AMA: I am a DACA recipient
Opinions are my own. I am a DACA recipient. I have been here since I was 12, a visa overstayer. I am grateful for getting a work permit in 2013 - just a year before I completed my degree. With this permit, I got an internship, then a full time, and now working for Oscar Health. I am thankful for my education and the freedom here in the States. I hope this AMA can offer something on the table.
Would you be okay to go back to your home country if somehow things don’t work out here?
My family is here. I face a 10-year bar from entry for overstaying. I was educated here, and my social circle is entirely based in the US. Finding a tech job is very tough in where I was from. So no...i would like to see my niece growing up. I want to take care of my family (currently paying mortgage). If things don’t work out here, my only option is either move to Canada or work under the table here. I will still pay taxes, otherwise it would impact my future application, and it’s wrong for me not paying taxes (Even though working under the table isn’t good either).
Serious question. How did you get a mortgage. Did the bank not view you a risk as a non legal immigrant?
What is your opinion of this administration vs the last?
When it comes to immigration policies, Obama and many former administration focus on illegal immigrants committed felony. I am not too liberal., definitely moderate and conservative depending on the issues. I think we need tougher screening for people entering this country, but we should not deny one’s entry because of race or religious background. The Muslim ban was one such example. Government has the obligation to implement policies to protect the interests of her people. So a tough screening on tourists from countries with strong terrorism presence is a responsible preventive action, but calling Muslims are dangerous is not right. I do ask for a path to a legal status. A conditional green card or some kind of a visa would be nice (but filing an advance parole to travel is expensive, feeling like I am being locked up again). Trump himself destroyed a compromise that would have 60 votes in the Senate was a huge disappointment. We were so close. Other issues such as environmental protection and consumer protection, although I ack Obama’s government being soft on big banks, Trump’s administration is totally anti-science and anti-protection.
I also believe in draining the swamp. Trump is unconventional. He doesn’t represent anyone but himself. He is an opportunist. He does have soft ears which is a nightmare for this country, because we have no idea what’s going to be his final decision. It sucks. So I am conflicted. I do want to have a strong president who is unconventional, but I want someone who really cares about making his/her country great! Trump is definitely a disgrace.
What’s the most difficult part about becoming a US citizen?
There is no pathway. So the “difficult” part is he or she can’t even try.
I am being sponsored by my parents. But i am over 21 when they submitted the petition. They are still green card holders, and they were sponsored by my older sister who is married to our family’s mutual friend’s son. Her marriage isn’t a fraud, so I am lucky. It will take me another 5-8 years before my application begins processing. We are short on immigration judges. It’s overwhelming. Instead of hiring more judges and more federal employees to help, we are wasting billions on failed military projects. I believe now judges are subjected to some tougher DOJ mandates preventing the judges from making certain decisions.
I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this current administration.
Thank you for your understanding. I am sorry for breaking American laws, but I know being here is both a luck and a necessity for my own life.
It’s clearly not your fault if you were 12. Ironic you’re working for the Kushners though!
Which party are you voting for?
If I am a citizen right now, I would vote for Democrats, to regain the House and the Senate. But I despise both parties.
I think having DACA to stay is bipartisan, but that comes with secure boarder, otherwise US becomes open boarder and people can just come with minor. I am sorry for what you are going through, but it will all end well. I got a feeling for this.
Thank you. I also believe we have to have a solution that is both sensible for enforcement and humane. This will end eventually, but probably after the election. I have a feeling we will have another continuing resolution (CR) like every year.
Because that worked so well the last time we tried it...
you have to go back
:) thanks, I do want to travel outside though. I am locked.
To all the Indians waiting in line for 10+ years this guy is an example of haha. Fuck you all.
Umm how? I believe as we speak there is no path of gc or citizenship for DACA.
I am sorry, indeed. But I think part of the immigration should make the process simpler and more efficient. All current bills require us to be in line, so there is no jump start for us.
Can you travel outside of US with an advance parole or with your passport?
Right now not possible. USCIS has stopped issuing AP since DACA was rescinded last year. DACA AP was limited to humanitarian reasons (family member dying), business or education. There was a risk that Custom could stop you from entering again, although I have not heard such case.
TC?
Between 100k and 200k.
Seriously murano from Uber? What a loser.