Legal Question in Immigration Law in Colorado

Hi you doing my name is cristian Jimenez I was brought to the country illegally when I was 8 I am now 20 yrs old. Last year I got my Ssn and work permit , I have been trying to join the army since I was 17 but due to my situation I couldn't and we'll I still can't , I have talked to recruiters and they all tell me I need to at least have a green card . I know to obtain it through marriage would be the only option but IM not the kind of person to marry just because if thAt, so I would like to know if there is other options that could help me out, your help will be much appreciated thank you


Asked on 4/17/14, 11:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marlene Hemmings Marlene Hemmings, Attorney at Law

It does not sound like you have many options.

The law does not allow you to adjust status (i.e., file for a greencard) in the United States if you entered unlawfully. Moreover, the fact that you have been accruing illegal presence since the age of 18 will also affect your eligibility for a greencard.

As for ways a person can get a greencard, in general, they can be petitioned by a U.S. citizen spouse, parent or child over 21, a Legal Permanent Resident spouse, through employment, through a $1 million investment, or through a grant of political asylum. (There might be some less used basis for eligibility that I am overlooking, but these are the basics).

You may be eligible to apply for "DACA", which could give you a work permit for 2 years, but will not give you eligibility for a greencard.

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Answered on 4/18/14, 5:47 am


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