what happens if i become illegal?

[Krikit 1,164]

CBP FAQ - Trying to Game the System

[Fandango 1,439]

Let's put this 'jump to Canada' thing to bed once and for all.

Let's assume for one second that Krikit's link wasn't true, (which it is)...which clearly says you cannot 'reset the clock' if you go to a contiguous country, let's even assume you don't run the risk of not being allowed return entry, The real, undeniable issue with jumping to Canada or Mexico to reset the clock, upon entry, you would have immigrant intent, thus being legally ineligible for AOS from VWP.

There's no getting around that. Borrow money, ask a friend to charge your plane ticket...do whatever you must to leave the country NOW, to ensure your family can be reunited legally and as quickly as possible. By staying, you're making your status issue infinitely worse at best, at worst, you will wind up with a 10 year ban.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

True words have never been spoken.

Leave the US for England ASAP, definitely before the 24th.

Have your wife file an I-130 (Petition for an alien relative) for you, her husband

Once approved you apply for a CR-1 visa in the U.K.

Once issued, you enter the US legally as a lawful permanent resident and will receive a 2-year ("conditional") Green Card.

Two years later, if you are still happily married, you remove the conditions of your residency and, once approved, get a 10-year Green Crad.

Another year later, if you are still happily married, you can file for Naturalization and become a US citizen.

Your bus leaves on the 23^rd. If you miss it, you will hate yourself for it later, big time. If you can't get a flight to the UK get one to Canada and from there continue to the U.K.

[Maria Perry 0]

According to my knowledge you will be deported if you become illegal

[TBoneTX 45,273]

According to my knowledge you will be deported if you become illegal

Such a helpful and detailed comment!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

. . . and an incorrect one as well, as somebody who entered the US cannot become "illegal" . . .

[VanessaTony 3,567]

. . . and an incorrect one as well, as somebody who entered the US cannot become "illegal" . . .

someone who LEGALLY entered cannot become "illegal"

[Boiler 45,482]

No person is illegal.

[HeatDeath 430]

Nazis might be.

[SunDrop 59]

Nazis might be.

lol... old timers or do neos count too?

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Hey StarX,

It's the 23rd of November, are you returning or entering into Overstay?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

. . . and an incorrect one as well, as somebody who entered the US cannot become "illegal" . . .

Meh. This is a game of semantics. Neither the INA nor Code of Federal Regulations define the term "illegal alien", though it's used several times in 8 CFR as a general reference to aliens without lawful presence. Several dictionaries, including Random House and Webster, define the term to apply to both EWI's and overstays. That alone should be enough to say that it would not be grammatically incorrect to refer to someone who overstays their visa as an "illegal alien".

"Illegal immigrant", on the other hand... This term does not exist in immigration law because it's an oxymoron. A person who is an "immigrant" under immigration law has lawful status. A person who is "illegal" does not. It's not possible to be both an "immigrant" and "illegal".

"Undocumented immigrant" is a politically correct euphemism used by people who are offended by the term "illegal".

[Rob and Jill 82]

A VWP entry requires a return ticket.

Actually, Boiler, this is the one time I have to disagree. I entered Manchester, England on a VWP without a return ticket. The officers at the gate gave me hell, but they let me in the country.

Is that something the US requires?

[Boiler 45,482]

Usually it is a return ticket, it could be an onward ticket. VWP requirement is to show proof of departure. B does not need that, but still a good idea.

If you had neither you were very very lucky.

[HeatDeath 430]

lol... old timers or do neos count too?

Lol. I was being tongue-in-cheek, but when I wrote that I was thinking particularly of the carefully worded questions on the petition and visa application forms that ask if you, during the 1940s, yada yada yada were affiliated with the fascist regime of Germany. So old timers. If there was such a thing as an illegal person, they'd be right at the top of the list. They may actually be illegal per se.

Neo nazis merely have distasteful political opinions until they break the law. Old school nazis may be illegal people, per se.