here's the catch 22.  I can't afford to support us on my own and pay for immigration fees.  So instead of him having to go to Mexico to wait for a visa, how about let's pay a fine, waive the visa, and just keep up with all the paperwork.  It's not right that he has to drive to work with no license everyday, but what else do we do?  We know our life being in complete chaos is only a license check away, but what do we do?  Is is so crazy to think that maybe, just maybe we could come up with a realistic idea to deal with the problem while being sensitive and fair? 

How come when I say something no one wants to talk back?  I would like some feedback

How come when I say something no one wants to talk back?  I would like some feedback

How come when I say something no one wants to talk back?  I would like some feedback

Mrs. Ceballos--Maybe no one talks back because there is no point in hurting your feelings. The U.S. is facing an extreme population increase over the next 40 years--a 40% increase, to 439 million. 71.7% of U.S. women are trying to reduce this threat by having two or fewer biological children, but you seem to have decided you are superior so you can have four.

You admit your husband is here illegally, and that he drives (illegally) without a license.  I have to have a driver's license, so does everyone I know.  Even those who do not drive have to have a "non-driver's" license in order to access their bank accounts and get on a plane. 

Your best bet, even though it is cruel, is to assume that he will be found out, and that he will be deported. (If this doesn't happen, you're ahead.) If this happens, your children will need help, so check into WIC, Subsidized Nutrition Assistance Program ("food stamps"), subsidized housing, and subsidized child care so you can work.  (Be very careful at this stage about what information you give so you are not responsible for his being deported.)

This is probably not what you wanted to hear.

Did you say; no point in hurting her feelings. Ouch!! Cecily I would not adviseJ. Cebellos to prepare that her husband will be deported because he is one out of 12 million and the odds are he will be driving around until the immigration reform bill passes and nothing will happen. This is reality. Cecily this is probably not what you want to hear. The longer this bill is procrastinated...the worse the situation gets for everyone. Getting everyone out of the shadows is best for America. As far as the drivers license system, insurance and access to bank accounts...there are plenty of loopoles out there because our system is changing from state to state and this is not going to turn around. Im not sure about the laws in your state but around here if they pull him over he just gets slapped with a fine and he pays the clerk. What I advise to J. Cebellos is (move up to a northern state) in a town were your husband can walk to his job or get on the train. It might cost alot less and he can make more money up here. I dont know where you live but on the East Coast many of the towns treat immigrants well and you will feel welcome in an immigrant town.  Also J., do not let the people posting make you scared...the odds are the reform bill will pass and everything will be fine. As far as food stamps...apply and see what happens. Hang in there J. for there is HOPE!

J. C. as far as lawyers and paper work I would write Dave and ask him where you can go and what you can do. Maybe there might be a inexpensive alternative??

I am undocumented and i am a college student. I don't pay the huge fees since i found the AB 540.

IF YOU ARE UNDOCUMENTED YOU CAN, YES CAN, GO TO COLLEGE AND PAY RESIDENT FEES. ($26 a unit)

Look it up. its just one simple piece of paper to fill out.

Please let anyone undocumented know they CAN GO TO COLLEGE, theres always a way.