Legal Question in Immigration Law in Washington

Married to an American, but am here illegally

I married an American 7 years ago in Washington

State. We lived in Canada for 5 years, then

illegally moved here with our two children.

I own a business here in WA. Yes, the license,

registration everything is legal. I even pay all my

taxes. I have a state divers license, and have been

pulled over many times, without a problem.

I couldn't move to America Legally cause of

convictions while I was a late teen. What danger

am I in? I understand that amnesty is going to be

granted to Mexican aliens, can I capitalize on that?


Asked on 3/10/02, 12:30 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lisa Seifert Seifert Law Offices

Re: Married to an American, but am here illegally

Wow. I can't answer your question fully online. Other than to say even amnesties generally exclude people with a "serious" criminal record. In immigration law, many things can be forgiven or waived. Some crimes cannot ever be waived. People in situations like yours (I do not know the nature of the crimes) consult with immigration and criminal defense lawyers to get a complete answer as to whether the specific crimes actually count under _current_ law as something that makes a person excludable. Often crimes can be dealt with even years after the conviction.

I don't know what danger you are in now. It does seem to me that the police and INS and other authorities are talking to each other much more easily now. I recommend that you contact someone to get the whole picture so that you can make some plans. Good luck.

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Answered on 3/10/02, 1:35 pm


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