What if you married a immigrate legally and are married now but don't have enough money to file the green card papers is she legal even though you haven't filed and can she work until you file them?

she's not a u.s. citizen yet but she's a legal immigrant and legal immigrants can work. then(if you're a u.s. citizen) after three years being married to you she can become a u.s. citizen.

If she was here illegally when you married her and have not filed any paperwork to adjust her status the she is subject to deportation whether she is married to you or not. If you think the green card application is expensive just wait to you see the bills you face if she gets caught and you need to hire a lawyer to keep from getting her deported.