When Your American Dream Vanishes

Hello, my name is Magali Thomas, I am 42 years old  I am starting a GoFundMe page, because, well I need help. When I was 6 years old, my mother sister and I moved from Montreal to the United States. My mother went threw all legal steps needed for us to move here. So I am not considered illegal.   After a few years of legal paperwork, my step dad adopted me when I was 13. I was issued a social security card, got my driver's license, did normal American stuff- just like any of you.  In all these years, there was never any indication that anything was wrong with my immigration status.  Then a couple of years ago, I went to renew my drivers license and found out that I am considered undocumented. My initial reaction was shock and confusion; how could this be? My parents went through the system and tried to do everything the correct way. I was told that the state of Texas could not give me my driver's license. I had to go to the immigration office to figure out what went wrong. When I visited with immigration I was told that I needed a citizenship certificate. Which should of been issued when my adoption was final. And since it had not been issued. I would have to apply for one.  Ok. Sounds simple. So I filled out the application. Submitted what paperwork I have.  Then my biggest fear came true. They denied me. I felt like my whole world shattered! I can’t explain the way it feels to believe that my family did everything the right way just to learn decades later that something slipped through the cracks that can now result in my deportation. It’s it’s devastating; my whole life is here! I was employed in a heavily regulated industry that requires a valid driver’s license at all times. Since I was not able to renew my license, I was forced to resign. Herein lies the issue. It is very difficult to find a job without a valid state ID. I have not been able to work steadily since July of 2017 asides from the occasion odd job. These types of jobs make it hard to survive, let alone pay for an immigration lawyer. There lies the catch 22. I cannot pay for the lawyer without a job, and I cannot become gainfully employed without the assistance of a lawyer. I am scared, and I am starting to feel hopeless. The good news is that I have found a lawyer that can help me. The bad news is that it will cost me $2000for legal fees and 200.00 to get to El Paso as that is the nearest immigration office. I am not looking for a hand out, but  a hand up. This has been one of the most difficult challenges I have ever had to face. I realize I can't do this alone. Any little bit helps. Thank you, and God bless.