Been in the US illegally since four, currently eighteen

[LocoLoki]

I've been in the US for fourteen years now. I arrived here with my mother, who has since been sent back. I've attended elementary through high school here, and now have taken a few community college courses. I eventually want to transfer to a university.

I've been looking through the immigration laws and they all seem quite lengthy and at the very least will take a bit of doing (to be honest I'm a bit lost, and the "simplest" way seems rather cumbersome). Currently I'm alone and don't have any family with me, legal or otherwise. It's funny that I'm still an alien here although this is my only home. Regardless, I was wondering if there was any way I could use my education/residence here to expedite the process of naturalization. I had great grades in high school and the courses I have taken as well, and my record is squeaky clean (well, apart from being here illegally ) I don't want to interrupt my education here that much either. Any help or points in a general direction is deeply appreciated, preferably using inexpensive routes

Thank you very much for your time.

[Marco 72]

How old are you exactly? If you are in the US without a visa you start accruing illegal presence as soon as you turn 18, with the possibility of a ban (3 year ban if over six months, 10 year ban if over a year). The longer you stay in the US illegally, the more difficulties you may face later on. You may want to post in the following discussion forum for US immigration issues, you'll probably get more feedback there

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=34

[Marco 72]

By the way, there has been a lot of talk recently about a so-called Z visa "amnesty" which should allow illegal immigrants to stay in the country. If the current proposal makes it into law you would probably be eligible for it, since you moved to the US before 1 January 2007. However, keep in mind that applying for the Z visa will require you to go back to your country of origin and probably wait there for a few years. It would be much easier if you married a US citizen.