A green card, at long last!

Chances are if you're reading this you know me, if you've only just gotten to know me in the past few years though you may not be aware of the long journey I've been on to get to this point.

I am finally, FINALLY in a position to get a green card.

Back story: I came to the states at the age of nine and was not supplied with a green card while still a minor, this meant that I couldn't get one as an adult unless married, and my bizarre circumstances didn't put me under the DREAM act. My first marriage was an abusive mess that I had to leave as soon as I could, so there was no applying a green card at that time (though I did try). This time around I didn't apply right away because well, I was terrified of Trump's policies, then Covid/lockdown happened, and anyway, getting a green card wasn't the reason I got married in the first place.

Fast forward to now. I'm on track. I've been consulting with an immigration attorney and have started checking things off the to-do list she gave me. It's a lot!

Here's the thing though. It's insanely expensive. I have some money stashed away for this very purpose but it isn't enough, and short of selling my possessions (which I have already done some of) there's no way I can cover all these expenses right away by myself.

Once I have a green card I will be allowed to drive, work, travel, own property, start building a credit score, use a bank other than Wells Fargo, and more. It will open up many opportunities and basic rights that I've been denied my entire adult life.

Also, for clarity, once I get this green card (which should be within 14 months of sending in the paperwork) the first thing I need to do is go back to Australia to visit all my family there. It's been over 20 years since I've seen most of them, and I need to see my Dad. So, should I spend all my savings on this green card, then pay the rest off over the next year and a half I won't be able to go home for who-knows how long. If I have help paying for the green card now I can focus saving for a trip home.

If you would like to learn anything else about my story just ask! I'm totally transparent, and happy to share. We can chat online or meet up for tea or a walk in the woods and prairie.

Many people have helped me over the years. The Winona community was especially supportive! I thank each and every person who has helped in the past, and who can help now. I seriously couldn't have gotten this far without you.