How do illegals become citizens?

They can't. That said, if the alien has a way of getting a green card now, like a resident relative, there may be ways to keep him here while the paperwork goes thru. If they don't have any means of getting a green card despite their being illegal, then they cannot become citizens or residents, period. Maybe through an amnesty.

It MAY be possible, though attempting poses considerable risk of being deported.

there are 2 ways to become a legal.

first,it is hard to become citizen for a illegal person. but they have a chance to do it. first of all that person's status must br convert in to the F1 visa status and get a admission in a good college or university. in order to do that you must have to Jamaica for reinstatement process. once you are in in status, get a admission in college. after your college you apply for opt then H1 visa. then you go for green card and finally citizenship. these steps might looks easy and short. but i am sorry to say that it is not. it is really long process.

i know how one fill being a illegal that's why i am sharing this information.

Second,the most easiest way to become a ligel is find and citizen girl or boy and marry to them. by this way, you will become citizen in short period of time.

If you are asking about the following case:

1. You are in the country (USA) illegally
2. You wish to get a green card WITHOUT leaving the country

This is NOT possible UNLESS you can successfully apply for asylum, which is based on the expectation of political or religious persecution in your home country, and is not simple to do. ALL other routes to a green card require that the applicant at some point during the process apply FROM THEIR HOME COUNTRY. That is, even by marrying a U.S. citizen, the paperwork requires that the non-citizen apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their Home Country. There is no way to remain inside the U.S. and become a legal resident.

Note that this is true for the vast majority of legal US Visas, too. That is, most visas are of a Temporary nature, and are what is called "Non-convertible". That is, once you are admitted into the US on a certain visa, you cannot then later "convert" this visa into another by applying for that visa WITHOUT returning to your home country first. Only a specific few types of visa will allow you to remain inside the US and be converted to another one.

Please use this answer page for actual current law and processes for adhering to the law. Please do not include contact information for Immigration lawyers or other such folks, OTHER than US Government websites and contact points.

Please see the Discussion area for more news and updates about current events related to illegal immigration, particularly as the current enforcement of existing laws is undergoing considerable review and changes are common.