illegal immigrant applying to be legal resident?

Question

here is my story..I was brought from mexico by my parents when I was about 3yrs or so. I have gone to school all the way to graduating from high school. I am currently enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University, but I cannot get a job because of my legal status. Legally I am not supposed to be here but my brother and sisters too are going through that they have been here practiclly their whole lifes. Is there a way and how of trying to get legalized. What would I need?

Answer 1

Did your parents get covered under the law 245(i) the last time it was in effect? That is -- did maybe your dad have an employer file a labor certification for him before April 30, 2001? Do you have any extended US citizen relatives (like maybe an aunt or uncle) who maybe petitioned for one of your parents before 04/30/2001? If so, and you were under 21 at the time, you are covered by that law which would allow you to become a permanent resident in the US and pay a $1,000 fine. You could have a potential employer try to help you become a permanent resident through a labor ceretification case, or if you genuinely fell in love with and married a US citizen, they could petition for you to become a permanent resident.

On the other hand, if you are not covered by the law 245(i), because you entered the US without a visa, just like the others said, you will not be able to become a permanent resident in the US. If there was anyone (like a US citizen spouse) who could petition for you, you would have to leave the US and become a permanent resident from your country at a US embassy. If you are from Mexico, this will be VERY difficult and you will be outside of the US a minimum of a year (IF you get approved -- because if you are not approved, you won't be able to return legally for 10 years).

Talk to a good, reputable immigration lawyer if you think you are covered under the law 245(i). GOOD LUCK! Maybe in 2008 a good law will be passed!

Answer 2

First thing have anyone from your family, for example an aunt or uncle or maybe your grandparents put in a petition for you and your sisters and brother before April 30th 2001? If a petition has been submitted then the only way their is to, for you to become legalize in a faster way is to married a U.S.A and in a matter of 3 months you will become resident. Or you can wait for the immigration reform which I don't think is going to pass any time soon, also you have the option to file a form I believed is call I-248 which is going to return you back to your country and punish you for up to 10 years and then you can applied for residency which will take a long process.

Answer 3

You can't do it without leaving the country. That's because you came here illegally when you crossed the border. You'll most likely be subjected to a 10 year ban on returning but you can apply for a waiver and hope it's approved.

Answer 4

Just be careful and wait for the immigration reform bill to get passed. At this point in time, there is nothing you can do. Whatever you do, do not give any money to an immigration service or an immigration lawyer. There is nothing they can do for you either. The bill will be passed! Especially with the upcoming presidential election. Be patient. In the meantime, keep studying and don't give up. You are not alone in your quest. I know many, many young people in your situation. Your time will come and you will not only be given a green card but also your US citizenship!

Answer 5

Go to your local immigration office and do what they say.... Your parents should have thought about that before they came here.

Answer 6

I guess your parents should of thought about this yrs ago. With the amnesty bill defeated best talk to a immigration lawyer an see if there is anything that can be done.