It's difficult. An employer or a family member would had to have filed an immigrant visa petition for you by April 30, 2001. In addition, if an employer filed what is know as an application for labor certification for you before April 30, 2001, you might also be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the U.S. Otherwise, your illegal entry means you most likely cannot legalize your status without leaving the U.S. Instead, you would have to leave the U.S. and apply for an immigrant visa based on your marriage at the U.S. consulate in Mexico. You should talk to an immigration lawyer about what this involves and whether it is something you want to pursue. There are risks involved in leaving to apply for an immigrant visa, and you should fully understand them before making a decision.
Christina Murdoch
Attorney
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C.
105 W. Madison St., Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 444-1940
(312) 444-1950 (fax)
[email protected]
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