What to do if you’ve lived in the US for 20 years but have no green card?
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What to do if you’ve lived in the US for 20 years but have no green card?
I am a born US citizen and am married to a British national. We have 4 children and have been married for 20 years. She came to the states 20 years ago and we never filed for a green card. If we filed for one now would she be deported or would it be a simple process?
Asked on January 19, 2012 under Immigration Law, California
Answers:
SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As long as she entered the US lawfully and can prove that lawful entry, even though it was 20 years ago, she will be eligible for a green card within the US and it will be a rather straightforward process. However, the burden of proof is upon her to prove the lawful entry and if she does not have her entry documents from then since it was so long ago, it may be hard to come up with the evidence.
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