New Member Looking for Advice

Hi guys,

New to the forum and I'm probably in a very bad situation. I have just compartmentalized the fear till now, but it's time to try and start taking action, whatever it may lead to.

I came to Arizona as an F1 student (July, 2004 - I was 17 at the time) but eventually what I was studying wasn't making me happy, so I sort of dropped out and opened up a business. At the time, I chose to stay because I thought I would be getting married in a year and then could get a legal status. Regardless of the reasons, I was childish and foolish to ignore this for so long.

It's been 5 years now, and I run a decently successful business but I am not legal. I've managed to keep my business and status separate with help from friends. My driver's license expired earlier this year as well. I would need an I-94 to renew my license but the only paper copy I had from my last entry (2007) is lost.

I don't have a criminal record and I am self-sufficient, in fact I have 4 team-members I support from my work.

I can't get married for another year or so, because the puppy love from my college days didn't work out and just landed me in a very tough situation.

I did talk to a lawyer a while back, and I was told that I should wait till I can get married and then go about hiring a lawyer to help with my situation. Also, that I won't be able to get a license in any state for now. I know California was supposed to start handing out licenses to illegal immigrants but I don't think that's happening anytime soon.

Any suggestions or ideas would help. I cannot keep ignoring this issue.

I can't think of anything but to marry someone to adjust your status

Illinois gives out licenses to illigal immigrants but you have to show 3 proofs of residency in the past 3 months.

yeah moving out of arizona is the best bet

Only thing you can really do is move out of Arizona and/or get married. Otherwise, only a complete immigration reform can save you and that ain't happening any time soon.

In the USCIS website, it says that "Traffic Violations other than DUI will not count towards the background checks"

They don't care that you owe money because of traffic tickets, what they're looking for is a criminal background or a background that proves danger to society. And it won't slow down the process because they check National Databases and traffic court things (other than serious charges) they won't even consider.

You're good man. And also Pay those Fines!

You probaly should listen to your lawyer and wait till you can get married. I don't what else could help you.