Perhaps you are among many others in California who mistakenly believed that by marrying a U.S. citizen, you’d automatically become one yourself. By the time you learned that information was not factual, you may have already found yourself in a precarious situation. Do you remain undocumented and hope for the best? It’s been duly noted that not only is this illegal, it’s typically a very bad idea for many other reasons as well.
However, those who say mixed status families should simply do what needs done to adjust the legal status of the undocumented spouse may not realize it’s often easier said than done. U.S. immigration law is quite complex, for one thing. Unless you have a background in law, it’s usually difficult to understand. There may also be a language barrier involved. Becoming a citizen is a process, one that is often lengthy and stressful. Thus, you may be tempted (as others have been) to live an undocumented lifestyle instead.
In order to make informed decisions, you may want to learn as much as possible about U.S. immigration law as it pertains to marrying an undocumented immigrant. Below, is a short list of facts that may provide clarification on some of the issues that concern you most:
Although you may feel overwhelmed and worried at times, wondering what to do to rectify your situation of living as an undocumented spouse of a U.S. citizen, there are generally several options available. It may help to talk to other immigrants who have successfully adjusted their statuses. Many California immigrants also choose to reach out for guidance from experienced immigration advocates.
Hopefully, everything will work out, and in addition to your wedding ceremony, you will one day enjoy celebrating your status as a naturalized citizen. In the meantime, an immigration law attorney can try to help you overcome any obstacles that arise.
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