I am reaching out for help. I applied for my residency and have been waiting for 9 long years, and it has finally gone to the next step to apply for my I-485! I have had a work visa which needs to be renewed every two years. I had reapplied for my visa when it was time in November 2024, a process which typically takes 90 days. It has been over a year due to the administration, and by March 8th, if my visa is not renewed, my extension expires and I will have to be let go from my job. In order for me to stay lawfully in the US, I need to file my I-485, but that comes with a ticket price of $5k, money that I just don’t have right now or am able to make quickly, especially if I am going to lose my job. I have been here since I was one and doing everything by the book. If I am not lawful by March 8th, ICE has every right to deport me. I will be working Amazon and any side jobs until I can come up with the money, but I thought I would also start here for some help. I would gladly “go home,” but I share custody of my 4-year-old autistic son, so I am fighting to stay by his side.

Thanks in advance.