Legal Question in Immigration Law in Maryland

how do I become legal/ citizen.
I have been in the US since I was 15yrs old(1987) when I arrived in the US with a tourist visa. I am out of status... I don't want to go the marriage path. I need to know if there are other ways to become legal. I was once informally told (by an immigration officer) that there are other venues and easier ways to get citizenship and also was told that I could take a test and become legal.
I know that the system is so vague and many attorneys do not know everything about the American immigration systems. Please I need answers, I'm getting older and wasting away

Asked on 10/12/15, 7:07 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Philip Eichorn Hammond Law Group

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Based on the facts presented you have limited options to obtain LPR status besides marriage. The issue is that although you came legally you overstayed your time and accrued unlawful presence. What that means is that you can't change status because that requires you be in status. You can't adjust status through employment because you're not in status. You can't use employment to consular process because once you depart you will trigger the ten year unlawful presence bar to returning. You might be eligible for deferred action for childhood arrivals which would at least give you work authorization and the ability to drive. Best to contact counsel to determine your eligibility for this benefit. We are happy to help.

Answered on 10/13/15, 6:03 am

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