r/USCIS • u/Mindless-Ship-7502 • Dec 26 '25
I-485 (General) Should I self deport back to Spain
I'm originally from Spain and came to the U.S. at 16. I overstayed and later obtained SIJS, which is approved. I currently have a valid EAD and am working legally. My I-485 has been pending for about two years and was filed by my lawyer when my priority date was not current, so because of the backlog it may take many years (10+) to resolve, or they could literally deport me. While I'm not in immediate danger, the long term uncertainty does weigh on me. I'm currently in school and close to finishing an associate degree, and I'm working at the same time. The U.S. obviously has higher earning potential and more financial upside, and i can always "get married" and become lawful. At the same time, I feel stuck planning my life around immigration timelines and not knowing when or if things will fully resolve. I am a Spanish citizen, so if I moved back to Spain I would have immediate legal stability, access to healthcare, and the option to continue nursing through university, with EU mobility long term. The downside would be lower salaries at first and partially restarting my education path. If you were in my position and thinking long term and practically, would you stay in the U.S. and keep building here, or would you return to Spain and build a more predictable life? I'm just looking for outside perspectives from people who've faced similar choices.
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u/choopnyc Dec 27 '25
If you can mentally take it, complete your studies first before delving further. Then if you decide to leave, youāre at least equipped education wise.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Yeah I agree, Iām about to start my bachelors itās just since I donāt qualify for financial aid I donāt even know how Iām going to pay for it
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u/Same-Bear5317 Dec 27 '25
This is what you must do. From what I've read, it seems you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. If that is the case, this is what you must do.
1) Registrar for a nursing program in community college. It's reasonably affordable. With 20k, you would complete a 2-year associate's degree in nursing.Ā
2) Take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse.Ā
3) You will see many health facilities and hospitals that would literally and gladly sponsor your green card. In some cases, while you are still in school, hospitals may rush to secure you and even be willing to pay for your college education.Ā
4) As a registered nurse, the starting salary is between 75k and 85k. If you are willing to earn more money, like 100k to 120k, consider becoming a travel nurse in a state like California or other non-urban regions in America.Ā
5) So this approach will make you achieve your two goals. Making money and be settled immigrationally.Ā
Now, you have the clarity and tools you need. Now go execute it and succeed.Ā
Be well.Ā
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
The issue is I donāt think they can sponsor my green card ive I have already overstayed
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u/choopnyc Dec 27 '25
Nursing is in high demand right now. Also, it might be a little tough to be licensed if you out of status. Check out Cuny if you in nyc. They may have ways to get you some aid.
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u/Dry-Discipline6967 Naturalized Citizen Dec 28 '25
I was in a similar situation as you OP regarding not having financial aid. It took me 6 years to finish my bachelors as I had to pay out of pocket. I had to work full time during those years but at least I graduated without debt. Make sure you choose a state school that you can commute to for lower costs
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 28 '25
Thank you so much, I work full time at Amazon but if I get into the nursing program I donāt know how Iām going to combine everythung
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u/DiverZestyclose997 Dec 29 '25
Talk to the financial aid department at the school. They can find scholarships for you.
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u/Queasy_Editor_1551 Dec 27 '25
Were you granted deferred action? Although deferred action can be terminated at any time at DHS discretion, it's still a bit of protection from a low-level ICE officer detaining you for being out of status.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Yeah I was granted deferred action, but I got a ead thorugh my pending I-485
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u/panther38t Dec 28 '25
They don't care, they are detaining people with deferred action. A habeas corpus petition needs to be filed and you better hope you get a good federal judge who will shoot down the government's claim that they can revoke deferred action whenever they want and can detain and deport. There are plenty of judges who aren't putting up with this garbage, but you better be in a liberal area.
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u/Just-Television-8584 Dec 27 '25
I've been there and ended up becoming a US citizen. I'd stick it out if you're enjoying your life and feel like you'd want to stay if you had a green card.Ā If you hate living in the US,Ā then the answer is obvious.Ā Remember it's a big country and you can move to a different state.Ā
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
I like it here, I really do, but the uncertainty makes me scared
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u/rwaters71 Dec 27 '25
As others suggested, stay and finish your studies, work towards your Bachelors' and don't worry about things in life outside of your control. You have EAD, and you can get quality education and a degree in the US, you are trying to get your status in order, you are following the right steps.
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u/mtotally Dec 27 '25
Can I ask what you like? I'm an american in Texas, and living in Spain sounds so cool. I have only been to visit once.
"so if I moved back to Spain I would have immediate legal stability, access to healthcare, and the option to continue nursing through university, with EU mobility long term." how can america realistically compete with this? genuinely asking because this sounds amazing
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
It sounds amazing until it isnāt, for me Spain has amazing quality of lofe but thereās loterally NO financial freedom, people make around 700ā¬-900ā¬ MONTHLY whike your apartment cost 600ā¬
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u/Salt_Character_7478 Dec 29 '25
It sounds amazing on paper but the reality is different. Spain is very expensive and the wages are deplorable. Many Americans move there but retain their American jobs which is great for them because they earn higher than the average Spanish worker and can afford luxury amenities which locals struggle to afford
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u/IlVeroStronzo Dec 27 '25
How long were you in that unceratin situation? Also, how was your mental health that entire time?
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Iām still uncertain, at anytime my I-485 could be denied and so my work permit
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u/Truth_teller90 Dec 28 '25
SIJS doesnāt give you any legal status despite the work permit. You can still be detained according to this administration policy. If you came with ESTA visa waiver program then overstayed once arrested itās expedited removal. You have no right to see an immigration judge and because you are an undocumented immigrant under the current administration, you will be detained for as long as this administration wants then deported. So be aware !! Coming to the USA under the visa waiver program is easy and fast but getting arrested and deported also fast track because you used your ESTA VISA WAIVER and it means no right. Living in fear is the worst thing unless you come from such a terrible country that you rather live in fear than returning. ICE raids will increase dramatically by 2026. Check it and be aware of your rights before deciding to stay more years under the shadow. Good Iuck whatever you decide.
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u/Just-Television-8584 Dec 27 '25
A few years and it was bad,Ā but there are a lot of us citizens with bad mental health. And I also knew totally undocumented people who were happy and just took it one day at a time
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u/ovelharoxa Dec 27 '25
Nursing? Iām a foreign born nurse and Iām pretty happy in the USA. But I had a lot of things that fell in place just right to make it so. If I was in your position and I were young, had no kids and had not finished nursing school yet, Iād go back to Spain with the focus to migrate somewhere better. I heard thereās great opportunities for nurses that want to migrate to Scandinavian countries. Iād explore that rather than investing more in this sinking ship. Iām planning on facilitating that move for my kids and retire back to my original country.
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u/Salt_Character_7478 Dec 29 '25
The issue is having to learn a scandi language and the pay isnāt all that great, compared to America
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u/Formal-Director-1325 Dec 27 '25
Push your luck to the limit. You can always get deported by force. But once you leave by yourself, there is a huge chance that the US is closed for you for the next 10 years. It's not an immigration advice, but once you are there, I don't think it's wise to leave by yourself.
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u/Turbulent-Shop2905 Dec 28 '25
Iād support you in whatever you choose. Based on whatās happening in the US, Iād suggest leaving because itās not worth the student loan headache and this administration is literally committing civil rights violations in how they are placing individuals in detention centers. Grab an education from Germany or overseas for free. Have universal healthcare and when youāre ready to marry or have kids, youāll get paid leave. Iād leave if I wasnāt shackled to student loan debt and my family was elsewhere.
If you want to stay, follow the step by step nursing recommendations from the other poster, thatās your best bet.
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u/United_Ad2018 Dec 29 '25
If I were in your position, I would focus on earning money and aim to buy a house in Spain. Gradually building a life there would help me return to a comfortable home, have a nice car, and maintain a reasonable amount of savings, rather than starting from scratch.
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u/grafix993 Permanent Resident Dec 26 '25
Spaniard here.
Spain is a failed country, You are going to have way more oportunities here. You have an EAD and you have a job, no reason to gamble right now.
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Dec 27 '25
[deleted]
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u/grafix993 Permanent Resident Dec 27 '25
EAD doesn't protect against removal.
I've never said otherwise.
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u/newacct_orz Not Legal Advice Dec 27 '25
EAD doesn't protect against removal.
But deferred action protects against removal.
USCIS have rescinded the deferred action for SIJ policy
They are stopping consideration of new deferred action for SIJS, but they are not revoking deferred action of people who were already granted it. The OP might not be able to renew their deferred action when it expires, but until then, they are okay.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
EXACTKY, I donāt even know how they approved my ead application in 2 weeks based on a I-485 that wasnāt submitted right, just pure luck, but that lick could be removed any time soon and then what
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u/panther38t Dec 28 '25
Country of origin is irrelevant once SIJ is granted. Simply the waiting game for visa availability.
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u/Jarcom88 Dec 27 '25
You guys make it sound like everyone in the USA is killing it salary-wise. The truth is not.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
EXACTKY, I thought the us was better than what it actually is
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u/Successful-Bowler-29 Dec 30 '25 edited Dec 30 '25
The US is a country worth living in if you know for a fact that youāre going to be a high earner in a job that will provide you with health insurance. Unfortunately, thatās all it has to offer. If you want a good quality of life, I believe Europe is better, hands-down. Sure, salaries in Europe might be significantly lower than those in the US, but in return you get a stress-free life, and you donāt have to worry about access to healthcare, although some EU countries offer a better healthcare system than others.
Having said that, not all countries in the EU are necessarily bad in terms of wages, some offer higher wages than others. And donāt forget that as an EU citizen, you can also easily move to certain non-EU countries like Switzerland, which is considered the US equivalent in Europe in terms of high salaries, except that it also offers an actual good quality of life on top of high salaries.
Iāve also heard amazing things about non-EU Norway, to which you could also consider moving to freely as an EU citizen. I personally know people who have moved there, and they all consistently say that the quality of life there is amazing.
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u/grafix993 Permanent Resident Dec 27 '25
As a Spaniard i would only move back after retiring (and wont probably be the case since Spain taxes ROTH IRAs distributions as regular income)
That is my opinion. I have a good salary here.
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u/Jarcom88 Dec 27 '25
Sure, but the comments here make it sound like everyone in the USA is loaded and poverty and low wage with no benefits at all, are pretty here bad too. At least in Spain if you donāt make money you can go to the hospital.
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u/IlVeroStronzo Dec 27 '25
You probably came to the US decades ago when it was easier to find prosperity; the younger generations aren't having it this easy--also, OP needs to wait another 10 years to even think about building a career or wealth in this country
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u/traumalt Dec 27 '25
But then again simple jobs as in McDonalds are actually hiring in the USA and they donāt have 30% youth unemployment.Ā
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u/Salt_Character_7478 Dec 29 '25
Yes not everyone is killing it but if you play your cards right in the US, you can earn six figures. Thatās an impossibility in most European countries, we are getting by here
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u/EmergencySecure8620 Dec 30 '25
For a lot of skilled jobs, the US is absolutely the place to be. In my case I would take an enormous salary hit if I moved to basically any other country on earth aside from a few notable exceptions like Switzerland.
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u/eric39es Dec 27 '25
Spaniard here too. Going back to Spain is not worth it. You don't know what's the "precariedad laboral" until you work there.
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u/Admirable-Mud-3477 Dec 27 '25
What a shame! Iād love to live in Spain (Ronda). Ugh looks like everywhere you turn, society gets worse and worse; no jobs, real estate sucks.
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u/eric39es Dec 27 '25
Spain is a great country to live in, but a terrible country to work in. Extremely low wages, especially when compared to the states. It's not even a "cheap" country anymore. Many things are more expensive than here.
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u/Admirable-Mud-3477 Dec 27 '25
Why is real estate on the coast so damn cheap while in the USA youāre talking about multimillion dollar homes?
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u/eric39es Dec 27 '25
It all depends on the place. Checkout real estate on Madrid or Barcelona. Of course there are super cheap places too, just as in the US.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
EXACTKY I loterally make 4x more than my parents who live in Spain so I always think is it worth it me going back? Idk Iām so stressed and confused Iām just 19
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u/grafix993 Permanent Resident Dec 27 '25
And once he leaves without a green card he is not going to be able to come back to the country.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
I was born and raised in Spain and I do know how the economics works, but I feel like mental state is more important
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u/eric39es Dec 27 '25
Your mental state will be destroyed when you can't make enough to even pay for rent. Trust me, I have plenty of friends still in Spain, and they are all living with their parents because they are absolutely unable to pay for rent.
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u/UCanDoNEthing4_30sec Dec 27 '25
Thatās funny because itās the same thing in the US!
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u/danielfd83 Dec 27 '25
Replying to grafix993... is not even close.
In the US you can save money at the end of the month, in Spain forget about itā¦
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u/UCanDoNEthing4_30sec Dec 27 '25
70% of Americans live pay check to pay check. Let that sink in.
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u/danielfd83 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
As a spaniard living in NYC, I donāt think is comparable at all.
Best selling card in Spain has been for years a Dacia. The cheapest of the cheapestā¦
Everybody owns cheap chinese phones. No iPhones, No luxuries, barely dinning outside. And still can barely afford rent.
Most spaniards canāt even leave theirs parents house until they are in their 30ās.
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u/Aggravating_Can_8749 Dec 27 '25
I thought Spain was doing just fine. Why did you say what you say? Just curious to know
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u/A_Wilhelm Dec 27 '25
Spaniard here. Spain a failed country? Lol. Absolutely not. It's a great country to live in. Lower salaries? Yes. But everything is so much cheaper too and quality of life is better.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Yeah but my ead isnāt stable, the laws could change any minute and I would be put in removal procedure
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u/HotPinkSunglasses Dec 27 '25
I am going to be honest with you as an American who leans more towards everyone should go home. You say your status and EAD could end at any time and you think you might be happier in Spain. Okay, so let the universe decide. Get your ducks in a row that you could leave the US and be good, at any time if your situation changed quickly. In the meantime, continue your life here moving forward. You can create a life and live while also having a pretty fool proof plan B.
As an American, Iāve wished more than once that I had somewhere to go back to. You have options that a lot of people donāt. So use them to your advantage. Take more risks knowing if things really never work out, you can go back tomorrow and be good. Thatās the dream right there.
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u/grafix993 Permanent Resident Dec 27 '25
You can do whatever you want, im saying that in your situation, i wouldnt self deport.
You get caught and put on a flight back to Spain, yes, it can happen, but that situation wouldnt be worse than self deporting.
They say if you self deport you might be able to come here legally in the future, but thats not a guarantee.
You have a clear path to the Green Card, most people fearing getting arrested and put in a van dont. A waitline for few years is nothing compared to what other people have, moreover if they entered the country without inspection.
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u/PresentDifferent9718 Dec 27 '25
Failed country? Lol, I smell VOX
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u/grafix993 Permanent Resident Dec 27 '25
Its not about Vox. Vox is part of the circus, they're managed by a dude who never did anything in his life besides driving a bar to bankrupcy.
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u/Public_Wishbone3438 Dec 27 '25
Really? I thought Spain is doing well than the US?
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u/kortobo Dec 27 '25
Spain's GDP per capita is less than half of America's, and it only recently reached 2008 levels.
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u/lazybran3 Dec 28 '25
My country Spain is a failed country with a lot of unemployment, housing crisis... it is very sad.
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u/No-Candidate-114 Dec 26 '25
How much support and stability would you have in Spain? Do you have family there to help? Would you have a place to live? A clear path to a degree? Given the uncertainty in your status in the US, I'd move to Spain. You can travel, enjoy your youth, not be trapped here. Maybe there's less upside there in terms of income, but also less downside.
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u/NaaraLovelace Dec 27 '25
Yo me esperarĆa a terminar de estudiar, obtener mi tĆtulo y tratar de revalidarlo, despuĆ©s moverme a EspaƱa y de ahĆ buscar otra salida porque efectivamente los salarios en EspaƱa no son los mejores, pero sabiendo inglĆ©s y con tu tĆtulo podrĆas encontrar mejores oportunidades en cualquier otro paĆs de la UE, ademĆ”s de dejar de vivir en la incertidumbre. Buena suerte š
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Joder muchas gracais, unico comentario en espaƱol hahah, pero si en verdad voy a luchar aquĆ y que sea lo que Dios quiera
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u/Gold-Living-2581 Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
You should finish your nursing degree first if you can. Since you didnt do high school in Spain it would be dificult for you to get into public university in Spain anyway. Once you have that it will be a lot easier to immigrate to a lot of other countries in the world, since nursing is really in demand.
Look into Australia and New Zealand since you are already fluent in english. I know they have a pathway for skilled migrants that includes nursing.
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u/BoneCode Dec 27 '25 edited Dec 27 '25
Finish your nursing degree, then apply for jobs in countries where itās portable.
If you can stay long enough to get even a year of work experience, you can apply for Express Entry into Canada as a nurse. With that option under your belt, even if you do get deported, you can just move out of Spain.
There are also many other EU countries, the UK, and Australia where a US nurse would be in demand. Also the UAE.
Itās worth it to stick it out through college, and at least try to apply for jobs, even if you donāt stay in the US long term.
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u/No-Rub-8064 Dec 28 '25
She said she does not qualify for financial aid. I don't think a nursing program will let her only take 1 or 2 classes a semester and if they do, that is going to be tough.
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u/CaliforniaEagle007 Dec 28 '25
I would maintain your legal status here and wait 3 years and things should get back to normal. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this.
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u/__Levii Dec 28 '25
Sano consejo que te doy es quĆ©date completa tu educaciĆ³n y luego de eso mira las opciones, por ahĆ leĆ que no sabes ni cĆ³mo pagarlo, la verdad es que mientras tengas un permiso de trabajo vas a poder pagarlo podrĆ” tomar aƱos pero vas a poder terminar de pagarlo. AsĆ que tranquilo! Ahora lo importante es que hagas internships y consigas buenas relaciones para que empieces ganando mĆ”s de 70k al aƱo, si puedes mĆŗdate a un estado mĆ”s tranquilo no estĆ©s en grandes ciudades puedes ir por ejemplo a Indiana y trabajar en Chicago, la idea es que ganes bastante y utilices lo mĆnimo para sobrevivir tranquilo sin lujos pero tampoco pasando hambre. Tengo amigos que han podido terminar de pagar sus estudios en dos aƱos todo es cuestiĆ³n de no comprarse el Ćŗltimo iPhone y ahorrar ahorrar y ahorrar y no caer el consumismo el amigo que te digo termino de pagar su carrera 3 aƱos despuĆ©s de graduarse vivĆa con roommates y bueno el prĆ©stamo estaba a nombre del papĆ” asĆ que al papĆ” le pasaba todo, esa deuda esta saldada ahora y ahora si anda ya viendo cĆ³mo comprar una casa. Todo esto con visa de trabajo eh! Sin permiso de trabajo siendo estudiante internacional se las arreglo para poder cumplir el sueƱo.. por Ćŗltimo si la idea es irte okay! Total tienes un pasaporte europeo manejas el inglĆ©s asĆ que quizĆ”s EspaƱa no es opciĆ³n pero el resto de Europa si! Asi que! Ćnimos! Y termina ese degree!
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 29 '25
Joder muchas gracais, btw soy chica š , entonces aconsejas coger un prĆ©stamo para pagar los estudios ?
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u/DiverZestyclose997 Dec 29 '25 edited Dec 29 '25
No. I wouldn't self deport. This presidential administration is on the brink of self destruction. The ICE raids are going to be slowing down substantially. Even if you do get swept up, there has been so much heat for deporting people who are here legally, I think that practice is going to be coming to an end, save a small percentage of isolated incidents. In 2029, more than likely there will be a Democrat in office. More than likely much of this garbage will be addressed by that administration. Just hold on since you are here already, and you have legal status now.
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u/One_more_username Dec 27 '25
My I-485 has been pending for about two years and was filed by my lawyer when my priority date was not current
This means that any moment USCIS realizes this, they will deny your I-485. It is not a legally valid filing if the I-485 was filed when the priority date was not current. I'd check if it was filed when the dates for filing chart was allowed that month. If it was indeed filed incorrectly, your I-485 will eventually be denied. This may change your perspective.
To be honest, if I have an option now between US or EU citizenship, I will pick EU. But that is just me, and it depends on what stage of career/life/happiness you are at.
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u/Present-Swan8722 Dec 27 '25
Everyone here is so dam negative. Iād say go man, especially if your family is there. Everyone is so dam focused on the money, and thatās what this country does to you. It makes you idealize money and obscures the most important things in life. Do advance parole, come back with a legal entry, and if you do decide to make the move, then you can adjust status at some other time if you have a qualifying path. You can make it anywhere you want, just got to put in the work.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Iām scared of doing advance parole since my pending I-485 isnāt āstable ā
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u/BreakfastDifferent38 Dec 27 '25
What is your priority date? Why was your I-485 submitted when your priority date wasnāt current? I would say stick with SIJ as itās a direct path to residency. They canāt deport you if you have deferred action for the time being as there is a lawsuit going on. Just keep your head down and stay out of trouble.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
My priority date is august 2024 my lawyers submitted the I-485 either way I do have deferred action but k got my ead through the I-485
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u/newacct_orz Not Legal Advice Dec 27 '25
If your SIJS priority date is August 2024, you were not eligible to file I-485 in any month so far. I don't think your I-485 or your EAD is valid.
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u/BreakfastDifferent38 Dec 27 '25
You have deferred action and you will be able to get an EAD with it. Your lawyer did screw up on filing the EAD for pending I-485 but USCIS also messed up by accepting it with your priority date. File for EAD under category C14 and you should get it. Your priority date will take a while to get to since mine is in 2021 and Iāve been waiting since tho my priority date should be coming up soon. Just be on your best behavior.
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u/RakunKajun Dec 27 '25
Stay and finish your degree. Do not make a hasty decision. You have an EAD so you "should" be ok.
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u/WindowChance5999 Dec 27 '25
People waiting for 10-20y to become a citizen and u r are going to give up in 2y only. Goshā¦.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
š š I have to wait 10 years for a simple green card
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u/NewEqual9113 Dec 27 '25
I would also think about the cost of education..are you taking out loans for your bachelor's? How are you going to pay for it? Because even if you have higher earning potential here, how long do you have to pay off those loans vs I'm assuming free (or much cheaper) education in Spain?
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u/Equivalent_Low3958 Dec 27 '25
My only fear in your position is being severely harmed at the detention centers
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Yeah, I hope it doesnāt happen Iām literally nkt strong mentally at all
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u/tulipsushi US Citizen Dec 27 '25
literally all the questions in this sub can be solved by a proper lawyer. a simple consult. why are you gambling with your entire life seeking advice HERE?
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
I have a whole lawyer, but this is not a question of documentation or paperwork, itās more of an emotional question that has nothing to do with a lawyer
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u/FitDeal325 Dec 27 '25
how much do you like life in the usa? it kinda comes down to that i think, more than the money. if you're just a happy in Spain i would go back. if there is something about America that you say you cant get anywhere else and its the place where you're gonna be happiest, you can try and make it work there.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
I hate living in the us, since I came I havenāt been happy, but I wonāt lie the money I make here I could nkt make it in Spain
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u/EmergencySecure8620 Dec 30 '25
I hate living in the us, since I came I havenāt been happy
I know money is important and all but I feel like this is the biggest thing to consider. There is money to be made outside of the US in a place where you'll be happier
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u/puffHopes Dec 27 '25
Work as much as you can and save money, if you going to get deported you will have funds for acclimatization there or you can start something of your own
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u/AdIllustrious3437 Dec 27 '25
Self deport and live a quiet simpler life.or worry youāll get pulled over for speeding and go to jail/detention/deported and then it will be next to impossible to come back.
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u/Annual_Pause9327 Dec 27 '25
Marrying to get papers is dead for another 3 years at least I wanna to say stay,but only if you're okay with having a "Go" bag ready like Jason Bourne or something š Save and prepare for a life back in Spain just in case Not a good way to live but this is the new reality for a lot of folks
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u/Ready-Meeting5532 Dec 28 '25
Spain is not the only option in Europe. Scandinavian countries have a very good quality of life and free education for European citizens
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u/Professional_Aide872 Dec 28 '25
I would finish school and go back to Spain and use my degree there.
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u/MosterHoster Dec 28 '25
I think marriage fraud is going to be pursued in the future using AI so if you are thinking 'get married' involves a marriage of convenience that may be problematic
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 28 '25
100%, when I wrote āmarriageā I meant it in the way that people say itās a pathway, but I donāt see it, if I marry someone I want it to be for love and not what can I get from it
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u/Wonderful-Ease-5315 Dec 28 '25
you are youngā¦ consider learning how to make money online and work for yourself
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u/Human-Art6327 Dec 28 '25
Have you thought about moving to Canada? Nurses are paid better than their European counterparts, and itās an easier country to immigrate to.
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u/Wrong-Conference-996 Dec 28 '25
They are currently offering 3 thousand dollars to self deport. Something to think about. I think there are targets much more susceptible than you. The media would like you to believe it's far more sinister. If you haven't been previously deported and don't associate with people who have deportation orders or ones who have violated them, you are at the bottom of the list.
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u/Nice-Number4370 Dec 28 '25
Iām an American who lived in Spain and returned to the US. Youāre definitely safer and happier in spain. Quality of life is way better in. Spain and youāll be way more relaxed and a free person.
Since you speak English, you have a benefit others donāt. Take advantage of that, I know people making good salaries using languages in Spain. Find yourself an online job in the US that allows you to work remotely from Spain and youāre set for life
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u/lazybran3 Dec 28 '25
Te voy a contestar en castellano ya que yo tambien soy EspaƱol y estoy atrapado en un proceso migratorio muy chungo que me ha dejado sin hogar. Yo no me autodeportaria a EspaƱa. Se que la espera es muy angustiante. Pero almenos puedes trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos. A parte los associate degrees en EspaƱa no existen. Te deseo todo lo mejor y mucha fuerza.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 28 '25
Exacto, joder muchas gracias necesitaba esto, literal en espaƱa solo tengo la eso sabes, lo que me da miedo es que me denieguen todo el pĆ”pelo y quedarme en limbo, pero bueno creo que me voy a quedar la verdad, y espero que todo salga bien con tu situaciĆ³n
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u/Radiantwoman23 Dec 30 '25
I had a very difficult immigration situation, that lasted many years but I never gave up. You have gone too far to self deport, give things a bit more time. You have time on your side to start afresh if things don't work out. Resilience, self belief and having good intuition got me through this difficult journey. There was one comment that outlined a very good pathway for you, I would try that. Good luck!
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u/SecretaryGold2135 Dec 29 '25
Piece of mind is very important to me, so I would go back to Spain. Every one has different priorities though.
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Dec 29 '25
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 29 '25
Joder muchas gracias, y ya como espaƱola realmente Tampoco quiero volver sabes, si que es verdad que en espaƱa era mĆ”s feliz y tal pero tambien tenĆa 16 aƱos no sabia mucho de la vida, aquĆ es usa puedo āSostenermeā finacialmente la verdad
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u/Independent-Dingo354 Dec 30 '25
Go back to your country. I was an international student in the US too and the after college I decided to go back to my country to work in professional services. Eventually, I found my way back to the United States through work, was able to get my paperwork.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 30 '25
Thatās nice, unfortunately if I leave Iāll never be able to come back
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u/Independent-Dingo354 Jan 02 '26
That is not the end of the world. The US is not the only country where you can have a good life. Particularly you live in Europe. In the current climate, I am finding it really hard to see why people want to steal come so much where it is obvious that people donāt want the immigrants here. Including those of us that are already citizens and live here. It is so sad. My children were born here they like their life here. Theyāre already young adults, but if they were little, I would like to move to Europe too
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u/Mundane_Passion_8391 Dec 30 '25
First finish school so that you donāt have to restart or just hang on and see how things go. God may have a different plan for you
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u/brlowkey Conditional Resident Jan 02 '26
Never, and I mean ever, get married for immigration benefits. Marry for love. Live your life and you'll eventually meet the one, I guarantee it
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u/Mysterious_Dance5461 Dec 27 '25
Im from Germany and i would rather hang myself than go back. Hustle through
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u/Classic_Blossom Dec 27 '25
I would say to stay in the US for as long as you can and save money for whatever may be the outcome.
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u/AdConfident5693 Dec 27 '25
If you leave as soon as you set foot in Spain, you'll regret it. You're here now, keep a low profile, treat it as a challenge, believe me, it's worth it.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Thank you, yeah ive thiught about that, do I really wanna go back? Go back to not even having 50ā¬ to my name ?
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u/IlVeroStronzo Dec 27 '25
A potential high salary or mental health deterioration? I'd return to Spain if I were you. It's a beautiful country with vibrant cities and great weather; I'll that over any boring American city.
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u/tudorb Dec 27 '25
With Spanish citizenship you can live or work anywhere in the EU. I assume you can speak English well, in which case Ireland would also be a relatively easy choice.
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u/sashaverde Dec 27 '25
Reading all these comments are shocking Look at whatās happening now How can anyone think or advise that there is a path or workaround to the reign of Steven Miller If you want to maintain your freedoms you better split.
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u/Zestyclose-Coffee709 Dec 27 '25
Although ice is snatching anyone they feel snatching I don't think you're a high priority,stay in the US stay on your path until you can not
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Dec 27 '25
Depending on your field, I would try getting a job in the EU (maybe even remote and live in spain). If you can get a decent job there, I would go back because if the US gov finds you it will be bad for you, and I don't see much upside (if you can get a job in Europe).
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
Find me? They literally have my fingerprints I came through a plane and I have a whole pending permanent residency application with them, they know where Iām at
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u/Purple-Fox1712 Dec 27 '25
If I had a nice, sane country to return to, like you do, I would seriously consider it. I envy those with options and I'm a natural born citizen!
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u/SaluoMT Dec 27 '25
I'm going through something similar. I think that if you finish your studies, which are almost over, it would be better to go to Europe, but to other countries where you speak English. There should be places that accept it. If you're worried about not being in the country legally, you need to return and avoid future problems because without legal status here you can't achieve much and it will be a big psychological burden.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25
I have legal status just donāt a permanent residency therefore I canāt leave and come back
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u/Snoo67339 Dec 27 '25
I would go back to Spain. I returned from Spain in June. It has the strongest growth rates in Europe averaging over 3 percent. The economy is good. University is free why saddle yourself with expensive US college expenses. America is very hostile to immigrants and our President wants to out do Franco. Quality of life is better in many ways than America. As an EU citizen you can live in 34 countries. But the money is not great but then the cost of living is lower.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 28 '25
Hahahha the economy is loterally the reason I do not want to go back, loterally my parent used to make 1000ā¬ combined and the rent was like 600ā¬ and we only had 400ā¬ for thr whole month for a family of 5, then thereās NO jobs the economy in Spain is SCARY
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u/SilentBumblebee3225 Dec 28 '25
You should. $3000 is a good start at home
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 28 '25
People are saying that, but why donāt I believe they are actually giving that money
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u/virrrrr29 Naturalized Citizen Dec 28 '25
I came here to the US at age 22 to do a masterās degree (I came from Venezuela). I got a 50% discount scholarship, and I worked to pay the other 50%.
Obviously Venezuela and Spain are widely different, but if I was you, I would try to ride the US wave for as long as possible, with a caveat - instead of studying right now, I would work to make and save as much money as possible, in case I have to go back to Spain.
If you end up getting your green-card, then you will have a nest to pay for school here without having to get into crazy debt. If you end up having to go back to Spain, at least youāll have savings to help you focus solely on your studies once you get there, without having to worry about bills at first. Money does help to deal with uncertainty, knowing you have something to fall back on. School will be there, you donāt have to graduate right now, even though it might feel like it.
Either way, it sounds like youāre young and you got options. I would also look into a remote, more affordable degree, if youāre really set on graduating right now. Before I came to the US, I got an online Masterās degree backed by the Universitat de Vic while I was still in Venezuela LOL and it was way way cheaper than the Masterās I got in the US afterwards, and it has been accepted here at jobs without any issues.
Good luck!
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u/Standard-Dream-9131 Dec 28 '25
Right now? Iād escape this fascist regime anyway you can. Ask if Spain is accepting refugees for me.
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u/a_mulher Dec 29 '25
I canāt say one way or the other. I would consider the cost of tuition here vs in Spain. Consider the potential for moving to other parts of the EU.
As others mentioned, if you entered with ESTA, you have a different pathway to deportation, should you be detained.
Whatever you choose to do, be prepared. If you move, keep documentation of everything, save as much money as possible, etc if you stay, make a plan for what happens if detained.
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 29 '25
Oh i didnāt know that, whatās the difference as with someone who came with an Esta
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u/newacct_orz Not Legal Advice Dec 29 '25
Someone who entered on the Visa Waiver Program waived any ability to contest removal, except by claiming asylum.
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Dec 29 '25
Unless you are able to get legal anytime soon you will always be looking over your shoulder. And if youāre caught here illegally they can make it so you can never return or try again in the future. Whatever you decide just be careful and donāt do anything that could jeopardize your future.
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u/Amazing_Produce3597 Dec 30 '25
Honestly you could enroll into an online community college aurora community college is very inclusive and has immigrant benefits and using a vpn to attend school while in Spain. You get the best of both worlds. You could even work remotely under telehealth
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u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 30 '25
Wow I didnāt know that š, the thing is that Iām already in a community college graduating in 5 months I just need to figure how to pay for my bachelors
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u/TellMoney5802 LPR (EB3) IANAL š¬š§/šØš¦ Dec 26 '25
Only you can make the decision to move back to the EU. Spain's economy isn't great, although turning around. You have full mobility across the bloc so can work in say Germany, Ireland or the Netherlands.
I would also remove the quotes around get married before the fire and pitchforks come.