Some of you may know, and for those who don't, I have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), specifically as an intercountry adoptee, which is complicated. I came to the US on a humanitarian visa for medical treatment in the early 1990s as a toddler, and was later adopted by US citizen parents. But they never sought US citizenship for me. The only option for me to stay and work in the United States today is TPS. It currently gives me the legal right to work, and it protects me and hundreds of thousands of others from deportation. I am actually one of the five people who are challenging the termination of our TPS status, and the case is now going to be heard by the US Supreme Court. That’s crazy and surreal to me. Here’s a recent news story about the case:

https://linktr.ee/marlos24?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=eb1aabf6-1307-4243-a7c0-c8c427c1bd67

While TPS gives me the right to work, I have not been able to find enough work to pay for regular expenses, plus TPS status was so close to being terminated in the past that I was let go from previous employment. I currently need temporary help as a bridge to settle back due rent, plus expenses while I secure full-time work. Most of my work as a child-care worker has been part-time and sporadic, which has led to falling behind. I had also moved to Philadelphia (a city I love!) to enroll in college, but my TPS status prevented that enrollment---I needed a green card instead.

I am seeking a total of $5,000, which will help me catch up with back rent and help me pay my utilities, phone bill, maintain a bus pass, and buy groceries and necessities. I am waiting to hear about an interview for a new full-time job. If I get that, it should get me back on track within two to three months.

I'm SO thankful and happy that I can continue to live here in Philadelphia and work, which makes me feel like a normal productive human being! I still hope to go to college, but one day at a time. Thanks, everyone, who has supported me so far.