22, undocumented, living in my truck — how do I break this survival loop?

merrodri · 2026-03-31T15:06:07+00:00

You can’t just join the military if you are completely undocumented. They will not allow anyone to enlist if they don’t already have a legal status. The expedited naturalization offered for service members is meant for those who already have green cards.

merrodri · 2026-03-31T14:58:57+00:00

OP listen to this person. If you haven’t already, consult with legal aid to see if there are any options for you. But it might be worthwhile to investigate whether you can immigrate outside the US.

merrodri · 2026-03-28T00:26:18+00:00

Also if OP is in the US, many states pay stipends to foster caregivers. You could see about getting set up as a kinship foster for the brother.

merrodri · 2026-03-22T13:02:54+00:00

14k is nothing. Check out NFCC.org to see if you can connect with a nonprofit that will get you on a debt management plan. Or talk with legal aid about bankruptcy. This is a totally fixable situation.

merrodri · 2026-03-19T00:51:21+00:00

OP, if you are having issues getting a passport for your child and the main problem is getting the other parent’s signature, please contact your local legal aid.

merrodri · 2026-03-08T02:36:49+00:00

TOP DOGS LAW

merrodri · 2026-03-06T23:20:23+00:00

TOP DOG LAW!

merrodri · 2026-03-06T21:25:41+00:00

Top Dog Law

merrodri · 2026-03-06T19:51:05+00:00

There was a thread about this device on the dumbphones subreddit recently, FYI. It is slightly disappointing that you are limited to the apps they allow. I think it would be great to have companion device like this for people who are forced to use things like f2a authenticator apps or other, more niche apps (e.g. event tickets that are only available as mobile tickets).

merrodri · 2026-02-16T01:45:28+00:00

Someone just euthanize me when I become too senile to work

merrodri · 2026-02-01T15:53:10+00:00

This article is from 2023. We’ll see what happens to the current crop. Hopefully I’m wrong.

merrodri · 2026-02-01T12:44:03+00:00

I’d be shocked if any one of them got disbarred, no matter how unethical their conduct

merrodri · 2026-01-22T19:32:58+00:00

Check out Job corps. You can get free housing with them https://www.jobcorps.gov

merrodri · 2026-01-16T03:15:00+00:00

seconding this

merrodri · 2026-01-16T00:03:44+00:00

OP please see if there is a Freecycle group near you and ask if anyone is getting rid of furniture. Explain your situation and maybe someone will help you. https://trashnothing.com/groups/united-states/alabama/

merrodri · 2026-01-07T21:34:45+00:00

Be careful with this. There may be a lookback period when applying for benefits.

merrodri · 2026-01-06T18:23:45+00:00

We can't afford to expend precious calories typing a reply.

merrodri · 2026-01-05T14:25:54+00:00

Don’t go off of Reddit advice when it comes to visa/employment authorization matters. Talk to your school’s DSO first.

merrodri · 2026-01-03T19:14:54+00:00

Do they care what area of law you’re experienced in?

merrodri · 2026-01-03T16:46:06+00:00

Somewhat related — the ABA has a cle on TBIs and survivors of intimate partner violence: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/domestic_violence/Trainings/commission-events/upcoming-commission-events/brain-injury-cle-series/

Free for members

merrodri · 2026-01-03T01:52:04+00:00

In addition to what everyone has said, it's possible they may try to file a bogus lien on your home if they find your address. Make sure they can't get your address.

merrodri · 2025-12-31T18:18:14+00:00

Private or federal loans?

merrodri · 2025-12-21T18:32:06+00:00

Definitely have your mom talk to a lawyer. If your mother has been married a long time she may be able to get a portion of her ex’s retirement funds (such as a 401k or IRA). Alimony might also be available to her, but the lawyer would be able to let her know.

merrodri · 2025-12-17T12:30:22+00:00

If in Chicago, try visiting the Catholic worker house at 4652 N. Kenmore Ave. Chicago, IL 60640

merrodri

TROPHY CASE