SSN with no restriction - not allowed to work

[CJB 0]

Hello All,

I just want to share my immigration experience. I am pretty new to all of this and I find that this site along with the vast knowledge of the members to be very helpful and enlightening to those who needs the guidance.

I came to the US in '85 when I was 15 on a tourist VISA. My mother who had passed away 2003 had handled all my immigration document back then so I don't know all the specifics of how I was able to obtain an A# and a SSN with no restriction which I have been using to work since '87 when I was 17. Fast forward to this year, last Feb

I was laid off from work but was quickly able to get another job from a previous employer. The usual protocol for re-hires, I completed the i-9 and dotted authorized to work and jotted my A# and provided my SSN#(with no restriction) and a copy of my driver's license. I never thought I was doing anything illegal or wrong, I've had more than 10 jobs since I was 17 now I'm 42 and had always put the same info. I actually worked in the freight forwarding business where TSA and DHS does background checks which I have passed. So now HR came back to me saying that EVERIFY, (a way of checking with DHS if someone is able to work legally) came back with questions regarding my status to work in the US. I was very surprised and told them I've worked for this same company and gave them the same info before why are they telling me this?!?! I immediately hired a lawyer to figure things out and gathered whatever immigration documents I have. Bottomline from my lawyer is that I am not legally allowed to work. I was let go by my new employer but invited to come back once I have my EAD.

Since I've been married to a USC for 6 years now with kids, my lawyer decided best course of action is to file the 485,130,765.

So I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I was laid off or I would never have known the dire consequence of not having the proper documentation and not going through the process.

Adjustment of status was really in the back of my mind, the farthest thing I was thinking of until the moment came. It hit me like a brick.

I should be getting my EAD anytime now..

Good Day

[kittylondon 47]

interesting story, thanks for sharing!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Did you think you were a US Citizen?

A SSN does not give you the ability to work by itself.

[CJB 0]

Did you think you were a US Citizen?

A SSN does not give you the ability to work by itself.

In my heart yes, but I knew I was not. I never heard of an EAD until I spoke to my lawyer and yes I thought having a SSN was sufficient enough to work legally.

Going through the forums here I've learned so much going forward...

Thanks !

[United1878 1]

If I were you, I'd wanna make sure I didn't check that I am a US citizen on any past and previous I-9 forms especially being that you might have thought you were cause you have an SSN. Cause if by any chance even if it was unknowingly, you checked that... then there's gonna be lots of problem ahead of you.

This is just an advice, nothing more. Good luck!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, exactly what I was thinking.

[JohnR! 5,495]

In my heart yes, but I knew I was not. I never heard of an EAD until I spoke to my lawyer and yes I thought having a SSN was sufficient enough to work legally.

Going through the forums here I've learned so much going forward...

Thanks !

For as long as you have been here, I will say you are as much an American as the next guy. I hope you get yourself situated with your immigration status sooner than later!

Good luck!

[Ontarkie 14,450]

You mentioned your A# did you just have a paper with it or did you actually have a green card. I know your mother passed away and she handle all the paper work, but do you have any idea what your status was. Also what did the laywer find out about your previous status.

Edited May 25, 2012 by Ontarkie