Legal Question in Immigration Law in Florida

If a US citizen marries a Colombian and she is issued a conditional green card (came in legally to the USA). How does a her child (11 years old) get a green card, if they came in illegally? The child was brought up through Mexico 6 years ago. Is their any way that the child can stay here in the USA during the process?

Thank you for your help


Asked on 10/20/09, 10:32 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Luba Smal Smal Immigration Law Office

If a child came to USA illegally, he/she is not eligible for adjustment of status. However, he/she might be able to consular process a visa (green card) by going back to Colombia.

If you�d like to schedule a telephone legal consultation, please let me know: Attorney [@] law-visa-usa.com

Note: The above response is provided for legal information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. This response doesn�t create an attorney-client relationship, which can only be established through payment of a fee. If follow-up advice or consultation on your specific situation is requested, we offer a paid consultation by telephone or email. Please visit our website http://www.law-visa-usa.com/contact_us.html for more details. Our contact email address is Attorney [@] law-visa-USA.com

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Answered on 10/20/09, 10:55 pm
Michael Cho Law Offices of Michael Cho

The US citizen parent can file the I-130 immediate relative petition for his step-child and the child will likely need to return to Mexico (Ciudad Juarez) to get his green card.

He is under 18 years of age, and thus not subject to the unlawful presence bar, and should not have any problems accomplishing this barring unforeseen circumstances.

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Answered on 10/21/09, 2:55 am
Michael Harris Law Offices of Kravitz and Guerra, P.A.

How long has it been since the mother obtained the conditional green card? The reason I ask is because while it's true that an petition can be filed by the U.S. citizen for their stepchild (when the relationship is created before 18 years of age), the processing times may cause delays for the child.

Since the child will have to return to Colombia to obtain her visa, there may be other ways to have the child follow the mom to the U.S.

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact me for an appointment at my firm's office in Miami, Florida.

Sincerely,

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Answered on 10/21/09, 11:46 am
Daniel Hanlon Hanlon Law Group, P.C.

Dear Inquirer:

The child would have to apply for an immigrant visa via consular processing through the US Embassy in Colombia. The petitioner can file for the child as a "step-child" and have the petition routed through the US Department of State's National Visa Center and on to the Embassy.

I recommend that you email [email protected] or visit www.hanlonlawgroup.com for more information.

Regards,

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Answered on 10/21/09, 1:15 pm


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