undocumented immigrant wants to be a nurse

blessed02 · Mar 8, 2005

Why will you not be able to do NCLEX (just curious )The fact that you are almost graduating from a 2yr program to me i think means you can do the exam

i also think you can get an immigration lawyer and ask for advise.

Ok. I'm currently a nursing student who will be graduating in December from a 2 year program. The problem is that I'm currently in this country illegally have been for 10+ years. Like many in my situation, I was brought by my parents to this country at an early age and I've been told that currently there is nothing i can do to help my situation. I know that at the end of the nursing program i won't be able to take the NCLEX and work as a nurse but i figure there is something than I can do, seeing that there is such a need for nurses in this country. ANYONE know where i can get help? Who i can contact to help my situation? I already talked to the director of nursing from my school and he didn't offer much help, so i'm hoping someone out there can point me in the right direction. Thank you.

Nordic Sun · Mar 8, 2005

I don't have alot of details on your situation... But it is great that you were at least able to get into nursing school! Congratulations on your approaching graduation. I am only a pre-nursing student, but I know a lot of undocumented immigrants. I would recommend getting information from the California board of nursing to see what they require to take the NCLEX. If that doesn't work, try other states (you can always transfer your license later). Different states have differnt requirements. For example, the boeard in CA recognizes some nursing diplomas from Romania, while GA doesn't. My sister-in-law did her studies in Romania and is taking the CA exam here in GA... One of her friends is undocumented (no social security) but has a driver's license she was told she could take the exam...

Any chance you could go live in Canada for a while? If you manage to take the NCLEX there, you mights be able to come back to the US under a work visa...

Also try the green card lottery if you or your parents are from an eligible country. Several of my relatives have won. http:// travel.state.gov.

I hope you find a solution. Try consulting an immigration lawyer or a nurse hiring agency if needed.

Good luck.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 8, 2005

Ok. I'm currently a nursing student who will be graduating in December from a 2 year program. The problem is that I'm currently in this country illegally have been for 10+ years. Like many in my situation, I was brought by my parents to this country at an early age and I've been told that currently there is nothing i can do to help my situation. I know that at the end of the nursing program i won't be able to take the NCLEX and work as a nurse but i figure there is something than I can do, seeing that there is such a need for nurses in this country. ANYONE know where i can get help? Who i can contact to help my situation? I already talked to the director of nursing from my school and he didn't offer much help, so i'm hoping someone out there can point me in the right direction. Thank you.

As long as you initally came to the US legally, then you shouldn't have a problem....Did you come on a toursit visa, and it expired?

If you need the names of some immigration attorneys that are used to working with problems like yours, please let me know.

But the big deciding factor will be whether you initally entered the US legally.

You shouldn't have a problem writing the NCLEX exam, but the problem would exist with if you could get things fixed so that you can work legally here.

Please let me know if you need more info............... :Melody:

Fiona59 · Mar 8, 2005

Why do you think coming to Canada would solve her problem? She wouldn't qualify as an immigrant or even a refugee. What's she fleeing? I don't think being unable to write the NCLEX would qualify as a form of persecution...

CA CoCoRN, RN · Mar 8, 2005

In order to take the NCLEX, you need a social security number. I'm assuming as an "illegal" that you don't have one?? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, fingerprints have to be submitted and "registered" with the federal government...they run you through a database who affirm that you are who you state you are, no criminal record, etc.

Being an illegal immigrant means that, for all intents and purposes of federal government, you don't exist as someone with a right to be here, who is a known member of American society. Therein lies the rub. You can't test...you can't work OFFICIALLY.

You could possibly go back to your country after graduating, take the NCLEX (the same way that other immigrants take it when they are getting licensed before coming here). Then, assuming you pass, you'd be licensed in the state and THEN you could petition to enter legally. Something that could be on your side is that you've been here already. However, the fact that you've already been here illegally is, in of itself, a crime.

Like the rest said: find an good immigration/work visa attorney. And maybe even find an employer who's willing to sponsor you.

markjrn · Mar 8, 2005

Why do you think coming to Canada would solve her problem? She wouldn't qualify as an immigrant or even a refugee. What's she fleeing? I don't think being unable to write the NCLEX would qualify as a form of persecution...

I agree. Big time.

renerian, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2005

I would seek help with an immigration lawyer but I am dumbfounded. I am not sure how you go into the school. I remember showing all kinds of ID's, paperwork and such. Rather scarey to me as a U.S. Citizen but that is for another story for another day.

Let us know if you find a lawyer to help you.

renerian

HappyNurse2005, RN · Mar 8, 2005

I am also surprised you were able to get into college/ nursing school without a social security number

Mission · Mar 8, 2005

Can't you apply for a student visa once you're enrolled in school? I would also suggest talking to an immigration lawyer. Make sure it's a good one!

sunnyjohn · Mar 8, 2005

PLEASE SPEAK TO AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY!!!

Because you have been in the country more than 10 years illegally, if you leave, you are subject to a 10 year ban. You will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S., nurse or not. A good attorney would be able to help you though.

I know a few friends who have been in your exact same situation. They are all working legally in this country. There is hope!

It is MOST important that you talk to an immigration attorney before you do anything. If you need the name of a few, I can PM you.

Agape....

LydiaNN · Mar 8, 2005

Who has told you there is "nothing you can do"? Unless it was an immigration lawyer, you need to make an appointment with one ASAP. There may be something you can do, but the process is long and drawn out, so the sooner you get started, the better. My agency sponsors a woman from Mexico for her green card. Our ED had to submit a notarized letter that this woman brings unique qualifications to her position. The same woman is now applying for citizenship, and asked me a couple YEARS ago to write a letter in support of her application. I just asked her yesterday how it was going, and she rolled her eyes and said that she is still caught up in red tape. Really, without an immigration attorney, you don't know what your options are.