illegal immigrant nurse

[Cristhian1986]

Hey guys!! I'm 20 years old. I came from Spain 5 years ago and I overstayed my visa. At that time, I could not fix my immigration situation in any way. I am going to graduate from the RN program at my school in December. After that, I really have no idea what to do about my legal status. Some people say I could fix my status if I find an employer and some people say that being illegal there is no way to change my status. Does somebody is in the same situation or knows somebody who has change from illegal to legal? Any advice? I have paid my tax and never ask for anything to the goverment...

[Heloisea3]

I agree with the others who suggest that you contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. A student at my school was in a similar situation, and she was arrested by Homeland Security for immigration violations and put in prison for about 3 and a half months until her attorney could get things sorted out for her. She is 19 years old. There was a large stink about it at my school. A lot of people were upset because she was so sweet and worked really hard. Hopefully, an attorney will be able to help you. It sounds like you have been working hard to finish school, so I can only imagine how difficult this is for you. Anyway, I know you're in a difficult situation, so I just wanted to say good luck and that I hope things work out for you.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

the debate over illegal immigration does not belong in this thread as does nothing to address the op's concern...please take the debate to current events.

i applaud that you continued your education in the us to become an rn. however, a stat consultation with an immigration attorney is needed. no one on this board can give you the advice you need with any authority.

most state board of nursing applications require a social secuirty number in order to complete application for licensure.

employment regs require one to show proof of us citizenship or legal immigration status: employment eligibility verification

your immigration status needs to be cleared up immediately so your desire to become a licensed rn can proceed.

[suzanne4, RN]

I am not getting into a debate here, but answering this the same way that I do when it is posted on the International Forum. Nothing more, this is not the place for it.

1. If you overstayed your visa, you are not current at this time. Unfortunately, if you get stopped by the police for any reason, even if you were just in a car, or even in a taxi, or on a bus, and it gets pulled over for any reason; you are subject to being deported. It does not matter that you are currently in school, or have a car here, or even have an apt. You do not get any time to handle any of that, it will be direct to immigration detention.

2. Not all states require the SSN# to be able to sit for the NCLEX exam, but any employer will require a visa that you can work legally in the US. They cannot hire you without that.

3. Currently, there are no visas available for Adjustment of Status process. And then you have the issue that you do not have a current visa to adjust. That becomes a bigger problem for you. You cannot adjust something that you do not have.

4. Few questions for you? Did you come here on your own or with your family? With your family, you possibly have a chance since you are now an adult to get it fixed. But if you came on your own, then there is no way that you can get things fixed at this time. They will say that you knew what you were doing when you came here on the tourist visa.

5. Best suggestion that I can make, and really the only one: As soon as your complete your studies, leave the US and take your exam out of the US, and go thru Consular Processing. If you get picked up for any reason, you will be deported and that is for ten years minimum. And that means not being permitted to enter the US for that time for any reason. Right now immigration is not being looked at favorably at this time, the only course that you have is to do things legally.

Best of luck to you.