If I am an American citizen, how can I help my husband get his papers?

Your question requires an attorney consultation. It is not a simple question that can be answered on this type of forum. There are many factors that would need to be considered and evaluated. When you say that you "have been together for almost 9 years", do you mean you have been married for 9 years or just living together. In order to petition your husband, you must be legally married. The federal government does not recognize common law marriages. I strongly suggest that you contact an experienced immigration attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your situation. (S)he would then be in a better position to analyze your case, advise you of your options and, if possible, make sure that the necessary paperwork and documentation is properly presented so as not to delay the process.

Sounds like he might be eligible for Obama deferred action, and maybe also an I-130 to start the green card process.