THX 1138

CC90, thanks for your detailed responses

Thanks for all the responses. If anyone else has anything else to add, please do.

Totally agree with Harpah.

There is no way for you to stay in this country. Claiming that you are a US Citizen it is not just morally wrong, but it is a huge legal offense. There is no penalty you can pay and get away with that. Either your lawyer doesn't know the full story, or he is just not familiar with immigration.

Section 212(a)(6)©(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the 1996 Immigration Act, renders inadmissible any alien who falsely claims to be a U.S. citizen for any purpose or benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act or any other federal or state law. The amendments apply to false claims to U.S. citizenship on or after Sept. 30, 1996.

Thanks for your response, but I know I am not the first person with this particular situation, and I won't be the last, so if anyone has any other information to provide, I would be glad to hear it

Hello,

I am glad there are sites like this where everyone helps each other out with useful information that inherently make or break someones future. With that said, I am considering retaining a lawyer, but the financial aspect is what makes me consider other options:

I came into the US 9 years ago under an F-1 Visa and was inspected by immigration on coming in. I went off status a year later due to lack of funds and then went on to enroll in a community college without changing the school formally in my I-20, so I paid in-state tuition. I paid by working at a local pharmacy store under the guise that I was a citizen ( I checked Citizen on my W2). I was able to file taxes as I was issued a social which did say it was not valid for work authorization. Three years ago, I started Nursing school and finished and got an RN license for a state in the East Coast. I have worked and filed takes for over 8 years now. Also, I have not committed any crimes, and have no criminal record. I had to take numerous background checks for my RN degree

Last year, I met a USC and after months of dating, I proposed. We are now living together and about starting the process of the paperwork.

My questions are:

1) I have heard of a $1000 penalty one has to pay for overstay, does it apply? Remember, I entered LEGALLY.

2) This may be a stupid question, but how will immigration know I worked under the guise of a US citizen? How do they check to know? If they do know, how will it affect me? What are they ways around it? I spoke to a lawyer through a free consult and he advised that it could be argued that I would be an upright citizen, for the fact that I paid taxes responsibly.

3) Has anyone with a similar situation filed without a lawyer? What exact paperwork was needed? So far, I see the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vacination Record, and G-325A, Biographic Information. Am I missing anything?

4) My fiancee would rather not have a joint bank account at this time, so apart from pictures, the marriage license, email and phone records, what other information is useful to present in providing proof of a legitimate marriage. I am aware that during the interview questions will be asked, which we are more than ready for.

Many thanks in advance for factual answers.