angeloax

Yes, ever since I came to the US I paid taxes every year. I did it mostly because I knew if I ever had a change of becoming illegal, it would look good if I paid taxes. However, after I got married and I applied to become a legal resident, none of that matter. But it doesn't bother me at all and it makes me feel good that I paid my taxes.

We crossed the border out of necessity and to pursuit a better life. If we wanted to apply for a visa from Mexico to the United States we would have probably never got it. Visas to the United States from Mexico are mostly granted to people that are in a better economic status than the rest of the Mexican people, and that's to ensure they won't overstay their visas in the United States. People that cross the border illegally are mostly poor and they seek a better life here. My situation is definitely not common for people that have crossed the border illegally. For instance, my brother is still illegal. I do acknowledge that for some people that have been waiting for years to come to the US the legal way, my situation can be seen as unfair. However, ever since I came to the US I have worked my ass off for everything I have accomplished.

If you don't have a SSN, the goverment gives you a Tax ID number that you can use when you pay your taxes. The number is not a SSN.

It was a very simple process. You only had to provide some sort of proof of resident to establish if you are living in the school's district. Letters sent from Mexico to me were enough. But that was back then, I am not sure what the process is now.

In a way I do feel guilty for not going back and use my education to better Mexico. However, my ultimate goal is to go to medical school (hopefully next year) and do the doctors without borders program. That way I can use my training to help people in Mexico (and not just Mexico, but wherever I can) in a more direct way.