Somm DREAM Legal Fees Campaign

It is with a great joy that I announce that I have been given a great opportunity in this great country since I first arrived. It was 1998, and at age 13, I had little knowledge of the kind of people I would meet, and where the road would take me.
Turns out, most of the people I have met have made a difference in my life, and have guided me to be strong, to be patient, and to continue learning and living.

As many as 18 years have passed since then, and although still true to the challenge, I have risen to walk an enlightened path, and have continued my higher education without ever doubting myself.

 

Nonetheless, as I became part of the network of people, and as I became one with the communities I encountered, and as I learned more about the big opportunities of this nation and dreams of people; I realized that my dreams were different. Not by the fabric of origin, nor by the ambitious ideals, or by the unreachable happenstance. My dreams were derailed when a lawful formal petition for US Residency on my behalf got lost, or perhaps even purposefully misplaced by my sponsor petitioner back in 1998.

 

As a visitor I came, and as a foreigner I had to stay. All this years I have walked in the shadows, awaiting for a bright light of hope amongst the cluttered immigration system.

A second petition by my natural born US citizen brother was filed in 2003; and it was not until 7 years later, that such petition was ''recieved" by Immigration services, and in 2014 I got a notice saying the application got "accepted". But it may take another 6, 8 or 10 years before they actually call me in to review my case (who knows??) 

It's taken 11 years form Immigration services to "accept" an application - for those of you thinking that path to citizenship/residency is easy...it's not.
And I know I'm not the only one in this situation ...I would urge you to petition urgently to Congress to pass Immigration Reform to ease the red tape, and the hoop-jumping system that is backlogged, ask your local representatives to make change, that's why illigal immigration is to many the only alternative.
I also urge to watch a documentary on this very subject with a chilling similar autobiographical story, of a well known and respected, Pulitzer award winner Journalist, Jose Antonio Vargas of the Washington Post called Undocumented.

And although those that truly have spared time with me would know, as I am quite open minded, and open to discuss subjects - this particular subject did not often come alive; for it is fear that hunts in the shadows. 

 

In the shadows and beyond I have dwelt after High School, onto College. Working undocumented part or full time when possible and being a full time student at the same time. Many hours of dedication have paid off well and in 2008 I graduated with four distinct Associate of Applied Science Degrees in the fields of Hospitality; Food and Beverage; Travel & Tourism; and Meeting & Events Planning Management. At the same time I completed a Professional Photography Diploma. I was designated a Lifestyle and Destination Specialist. Then moved onto specializing in Gourmet Cooking; Catering, and Nutrition & Diet Sciences.

And not knowing what to expect next is the worst all the time has always been hard.

However, in spite all obstacles and challenges, I always decided to pursue my education and continue to work in the field, disregarding the risks. As I would like to contribute to the growing community and culture; to everything that has given me an opportunity.

 

It is not until June 2012, that President Barack Obama, petitioned the Department of Homeland Security to approve the halt of deportations to people of no-risk; hard working individuals who have been brought up in this country,and attended High School with fellow Americans, and that would like to contribute to this ever growing melting pot of cultures. This is all a topic that has been much debated, but yet little action has been taken by Congress, as the Dream Act first got introduced in 2001, yet it has not been made law by unanimous bilateral chambers. The current provisions in the petition of the Executive Order by Obama, those people that like myself, meet the criteria, would be granted a work permit for two years; and that would be two more years that I can not only work  in better conditions and with a commendable wage that would fit my skills and experience, but it would also allow me to venture into the bigger workplace market, to which I have been restrained from. With this, better opportunities would come. A dream of opportunity by Dreamers for this community.

On Feb 8th, 2013, DHS/USCIS sent me a notice stating that they had recieved my DACA application!
On May 2013, I got my first ever legal work permit.
On May 2015, I had to renew the permit (hefty legal fees again)
And will have to renew again in 2017, and pay again hefty legal fees....if it all goes acording to plan. As we now, under the new "president elect" Trump, it's all at risk of being wiped out.

 
However, another curveball was thrown in my face (literally) - in 2015/2016 I had to undergo dental surgery that rooted from a maxilofacial infection due to a dental bone fracture from an accident earlier on, and the medical implants took a chunk out of my pocket, at $16,000 expense, dental insurance would not cover any of the cost as it's deemed an "aesthetic surgery", and I find myself hurting for aid.

And it is due to ALL of this that I also must seek financial aid from any resource currently available to me. I ask of you that if you are able to commit and sponsor my path to legality and transparency in the work force, that you donate any possible amount that would ease my burden of legal/medical fees.