Legal Question in Immigration Law in New York

Pregnant Illegal Immigrant

One of my best friends just told me she's pregnant. She has been in the country on an expired visa for 5 years. The baby's father is willing to get married and file papers for her to be in the country legally. She is scared to do so beciase she can't cover the costs. I want to help her make a wise choice. What are her options?


Asked on 5/15/09, 3:05 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Tsui Yee Yee & Durkin, LLP

Re: Pregnant Illegal Immigrant

Her option would be to get sponsored for a green card application through a qualifying relationship, such as marriage to a US citizen. As for the costs, do you mean filing fees or other expenses? Is the father of the child willing to cover these costs?

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Answered on 5/15/09, 3:20 pm
Antoinette Wooten The Wooten Legal Consulting, PC

Re: Pregnant Illegal Immigrant

Her option, especially if she is now having a child here in the US, is to become a legal citizen. Even if she has her baby in the US the government still has the choice to deport her.

Why does she not want to get married and file her papers?

She should not be afraid to file her papers. By the way, there will be cost for the government charges.

A filing fee must be submitted with her application.

Patricia Martin-Gibbons

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Answered on 5/15/09, 4:21 pm
Steve Brodsky Esq. CheapNewYorkLLC.com

Re: Pregnant Illegal Immigrant

Her only real choice is to get married and obtain her green card. The filing fees are expensive, but it will help if you can find a lawyer such as myself who charges very low legal fees ($495).

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Answered on 5/16/09, 10:39 am


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