Q: I am helping my friend get a green-card. He is married to a natural (born in USA) citizen and has 3 children's with her.
He did NOT enter the USA with a VISA. He is from Central America. He has never been in trouble with the law. He has been here for 17 years. He speaks English and he works steadily and has never received any assistance. He has an expired passport but can go to Consulate and have it renewed. I want to help him complete his forms but I do not want him to be deported. I am a US citizen (born in USA to citizen parents). He started the process with DHS in 2008 but never completed it. Thus, DHS has some old paperwork. Should my friend proceed with DHS Forms I-130 and I-485? Please tell me how to proceed without causing him a problem. I am in New Orleans, LA
A: While it is kind of you to want to assist your friend with his immigration paperwork, there is much more to applying for a green card than simply filling out forms. He must actually be eligible for the benefits he is seeking and if he not eligible and applies he will not only be losing the money spent on submitting the applications he could be placed in removal proceedings when the application is denied. The best assistance you can provide is helping him locate a reputable immigration attorney in your area who can properly advise him on his immigration options.
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