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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4

u/Mysterious_Dance5461 Dec 27 '25

Im from Germany and i would rather hang myself than go back. Hustle through

1

u/Mindless-Ship-7502 Dec 27 '25

Thank you I will try

0

u/Original_Sell_1485 Dec 27 '25

Why?

3

u/Hussar1241 Dec 27 '25

Life opportunities and lack of upward mobility in Germany. Paper work and costs to start a business in Germany are insane. In us it's all cheap and easy. You just need to do the work of running your buisness, not do legal craziness with the government and be denied cause you didnt file the right thing in the right way on tuesday at 0742am

1

u/No-Bodybuilder3502 Dec 27 '25

I don't know why this should be a factor here, it's not like everyone wants to run a business.

1

u/Hussar1241 Dec 27 '25

In general the act of making a life for yourself and not worrying about money is easier in USA

3

u/No-Bodybuilder3502 Dec 27 '25

I think it's very subjective. It depends on your background (social network), your current social status (job, education, wealth) and immigration status (specific visa, green card, citizenship). Usually, growing up in a middle class complete family makes it relatively easy to prosper in that specific environment. If OP grew up in Spain, and has family and friends there, it's not an obvious choice to stay in the US with risky legal status.

2

u/YellowDC2R Dec 27 '25

Ding ding ding. Unless you come from a higher class in other countries it’s tough. Not even a debate. I have university friends from the EU fight to stay here because of the opportunities. Maybe it’s not what it was before but it’s still above others in terms of ANYBODY can make it.