I have been living with my boyfriend for 5 years. We have 3 kids together but we are not married. What would the process for him getting papers be of we were to marry? Does anyone have experience with this or know approximate costs or time it takes? I am in the chicago area if anyone has any good references. Any help is appreciated : )
2007-07-27 08:50:24 · 16 answers · asked by k102518 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
I've been through this. You can email me if you like. I don't want to post all my life's details here.
2007-07-27 08:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by Pamela 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
In response to "baserunner" above: Do you understand exactly how a person can become "legal" nowadays? Your contemptuous tone indicates that you haven't the slightest idea. It's not quite as simple as filling out some forms. In fact, there are only three ways that a person can gain legal status: 1) through family, the closer (i.e. spouse) the better 2) through employment if you are a highly skilled professional or 3) through political asylum if you come from a war-torn country. Then there is the Diversity Lottery, which awards a total of 50,000 visas a year to immigrants WORLDWIDE. The avenues through which a person can become legal are much more limited than they were when our ancestors came over; they are even fewer than they were 30 years ago....The masses are so quick to tell illegal immigrants to "become legal" when they don't have the slightest idea HOW DIFFICULT IT IS.
2007-07-27 16:14:41 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't marry him to speed up the paper process!! My friend married an illegal immigrant and he was shipped back to Nicaragua 2 months after there wedding and has been there for 4 years in November. it has ruined there relationship. Although i wish you the best i know how hard it is on her and hope you don't have to go through the same thing, especially with your children being involved. Oh AND it is FARRRRRR from cheap she already has almost 6000 invested into it.
2007-07-27 15:55:42 · answer #3 · answered by Laymo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He could apply for a spouse visa. My husband is Australian, and that is what he did 11 years ago. I am not sure of the cost. To become a citizen it is a fee of $400, he sends in the fee to INS, then goes for an interview, next a test about a month later and then up to 120 days later the swearing in ceremony. I also live in IL and my husband is finally getting his citizenship. He could have sooner, but chose not to.
2007-07-27 15:55:45 · answer #4 · answered by AsianPersuasion :) 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If he's illegal, there isn't much you can do to make this legit unless he first returns to his country, and THERE applies for residency here. Just because you would be married and he has American-born children here would not put him at the head of the line at immigration, or grant him a quicker resident card.
I'm not sure, but perhaps contacting immigration (I'm sure you can do it anonymously) for further information as to how to make him legal might help.
Good luck.
2007-07-27 15:55:54 · answer #5 · answered by bethanne 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is to my understanding that he still goes through the process as everyone else does. The thing you have to worry about is if he doesnt have his Visa they may deport him for the meantime and not allow him back for 6-12 months. I know someone going through this, she also has kids but the state doesnt really care. We are in CA. Go to some .gov sites and read up on it for your state. Good luck!
2007-07-27 15:54:34 · answer #6 · answered by mommyx2 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know the process and I wish you well, but I do think that it would be better for the children to have a father with legal status. It may become harder on them as they grow up. I would not worry about the cost but the day the goverment halls him back, because it is going to happen.
2007-07-27 15:54:52 · answer #7 · answered by blondiemoseley 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you are married to him, it doesn't matter, he still has to go through the process. Do it ASAP, because it takes a long time. Contact US Department of Immigration, I believe. I would first try the local county commission to get the government phone numbers, or do a websearch.
2007-07-27 15:54:05 · answer #8 · answered by lyzz115 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you get a lawyer and go through the process..nothing scary..they will give him papers especially if he is the bread winner..if they don't oh well then move to his country..you should get papers there...unless he is Mexican..now you would not want to live there
2007-07-27 16:02:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are in a need of an experienced (and most probably) pricey attorney. No need to say, it might take a lot of time, effort and money also, but your kids are worth it.
2007-07-27 15:55:05 · answer #10 · answered by Vesna G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, after your married he would need to go to immigration offices and apply for residency. it's about $400 for residency and $800 for citizenship. i've heard the process usually takes about 2 years! good luck!
2007-07-27 15:55:08 · answer #11 · answered by me, me, and me 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋