There Is No Path to Citizenship

Hi, I'm Sharon Taylor.I'm married. It is a marriage built on love and commitment. It is a marriage with ups and downs, similarities and differences. We have 2 beautiful children, a boy and a girl. We all embody the American spirit and enjoy U.S. holidays and events like the rest of the population.Only with one difference: My husband is illegal. He has no green card.

He came here as a young teen who wanted to explore a new world, to live a better life. He was ensured by everyone he knew passage would be dangerous, but everyone was doing it, so why not? He came here and worked. and worked. and worked. Never for less than minimum wage. He paid into taxes. Never under the table pay. Working for big companies, paying in like everyone else. He took the time to learn the language. He took the time to learn the culture. He made friends. He listened to Eminem and Toby Kieth. He grew up here. He fell in love here.

We met at work. I was a crazy fun social bug. I was singing like a happy fool over in my section. He must have thought it was cute or something, because the next thing you know, we were dating full-swing. I spoke a little Spanish, he spoke quite a bit of English (what can I say,he's a fast learner and super smart) I became pregnant and we had a shotgun wedding at the courthouse like crazy teens. Soon after, I started growing up. (children will do that to you).

That's when I started researching how to get him legal, Page after page, Internet and books. Nose-deep. I couldn't find much at first. After what seems like eons (a few years-in truth) of research. there are a few things I figured out:

• To cross from a country like Mexico with a Visa from the git-go costs way more than someone can make in a reasonable amount of years. Because of their own government restrictions.
• If you get married in the U.S. you have to send them back to wait for paperwork for a marriage visa. Which can take up to 2 years.
  
• You have to have a k-1 Visa (engagement) first.

• If you have ever entered the U.S. illegally, you cannot obtain a visa without going through a several-step process and praying.

I have also researched this several-step process.

• There needs to be an affidavit of support. Someone needs to pay for a freeloader.completely. with an upper-middle class salary.
  

• If you obtain an immigration lawyer, the price for the entire process can be upwards that of a brand new luxury car paid for without installments. As you all know- most of the U.S. cannot afford this kind of car while raising children on a waitress salary.
• Either before or after filing for adjustment you can and probably be caught red-handed without an entry visa and be promptly placed in the hands of immigration police.
  

• To finish the process you need to fill out another paperwork attempting to prove that removal of the immigrant would cause irreparable harm and what-not, and attend a immigration court hearing. If your case is too flimsy- your kids either loose a parent or you gotta move out of the country with them. THE END.

Oh, wait. I'm sure there is SOME way.. $$$ makes the world go round. Too bad I came from a lower middle-class a.k.a. poor.upbringing. So much for justice. If you have information for me, I'm all ears.