|
|
|
|
SUBSCRIBE The leading Copyright |
< Back to current issue of Immigrant's Weekly
Dear Editor:
I found out about your website from a friend and I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts to keep people informed about immigration issues.
Yesterday I read that Rep. Gephardt is planning to pass a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants who lived in USA for five years and worked here two years. I applaud his efforts, but what happens with those who haven't been here 5 years yet?
I got into a very unpleasant situation with the immigration department myself.
Four years ago I came to USA with the dream of going to school to obtain a Master's degree in Counseling. I came as a visitor and I applied first for an extension of my visa at that time in order to be able to make the arrangements necessary with the school.
Time passed by, three months, and then six. I never heard from the immigration department. I went to a couple of lawyers who tried to find out my status, but to no avail.
Finally, I got exasperated last year and appealed to one of the Arizona State senators to help me find what is going on.
The immigration personnel in senator's office found out the following:
my visa request from August 1998 until July 31, 1999 was approved in January 7, 2000. I never received any information about my status in due time, and as a result I was left out of status.
My question is: what can I do to obtain a legal status again without leaving USA? Because if i do, I will never see this country again.
And I did not come here as a criminal, I came to study and to create a better future that I was not able to have in my home country.
Whose fault is that I got into this mess? Mine? I don't think so!
And the bill that would be passed would allow only those who lived here for 5 years to obtain legal status? That is not fair!
I've been here four years and only God knows how I made it so far. I am an intelligent person. I can do whatever I put my mind to. I have a college degree, and cleaning houses does not thrill me at all! But what else can I do if my status is what it is?
All I want is a fair chance to be able to get back in a legal status and to do what I always dreamed of doing. I love this country, I did not come here to hurt anybody or do anything wrong, I know the language better that more people who've lived here a long time. Is there anything that can be done? There must be a way to get me out of this mess! I am determined to find out and see this solved. I just need some advice and help from someone who is able to do something.
Thank you for taking time to read my letter. If there is someone who would be willing to help me, I would be forever grateful!
Sincerely yours, |
Add to del.icio.us