[keyvocal]

I'm just getting started in this whole process... and I'm not sure where to begin.

The background: There is a great student (15 years old) that I have been tutoring for 3 years or so, he is in the US with his family (mom and sister) illegally from Mexico.

I would like to find out how I could go about legally adopting him (at least partially, I have no intention of "removing" his mother's parental rights unless absolutely necessary.)

I'm assuming that he would have to return to Mexico and be 'sponsored' by me to enter the country legally?

I'm really dedicated to doing this. He is a wonderful kid and deserves every chance in life!

Please help?

[lucyjoy]

"There is Guardianship, or Foster Care, but you would have to go to Court and prove that Mom is an unfit Parent."

Not if the mom voluntarily places the child with you.

But, this would be a big red flag to immigration as it would look like you were trying to get around the citizenship process by using adoption(I'm not saying you are, just that it would be heavily questioned).