I came to the USA when I was 8 years old. My family and I had our visas and passports ready to cross the border from Mexico. However, at the border, we weren't given permits to come over. Our ride was ready and my mom decided to come anyway, illegally in a car. With no trouble whatsoever we were able to pass both checkpoints (this was before 9/11). Two years later we went back to Mexico. We decided to come back after two months. But this time we had everything in order: visas, passport, and permits. I have not gone back since 2002. I'm now 21 and recently got married to a US citizen. I plan on getting a lawyer to apply for a green card and earn my way to full citizenship. I know they will ask me when was the first time I came to the US. My question is: should I bring up (say) the first time, when we crossed illegally, or the second time, when we came legally. Thank you. I would really appreciate some thoughtful answers