Is it possible to adopt a 19 yr Old illegal immigrant? He had lived in the u.s. since he Was 5. His mother died When he Was 9. He lived with his dad and last yr. His dad, step mom & siblings moved to Spain. He stayed here so he could finish high school. Now he wants to go to college & be an American citizen. He has Been my sons best friend since the 4th grade & has lived with us off & on for 2 yrs. He has Been with us this time for the last 6 months.

I may be, he will need to return to his native country and return though legal channels as the adoption takes place.

Of course, his return to his nation, apply for visa for college, you help pay his expenses for college, would seem the easier way.

Chuck, I'm not a legal expert, but I have to ask, why would the government in the US agree to the adoption of an adult? Wouldn't it be clear that it was just to obtain citizenship? This "child" is 19 years old, legally an adult.

Adult adoption is legal, does not require parents permission of the child.

Normally what is looked closer at, is to be sure, there is not a sexual issue of a man adopting a younger girl but more as a mate, than a child.

The immigration issue is another issue, but if they can show the person was living with them, had a basic parent child relationship. I am not sure it may not work.

Of course I am not as good as the regular immigration experts, I have my own residency issues right now myself.