Lawful Entry Marrying a USC

I came to the US at the age of 13 on a tourist visa. Overstayed and became undocumented. I met my partner (USC) whom I've known for 5.5 years. Now that DOMA isn't in the way, he can help me legalize (we're both males living in NY).

I'm not trying to hide anything so I'll flat out say it. I've worked for an employer that did not use e-verify. I selected the US citizen option on I-9s using my ITIN(which I know doesn't make it any better). Other people in my workplace have legalized via DACA or having parents that became USC despite doing the exact same thing I did. However, I wanted you guys' opinion on that.

Lastly, what forms do we need to fill out? How long would the process take?

Thanks for any information on the subject!

I would suggest talking to a lawyer. If they find out you falsely claimed to be a USC, you'll get a permanent ban. I just finished helping my wife get her green card and they did ask her in her immigrant visa interview in Cuidad Juaraez if she ever claimed to be a USC.

With the current laws, you can eventually get released out of jail for even murder, but if you falsely claim citizenship, there is no coming back from it. You can thank Bill Clinton and the 1996 immigration bill for that.

yeah, talk to a lawyer about this. There is another forum that is for cases like this but I can't remember the name of that. I do know, there are lots of experience users there for this matter

It's a fairly common thing but just know that it can ruin your chances at a green card. Having falsely claimed to be a US citizen is an inadmissibility that can deny your green card and subject you to deportation. There are exceptions 1) if you truly believed to be a citizen (this only works if the documents you presented could have be taken to support it- State ID and Social Security card) , 2) You were 16 years or younger at the time of hiring, and 3) it was before the law changed in 1997.

USCIS does not collect the I-9s and it's very rare for them to ask the employer for the I-9 to process your green card.

I would read this section here and discuss it with a lawyer.
dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=30982

Just a small reminder: You do have the right to not self-incriminate...

Thank you very much for all the info. I greatly appreciate it! I've had the same employer since I was 14 so I guess that the fact that I claimed that on the I-9 at that age should help. Thanks for all the information I really appreciate it.

Just remember to not do it if you find another job.