How long have ou overstayed before filing?

[JillA 2]

Well, I understand what you're all saying and I have a couple things to reply, but, I still hear the bitterness in your words. So, I'm just going to take a break right here.

Thank you all for your input and I hope your situation all work out.

**edit

As far as the government program, my point was not to illicit sympathy, but when people say "you've been here illegally!" to me, it always sounds like they think I've been here living on thousands of dollars in a mansion. I have not. You want to make yourself feel better at my expanse, you go right ahead. I was raised in the real world, where No One, and I do mean No One does the legal right thing all the time. So to me it's just hypocrisy, like the person who wished so much bad things upon me, but that seems to identify as some kind of religious person.

No one does the legal right thing all the time? Really? So you can speak for all of us here? Actually, so you know, I have always done the legal right thing. And I can sleep at night without worry of repercussions. And I live in the real world

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Hi Kittyfang,

Yes, these are the types of comments to which I referred, and they are to be expected. One of the biggest advantages that you have enjoyed by taking the path you did that those who have followed the legal process do not have is being with your loved one. People going through the legal route have waited years to enjoy that experience - and many are still waiting. Seeing you gaining the benefit they seek without going through the same lengthy and wearing process makes it easy for them to became angry that they have to suffer and wait while you don't. They feel the full effects of its unfairness and will not view your difficulties with sympathy. They view your challenges as ones you chose as they are a consequence of your choice, and even still, that what you have gained - being able to be with your spouse during these years - is a greater gain than anything you have lost. They don't have that option.

Your best position is to recognize that you will get these responses and accept that these posters have the right to feel this way. Being humble rather than defensive will get you more support in the long run.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Well, I understand what you're all saying and I have a couple things to reply, but, I still hear the bitterness in your words. So, I'm just going to take a break right here.

Thank you all for your input and I hope your situation all work out.

**edit

As far as the government program, my point was not to illicit sympathy, but when people say "you've been here illegally!" to me, it always sounds like they think I've been here living on thousands of dollars in a mansion. I have not. You want to make yourself feel better at my expanse, you go right ahead. I was raised in the real world, where No One, and I do mean No One does the legal right thing all the time. So to me it's just hypocrisy, like the person who wished so much bad things upon me, but that seems to identify as some kind of religious person.

No one does the legal right thing all the time? Really? So you can speak for all of us here? Actually, so you know, I have always done the legal right thing. And I can sleep at night without worry of repercussions. And I live in the real world

I heard you jaywalked last week

I think when it comes to immigration, you will find that 99.99999999999999999999999999999% of us here did the research, and followed the rules to the letter of the law.

[john & jean 37]

in before the lock!!!

[Kittyfang 6]

Hi Kittyfang,

Yes, these are the types of comments to which I referred, and they are to be expected. One of the biggest advantages that you have enjoyed by taking the path you did that those who have followed the legal process do not have is being with your loved one. People going through the legal route have waited years to enjoy that experience - and many are still waiting. Seeing you gaining the benefit they seek without going through the same lengthy and wearing process makes it easy for them to became angry that they have to suffer and wait while you don't. They feel the full effects of its unfairness and will not view your difficulties with sympathy. They view your challenges as ones you chose as they are a consequence of your choice, and even still, that what you have gained - being able to be with your spouse during these years - is a greater gain than anything you have lost. They don't have that option.

Your best position is to recognize that you will get these responses and accept that these posters have the right to feel this way. Being humble rather than defensive will get you more support in the long run.

Kathryn41, I agree with you entirely and that is why I am removing myself from this thread. I was looking for people in the same situation as me. Never meant to offend anyone.

[lgg 2]

Ooooooh, snap!!!

I agree with most everyone here as well. I heard you all from my turkey stupor on the couch.

no one is going to want to be sympathetic when we all worked hard, waited, were apart from our spouses, ya know?

your tagline too of 'I been here illegally for 2.5 years is also hugely wrong... IMHO...

NO wish for you to get deported but ya getta get with the program too.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

ok - inappropriate comments removed and as the discussion seems to be disintegrating, plus the OP has received the information she was requesting (and more), I am closing this thread.