I've lived here since I was 8 years old. I always thought I was an American citizen.  But when I applied for a Social Security card and a college scholarship, I learned my parents had never properly secured my legal status, thinking I was covered if they were. It was crazy! I was looking forward to college and found out the government thought I didn't belong here! Thanks to SVCLS, a legal aid attorney helped me become a naturalized U.S. citizen. I eventually won that college scholarship. ~ Etivise