Can a kid brought to the USA by his parents on a visa, apply to stay here legally

Contrary to your understanding, it is not a felony or misdemeanor for an undocumented immigrant to stay illegally in this country although some states clearly wish to criminalize such population. The attempt to criminalize under state laws was defeated in the Supreme Court last year in the widely read case, Arizona v. United States. This country also has a tremendous interest in educating any children through high school and it has been the law of the land for many years that undocumented immigrant children are entitled to a public school education. Undoubtedly if the Senate bill, S. 744, or a great part of it eventually becomes law, the boy that you are so concerned over will obtain legal status with the ability to work and travel, pay in-state tuition, and perhaps obtain a college scholarship. If you wish that to happen, you might write or contact or lobby your local representative to support comprehensive immigration reform. The immigration bill will be the focus of the House of Representatives in the next few months where its fate will be decided. 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