Hi,

I was wondering if you can help me. I am trying to get my husband papers. He came across the border illegally. We got married in 2004 and are still together. I've been trying so hard to find some answers. Please help me, I sure would love to surprise my husband with his new papers. I just don't know where to start first. He came here when he was 14years old, and he has kids here that are American citizens. So what do I need to start the papers besides maybe a lawyer? Very curious!

He might already be under a ban for being illegal. If he is..its a 10 year ban from applying.

THey don't just hand papers out because you are married and/or have a kid born here.

I have a friend that sounds a lot like you only its her that's illegal, teenage child born here. 10 years fighting, over $100K spent, a GOOD lawyer, final determinateion she's never ever getting a green card.

Took over two years to get my wife a green card... she was never illegal, don't remember how many thousands I spent doing it myself, and it still wouldn't have happened when it did if political favors had not been called in.


Long story short... if you get lucky.. its not going to be cheap or quick.. so its really not going to be a surprise.

You need a lawyer (sure you can technically do it yourself, but a lawyer who knows the system and the multitudes of forms will have fewer problems)... be prepared to spend a lot of money... expect it to take years.

Are you a U.S. citizen?

If you are US citizen, and qualify to sponsor immigrant visa for him, you can proceed any time. However, since he entered US without inspection, he can not adjust his status in US. He must return to his home country for visa processing, and overstay period, which is quite a number of years will trigger 10 years ban. In short, get help from experienced immigration attorney.