Legal Question in Immigration Law in Texas

Re: naturilization

The fact that you are supporting family members who are out of status could present a problem. You could be accused of harboring illegal aliens, although, in this case, a waiver may be available. It will depend on the officer doing the interview. He may not ask the status of your brother and mother, although it is highly unlikely. He will want to know. How did you get your residency? Once you become a citizen, you will be able to petition for your mother as she will be an immediate relative. You will be able to petition for your brother, but depending on your country, the waiting time may be long. In order to do this, however, you must use caution. If your mother entered the U.S. with a visa, if you are granted citizenship, you must immediately file a petition on her behalf. If your brother entered with a visa, his best hope is either to return to his country and wait to enter with a visa, get married to a U.S. citizen provided he entered the country legally, or simply leave.