adjustment of status

If you are illegally in the country and entered the U. S. by December 31, 2011, you may be eligible for legalization if and when comprehensive immigration reform passes. If you overstayed a visa and did not enter by that date, you might still find some way to immigrate in the future like through bona fide marriage to a U. S. citizen. If you are here legally, you may be able to maintain legal status dependent on your circumstances through changing to another visa category such as F-1 student, H-1B specialized worker, H-3 trainee, etc. As your letter is slightly vague as to your circumstances, you should obtain a consultation with an immigration lawyer to go over all of your options. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  

Your mother could petition for you, but you would have to process your immigrant visa outside of the US and when you leave, you'll be barred from returning if you overstay your current visa by too long.   A waiver is available.  Of course, marriage to a US citizen would allow you to stay here and become a permanent resident (assuming you entered the US with inspection).