I live in Texas, and I am now a senior in High School. I wish I wasn't an illegal alien but it wasn't my choice. I would really like to go to college and become a doctor and also get a music major, but with my problem...is it still possible to go to college?
2007-08-12 12:45:53 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I never said that I was from Mexico, so please stop assuming that I am Mexican.
2007-08-12 12:52:53 · update #1
I'm not trying to take advanta of anyone's "milk and honey" you probably didn't go to college so you don't realize that people actually have to pay for college. I would be PAYING for college, not getting a free education! That's not called taking advantage of anything!
2007-08-12 12:56:09 · update #2
I can't apply for a green card or a visa, because I will just get deported. If I go back to my country then I won't be able to come back because the government will punish me and I will have to ask for "forgiveness" and that takes 5 to 7 or more years, so I wouldn't be able to come back here in those 5 to 7 years.
Thank you to all of you who are giving me good, sensitive answers! I wish I could have more than one best answer!!!
2007-08-13 09:22:01 · update #3
The guy before me is on the right track. You should apply to schools listing your legal residence (whichever country you're from). You'll want to correspond through that country, so you may want to have relatives back home mail your applications for you, etc. You can also let them know at the same time that you are temporarily in the US, and they'll correspond with you at your current home address.
Anyway, once accepted, you'll be eligible for a student visa, which will be good for the duration of your education. These typically require trips home each year (which is good, right?) and an application for renewal each year. ...no big deal, my students do it all the time. Anyway, that solves your problem for four to six years of undergrad, and if you get into medical school... another six to ten years. Then once through school, if you want to stay (you didn't say that you did...), you could apply for any number of different kinds of work visas (employers will assist with this in some cases), and then while working, apply for your green card. It's a long road, but certainly possible.
My last comment is that lawyers are *not* obligated to turn you in if you're a client. So... the first thing you say to an immigration lawyer is... "I want to be billed for this meeting." Then lawyer-client confidentiality rules, and you have no fear of talking with an immigration attorney.
Good luck to you! I can imagine how you're in this situation, and you're not alone. I've had several excellent students in your shoes over the years, and all of them have worked it out for themselves just fine. I hope you do as well!
2007-08-12 13:49:19 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Evol 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are eligible to attend a lot of colleges. Some have rules against people in the country illegally, but most will look the other way. You may have trouble getting financial aid. I would recommend talking to a lawyer before applying for legalized status. It might be a good idea to go back to your home country and apply as an international student, in which case you would get a student visa, but it might actually land you in a situation where you can't get back in. A lawyer would be able to advise you better, although you should be careful to phrase your question in a way that you don't tell them you plan to commit an illegal act (i.e. ask it as a hypothetical), or the lawyer may be obligated to turn you in (although if you're an otherwise law-respecting resident, INS will probably not bother with you).
2007-08-12 20:03:40 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas M 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hey, I know a couple of ppl in similar situations that have gone on to college. There are many states that offer in-state tuition to students like you. Luckily, TX is one of them considering that you have lived in that state for at least 3 years. Also, many private schools will even give scholarships to undocumented aliens. These spots are highly competitive each year though. I would advise that you be very careful with revealing your status to people. Feel free to contact schools and ask about their policy. Note: refer to the government website...I believe if you leave the country, you will not be able to come back for ten years. My friends tell me that you will most likely be applying as an international student, but they will know you have had schooling here. Good luck with everything. Never lose faith in yourself. Also, be prepared to put in the extra effort because the better you are academically, the more options you will have made avaliable to you when you apply for med school or any future endeavors. So keep up the good work!
Take care.
2007-08-16 04:55:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont listen to none of these people!!! YES you can go to college but expect to pay a lot more! and by a lot i mean like double some colleges will accept you but charge you out of state costs. If your not sure what college has this, try a county college almost all except illegal people but you will pay out of state tuition. Dont listen to the people telling you to go back to your country, but plz try to find out what you need to do to get your green card here it will make things so much better for you. Go to school and become someone you have it in you being illegal or not...show everyone that being illegal is not. best of luck to you! I once was illegal myself but I have become legal and an US citizen... nothing is impossible
part 2 - because you can not apply for a green card or visa try the county college thing. my boyfriend is going to a county college and paying double the amount to be able to go. and i know going back to your country is not the best idea...neither is it for my boyfriend because he needs to pay a fine if he goes back and if he doesnt pay he goes to jail...by any chance are u brazilian?
2007-08-12 20:38:51 · answer #4 · answered by finally happy =) 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would try to apply for US citizenship. If not, I am sure you could apply for a green card from your country of origin to study in the United States. I know very little about both processes but I know you have to renew your student visa every year. Good Luck with your applying to college.
P.S. Dont listen to the intolerent xenophobes that post above and below me.
2007-08-12 20:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by maxpowr90 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to apply for some sort of citizenship status. Because you want to go to school here, there's an excellent chance you'll get it. I don't think colleges will let you in without it. Good luck! Oh, word of advice- if you want to become a doctor, you'll have very little time for music. I'm a pre-med student at the moment.
2007-08-12 20:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by Myryia 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am not 100% sure, but I think colleges will admit you. But, in the meantime, apply for a green card or citizenship.
Don't listen to the ignorant people who post stupid things and make assumptions about your country of origin.
2007-08-13 00:41:34 · answer #7 · answered by Ali 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why remain an illegal alien? Why not apply for citizenship or for green card status? Talk to an immigration lawyer and see what your options are. If you are a senior, you should be close to your legal majority, and able to make decisions for yourself.
Buena suerte!
2007-08-12 19:52:14 · answer #8 · answered by old lady 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
you could apply as an international student.. but of course in some ways it will be easier, in some ways it will be harder. of course its possible,
2007-08-12 20:44:20 · answer #9 · answered by SJK 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you go back home or become "legal" before you try to take advantage of our "milk and honey"?
2007-08-12 19:51:37 · answer #10 · answered by teacher 1 · 1⤊ 8⤋