How many different ways can a person become a legal immigrant?

[IsItJustMe]

I am by no means an expert in this area, but I do know a few ways in which a person can become a legal immigrant in this country.

1.) Apply for residency (This can take years).
2.) Marry a person from the US.
3.) If you were born here and you are 21 years of age you can request that your parents become residents.
4.) Special work permits

Anyone know any other ways?

[chemp]

1. Student Visa?

Graduate with a masters in bi-lingual education and History?

then they deport your ass.

Happened to a friend of mine. Trying to get his Canadian citizenship so that he can get back into this country just to get his stuff.

Why would this country want more bi-lingual teachers anyway?

[magellan]

2. Apply for asylum

Be it political, religious, whatever.

[MountainLaurel]

4. Don't bet on it

Asylum cases often take years to adjudicate, and in the meantime asylees -- even children -- are placed in facilities that basically are jails. In some cases, asylees are placed in regular prisons due to a lack of INS facility in that region.

http://www.phrusa.org/campaigns/asylum_network/detention_execSummary/

[magellan]

3. Oh yeah, you don't have to marry an American citizen

...before you can become a legal immigrant. You can also apply for a fiancé(e) visa. As long as your intended is a legal resident or citizen and you persuade the INS that your intentions are to marry and he/she can support you, you'll be given a visa.