I'm 21 and need some help

[Gilmour_Fan]

Hello everybody, Im a new member and heres my situation.
I came here legally in 1997 and overstayed my visa. My dad married his gf (us citizen) back in march of this year and I turned 21 in June. My father became a permanent resident in september and we want to know what my options are for me. thank you!

[Laura]

Hmm... I don't think you can adjust yet (through your stepmom, because you are too old), but once your dad becomes a citizen he can petition you. Unfortunately, over 21 children have to wait a LONG time for a visa number. Eventually, even if you are out of status that entire time, you could adjust within the U.S.

Since you entered with a visa, you would be able to adjust within the U.S. if you ever marry a U.S. citizen - no waiver needed.

[Gilmour_Fan]

some people have told me that I would need to leave the country to adjust my status due to my age. I will be talking to a lawyer next week but i just want to be ready for the news, good or bad.

[JustMe]

Do not leave the US, or you will trigger the 10year ban.

[Laura]

Since you entered on a visa, you do not have to leave the U.S. if you marry a USC or adjust through your dad. But, it's going to take like 10 years at least before you will be able to adjust through your dad. And yes, if you leave the U.S., you will trigger the bar and need a waiver.

[Gilmour_Fan]

I won't leave the us even if it were required for me to do so. The reason i ask is because another immigration forum has informed me that since i am 21 and my father is sponsoring me (he is a perm resident, will become a us citizen in probably 2 years and a half) that I am required to leave because past your 18th birthday u trigger a 10 year ban as if u were an adult.

[aleful]

Gilmour,
What They Told You In The Other Forum Is True. Unfortunately You Cannot Adjust Inside Us Because You Are 21. If You Dad Files A Petition, You Will Have To Leave And Receive The 10 Year Ban Due To Overstayed Visa And Becoming Ilegal. The Only Thing You Could Do Is Fall In Love, Not Marry For Papers, But Really In Love With An American Citizen. That Is The Only Way You Would Be Able To Adjust In The Country.
Take Care

[Gilmour_Fan]

do i still need to leave even if my dad got married before i was 21? he got married when i was 20. I dont plan on getting married anytime soon so im **** out of luck lol

[HANNAH19]

Good luck! Happy Holidays! There is alot of info in this forum, soon you'll be a pro w/ this whole immigration process, whatever you do don't leave the U.S. if you have already entered legaly!:welcome:

[aleful]

gilmour,
THE ONLY WAY YOUR STEPMOM COULD FILE A PETION IS IF SHE HAS MARRIED YOUR DAD BEFORE YOU WERE 18 AND THEN FILED A PETITION FOR BOTH OF YOU. SINCE IT WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME, YOU WOULD HAVE RECEIVED YOUR GC BEFORE YOU TURNED 21. THAT'S WHY A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE HOPING FOR AN IMMIGRATION REFORM. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MARRY, THAT IS YOUR ONLY HOPE. LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN 2009 AND BEYOND. FORGET ABOUT NEXT YEAR WITH ELECTIONS. THE NEW PRESIDENT WILL HAVE TO HANDLE THIS.
TAKE CARE

[Gilmour_Fan]

so my lawyer told me what you and other forums have told me. That in order for my parents to sponsor me I would have to leave the country. Another thing i found out is that I can apply for Italian citizenship since my great grandmother was an Italian citizen. We'll see what happens, ive always wanted to visit europe....