Our Russian friend (age 54) has an advanced degree in theoretical physics, and is fluent in English. He came here legally in 1994 on a visa to present a paper at an American university, overstayed his visa, and since that time has been here illegally. Is there any way that he can get legal status in the U.S.? Is it possible for our family to financially (or otherwise) sponsor him? (We are not related to him.) Any advice on how he could proceed in order to get a social security number and be able to work/live in the U.S. legally? Would it be worth the money for him to make an appointment with an immigration attorney?