Overstay, Illegal Status Confused as to status of my children

[smw57]

I was born in the US, left aged 3 and returned 2 yrs ago. Initially we came to visit then decided to stay. My 2 teenage sons live with me and I am having trouble finding out if they can get SSN's and what their legal status is. From my own research I believe they do not qualify as citizens as I have not lived in the US for 5 yrs before their birth but surely they have some rights? I feel like a non-person currently; I cannot claim them on my taxes yet I work hard and do not make any claims on state or gov funding. Any help appreciated.

 

[mafioso]

You have to file change of status petitions for them. They would get GCs and later citizenship. Talk to a local immigration lawyer to process the relevant petitions per your particular circumstances. It would cost you about 2000$ on average for a lawyers services.