Alex M

My parents came here legally from Europe in the middle 1990's with me(I was 5-6 years old), and my sister was born on the west coast. They came to escape the corruption, and to make a better life for themselves and me and my sister. They made their own business and have paid taxes and have done OK for themselves. I have attended U.S. schools from 1st grade-12th..graduated with an advanced diploma, and currently attend a private university(due to be a senior in the fall of 2009). I was accepted at several public universities, but could not attend those, so I pay over $23,000 a year for a private one. In essence, I am "undocumented" and I do not know my native born language more than basic conversational tongue..Anyways..In the late 1990's/early 2000's my parents business visa was ending(we had also applied for permanent residency), and somehow either our lawyer or paperwork got messed up, or wasn't answered in time/sent on time..Regardless we were never told to leave, or deport, or anything. While my parents and I don't have a right to work,(I can't even drive) having our own business has been OK so far...We even purchased american cars, and I believe have contributed for the good of the economy..We live in a good suburb, and are law abiding with no felonies or escaping taxes or anything...Last I went to apply for a driver's license they called to the state capitol and told me my situation is still pending...I am 20 years old, due to graduate a four year college(targeted for business/law) in a year, with no hope to gain employment or even a driver's license. True, I had hoped the DREAM ACT would have passed by now, but now I feel as if I have no future. I can't simply go back to my native country...I simply wouldn't survive and might even be persecuted. I know immigration is a tough issue with all the illegals(though I can't blame them, most of their lives are pure crap) and the debate of amnesty, and the hate of tax evaders or job stealers. But we haven't done any of that, and unfortunately there are many in my same situation. I have heard of my friend's father, who has been here for 50 years, and he has yet to get a green card...ANYWAYS.. my question is what are my options? I might be able to get married, but I'm young and have yet to find someone to love, and even then that's not a certainty(plus I don't believe a sham marriage is good for anyone). But I feel like my life so far is a waste, as I cannot do much after graduating..I would love to go into the Air Force, or Navy, or even the Army and serve America. To be able to finally be worth something and help out everyone along with my family I believe is a good goal right? I'm told to just wait for the laws to change by all the lawyers, but I've waited for over 14 years now..Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.. I'm sure I'll get some "illegal" haters, and people will believe I stole their hard earned tax money or somehow taken advantage of them, but honestly that's false..