What to do regarding legal residency status?
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What to do regarding legal residency status?
I was born in Canada but have lived in the U.S. for 53 years, continually for the last 42. I have a social security card, signed up for the selective service, got federal student loans, have been married to a citizen for 28 years and have 2 grown children, both born in the U.S. When I went to renew my license in TX I was informed that my birth certificate from Canada was not sufficient. I believed that my parents had done whatever was necessary for me to be here legally but I guess that they did not. My mother has passed away and my father has dementia. I need to know what steps I need to take to solve this issue.
Asked on September 11, 2018 under Immigration Law, Texas
Answers:
SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You would need to have either your US citizen spouse or your US citizen children who are over the age of 21 petition you for a green card (permanent residence) if you do not have that currently. THat process may take about 6-12 months. If you do not have any documents from your parents, chances are they never filed anything for you so this is what you need to do right now to be lawfully present in the US. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.
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