I would like some legal advice on the following:

I am a 35 year old working male, living in America.

I came to America in 1981, when I was 6 years old. I came with my father who was on a J1 visa (he came on a scholarship), and I and my mother were on a J2 visa. I came as a minor on my mother's passport.

I entered university in 1991, where my visa was changed from a J2 visa to a J1 visa with a two year home requirement clause, and I had a new passport, separate from my mother's.

In the meantime my family returned back to my home country.

I graduated from University in 1997, and after my graduation, my J1 visa expired.

I have been living in America illegally since 1997. I have no criminal record, I am working, I am paying my taxes.

I would like to live in America, but no longer as an illegal immigrant, and so i seek your advice.

I have a girlfriend, who is an american citizen. We have been together for the past 17 years. We would like to get married, however as I am illegal (and have been for 11 years) I do not know what steps would be best to take.

I look forward to your advice.