Immigration...I need some opinions...

My sister in law came from Mexico here with her mother when she was 14 years old; a minor. Now, she is 21 married to a U.S Citizen and they have a child together. Now, that Obama has been re-elected he stated that the first thing he wants to tackle in January is the Immigration Reform. And now since there are many Republicans who see how important it is to have the Hispanic Vote are joining in and want to come to a common ground with the Immigration Problems. So, my sister in law asked me if her and her husband should wait until January to see what plans they have for the Immigration Reform or if they should begin her process to legalization which costs $5000 with a lawyer? She has her appointment with a lawyer at the end of this month to decide if they should proceed with the process or wait until January to hear some news....what would you ladies suggest?
TIA

I would definitely start the process, it's not 100% the reform will be passed but if it is she'll just have a head start & most likely get her permit quicker.

Quoting Heeeeeey, Sexy lady. ;):" I would definitely start the process, it's not 100% the reform will be passed but if it is she'll just have a head start & most likely get her permit quicker."

That's what I was thinking too. That if she starts the process it could just be a win win situation for her. I know $5000 is a lot of money for her but I think she should start too! Thanks

I would go ahead and start it. The sooner the better since she'll have to go back to Mexico and wait through the process.

Quoting Momma Bear Mrs. Rodriguez:" My sister in law came from Mexico here with her mother when she was 14 years old; a minor. Now, she is ... [snip!] ... to decide if they should proceed with the process or wait until January to hear some news....what would you ladies suggest? TIA"

IMO, she should start now. Even if the laws change, it's still going to be expensive and it's still going to take a looooong time. The sooner she gets everything cleaned-up the better.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Momma Bear Mrs. Rodriguez:</b>" My sister in law came from Mexico here with her mother when she was 14 years old; a minor. Now, she is ... [snip!] ... to decide if they should proceed with the process or wait until January to hear some news....what would you ladies suggest? TIA"</blockquote>




I would definitely go ahead and start the process. Ive heard it can take a REALLY long time.

She doesn't need a lawyer, she can do all the paperwork herself and it will only cost a little under $2000 and she'll probably pass the interview. Unless she came here illegally or has a criminal record, then it's best to hire a lawyer no matter what.

Quoting Taylor & Caleb:" I would go ahead and start it. The sooner the better since she'll have to go back to Mexico and wait through the process."

Her lawyer said that she wouldn't have to go back since she was brought here as a minor. So, she could start and hopefully complete her process here without having to go back. The only time when she would need to go back is when her Green Card is ready in Mexico then she would need to go back to pick it up. Of course nothing is guaranteed but this is what her lawyer told her.

Tell her to look into the dream act.

Quoting Taylor & Caleb:" I would go ahead and start it. The sooner the better since she'll have to go back to Mexico and wait through the process."

Not necessarily. It all depends on your lawyer.

OP: If her lawyer is charging her that much, make sure you make sure she/he is a good lawyer. My cousin, came here illegally, married a U.S. Citizen DID NOT have children with him and got her residency in 6 months.

Quoting Momma Bear Mrs. Rodriguez:" Her lawyer said that she wouldn't have to go back since she was brought here as a minor. So, she could ... [snip!] ... in Mexico then she would need to go back to pick it up. Of course nothing is guaranteed but this is what her lawyer told her."

Did she come legally, with a visa?

Quoting Supafly★:" She doesn't need a lawyer, she can do all the paperwork herself and it will only cost a little under ... [snip!] ... pass the interview. Unless she came here illegally or has a criminal record, then it's best to hire a lawyer no matter what. "

That's what I've heard from other people that did it themselves...that it is possible to file the paperwork without using a lawyer. She came here illegally when she was 14 with her mother. But she has no criminal record she's as clean as a whistle  ...I think that she just wants to use a lawyer so everything can be filed correctly.

It costs $5000 to become a citizen?!?!?! WTF DH is a immigrant from Ireland, still has his green card but moved here in 94 when he was 10. He started talking about going for his citizenship but damn if it costs that much I dont think he will.

Quoting Heeeeeey, Sexy lady. ;):" Not necessarily. It all depends on your lawyer."

Yep. I forgot to ask how she came over.

Quoting Momma Bear Mrs. Rodriguez:" That's what I've heard from other people that did it themselves...that it is possible to file the paperwork ... [snip!] ... record she's as clean as a whistle  ...I think that she just wants to use a lawyer so everything can be filed correctly."

I'd have a preofessional do it. It's too important.