Is it possible to adjust my status?

[gosia]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this disussion board, and just read some of your postings hoping that you may share your ideas on what to do in my situation.
I came to the US about 9 years ago with tourist visa, got inspected by INS in Chicago. I overstayed my visa, got SSN with my name, got a job, paid taxes... About six years ago one of mu aquaintances reffered me to an attorney who supposedly had connections and what not and I fell into the trap. This attorney said that adjusting my status is possible, but it will be a lenghty and costly process. I was patient all these years, kept paying and just recently discovered that this individual didn't even file basic paperwork with INS on my behalf. You may think how naive I was, but whenever confronted, this attorney just said that I need to be patient and let him do best for me. I thought many times to look into other options, but I had invested to much financially to just let it go. Now I'm in a situation where in my opinion I'm out of options, and I wish there was something that I can do, because going back to my country would ruin the most important relationship in my life.
About 7 years ago I met a very special person, the love of my life and we have been together ever since. I didn't tell him about my immigration status all these years, but I felt that I can't hide it any longe from him and confessed just a few days ago. He is dedicated to our relationship even more now and believes that there has to be something we can do... I think we need to find a new, credible attorney but will be great if you give us some ideas before, so we can have hope.
Your advice and ideas will be truly appreciated.

[gosia]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this disussion board, and just read some of your postings hoping that you may share your ideas on what to do in my situation.
I came to the US about 9 years ago with tourist visa, got inspected by INS in Chicago. I overstayed my visa, got SSN with my name, got a job, paid taxes... About six years ago one of mu aquaintances reffered me to an attorney who supposedly had connections and what not and I fell into the trap. This attorney said that adjusting my status is possible, but it will be a lenghty and costly process. I was patient all these years, kept paying and just recently discovered that this individual didn't even file basic paperwork with INS on my behalf. You may think how naive I was, but whenever confronted, this attorney just said that I need to be patient and let him do best for me. I thought many times to look into other options, but I had invested to much financially to just let it go. Now I'm in a situation where in my opinion I'm out of options, and I wish there was something that I can do, because going back to my country would ruin the most important relationship in my life.
About 7 years ago I met a very special person, the love of my life and we have been together ever since. I didn't tell him about my immigration status all these years, but I felt that I can't hide it any longe from him and confessed just a few days ago. He is dedicated to our relationship even more now and believes that there has to be something we can do... I think we need to find a new, credible attorney but will be great if you give us some ideas before, so we can have hope.
Your advice and ideas will be truly appreciated.

[X2]

Well, you need to post more details about what this so called attorney did. if he did not file any paper work with INS and also you did not get any interviews with them i guess you will be fine if you marry USC and file for AOS. Since you entered inspected they will forgive the fake SS card and jobs you have been doing. As i said it all depends what this attorney did and if there any deportations ordered by the INS in case you did not go to any interviews. Please give us more details if you have any. Thanks

[Aibolit]

If your significant other is US citizen, your best bet (and probably the only one) is to get married and have him file I-130 and I-485 on your behalf. You unauthorized stay will be forgiven by USCIS.

[gosia]

X2 and Aibolit,
thank you for your advise. This attorney had done nothing. In February he requested another hefty payment to speed up the "process" and at that time I decided to check with INS the status of my case. It turned out that there is no single form filed on my behalf.
I have another question: I have misplaced or lost the card that I had to complete while entering the country and wonder how to get the copy. I believe that there must be a record of my entry somewhere... Any ideas?
Thanks :-)

[Aibolit]

File Form I-102.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm

[mamon]

Connections!!! This is not some third world countries where you bribe your way out. US is a country of law. It is true some attorney can smooth their way in the administrative agency but ... I would not count on those. Most of them are liars. They just give the impression they can do this.

I would advise you report this attorney to the state bar provided he/she is a real attorney.

Good Luck

[Adam]

Aibolit, is right follow his instructions, that will take care of your case.