Karla Flores - Help a DREAMer Reach Her Dreams

A Note From Karla:

I’m reaching out to friends and family to ask for support so I can submit all of the applications to get my green card. I have an amazing opportunity to apply this month, and I don’t want to miss it! We got a call from my lawyer on Thursday and had to drive to Seattle by Friday to submit the preliminary paperwork. It’s happening very fast. I am SOOO grateful for this chance, but it is also hard to raise the money with so little notice. There’s a lot to do, but I’m excited!

A hard couple of years

The last two years were really hard for my family. First, my mom was detained in the Northwest Immigration Detention Center for 7 months in 2018. While she was in detention, I had to grow up really fast. I worked full time to supported myself and my brother while still finishing high school as well as finishing my Associates Degree! My mom was released in November 2018, but she didn’t get permission to work again until September 2019. I stopped working in September to focus on my Junior year of college.

My dreams for the future

Getting my green card is really about being able to continue learning, growing, working, and contributing to my community. Even though I’ve been through some really difficult things, I feel like I am able to help people more, because I understand what it’s like. I wish that everyone could see how much immigrants like me and my mom have to give. I want to be able to pursue my dreams. Currently, I am studying business and accounting, since I love math. Next, I want to finish my Bachelor’s degree. And I want to know that I am safe here in this country.


The sooner, the better

US Citizenship and Immigration Services has a calendar that they follow for accepting applications, and sometimes the waiting list is really long. Right now, the window for green card applications is open and since my mom’s case is still open, my case is a priority. If this window closes, the application could be pushed back, which worries me because the immigration laws could change any day. However, each phase of the application comes with a lot of extra expenses. There are medical tests, legal fees, application fees, and more.

Anything you can give will make a big difference

If you are able to help with the application fees and expenses, I would really appreciate it! I am so grateful for the many kind and generous people who have already offered to help. Even some strangers have asked how they can donate when they heard about my situation. This makes me feel so loved. I am proud to be part of such a supportive community.

Thank you for your support!

Karla Flores

p.s. Here’s the list of estimated expenses (so far!)

Total Estimated Expenses: $4,627

$ 1,225 – First Application Fee – Green Card Application

$ 495 – Second Application Fee – Labor Permit

$ 947 – Third Application Fee – Visa Application

$ 300 – Lab Tests Requests Forms

$ 450 – Medical Exam Signature Form

$ 400 – Various Blood Tests – Round #1

$ 400 – Various Blood Tests – Round #2

$ 410 – Fingerprinting