It's quite alright, Sabby...hijack away....lol..No worries.
This subject directly relates to my present situation, anyway, and thought I'd add a couple cents worth in here.

This is something that Kristian (who lives in Holland) and I are presently working on. He is coming over on a visa waiver for the time being, (a stay no longer than the allowed 3 months). The plan is for him to return at the arranged time, and from there we contend with the necessary procedures for bringing him back as a US citizen. This seems to be a long, drawn out task ahead of us, however not impossibe.

jerrymichele mentioned about the fact of becoming a US citizen through marriage....that is a probability that I am looking into at present. However, nothing is as easy as it appears, especially when involving the legalities of our "wonderful US democracy"....lol. Again though, a task not impossible.
And, of course, there is the inclusion of the laws of the foreign county involved....oftentimes, proving far more difficult, if not almost impossible.

As to date, (and although I already have discovered that I need to do much more research to discover the exactness of facts), the chances of Kristian's return to the US after his initail visit are far greater (and sooner), if we marry during his first 3 month stay. He will return to his country as a citizen of the US through marriage, which should expedite his return to me.
I cannot be positive on that as of yet, but from what I have read so far, it is the results I have understood. I can be wrong though, (most of what the government offer to the public to read is so full of that legal lingo crap that it is hard to really put into layman's perspective).
I think my next step will include some legal counselling to confirm my speculations as what information they do offer the average person is nothing to bank on.....lol.
Anyway...just thought I'd add that lil bit for you, sabby. And once I do find out the actual laws on this, I'll be certian to post it for any further reference.

And as far as the age difference raising a huge red flag....At first it was a major issue for me, as our American culture doesn't exactly favor the older woman/younger man thing..(for whatever close-minded reason that is), and at first, I allowed that to dictate the direction my relationship was going with Kristian.(which was to an enevitable end), and by the way, made me absolutely miserable.
If it weren't for his persistance, dedication, understanding, love and acceptance.....I most definately would have fallen victim to what our society "allows" for us. Once I realized that our love is as right as any other's, all began to naturally fall into play. And I am so grateful.

Ppatty~
Thanks for that interesting response of info about that case study regarding the opposition of older/younger.
Perhaps in your research you can find a case study regarding those in favor of older/younger...Be interesting to see the test results to that one.. Thanks.

Take care~

Shangrala