He hasn't been successful in h

35 years. Forgive my rude, he even hasn't known what he can do and what needs to be done. He should know his goal in earlier 20s now 30s, especially when working for a government, then it is unlikely he is going to make a smart decision even in US.

It is almost impossible for him to find a job in a short term since he only knows law. The best bet would be to go to law school or change his major to start over again. It is kind of pain to start from bachelor or even better master degree after 35.

It takes aboult 3 to 5 years to get a degree from a decent university depending how smart he is and his background and so on. Now he finish his stage for his american dream, but he still has long long way to go.

The second stage would be to find a job and get a sponsor for green card. It takes about another 3 to 5 years if he is luck to get a job after his gratuation and no layoff before he gets green card.

See, the first 5 years his doesn't have choice at all. The second stage could be repeat if something goes wrong. He dons't have much choice either.

If everthing moves smoothly, he settle down when he is 45. Now what, family? retirement plan? house? Can you imagine for a person in his middle he can't even take care his family in about 5 to 10 years?

Don't be silly to think he is going to be rich after he get a job. I give you example, he can't affort a decent house unless his annual can be 100,000.00$ or more.

All in all, it is not a very good ideal to pursue his american dream.

However there is one exception. If you guys don't worry about kids and he has miserable life in China, then give a try.