Even without the criminal record, getting an immigrant visa is very difficult. The easiest way is to have a close relative sponsor you. This does not include aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
If you have at least half a million dollars to invest, you might be able to immigrate as an investor. Otherwise you are going to have to get a work permit and hopefully be able to get a green card after you have worked here for some time.
The easiest way to get a work visa is to be transferred by an international company. Otherwise you have to find a job in advance, meaning an employer who is willing to hire you, go to the trouble and expense of applying for a visa, can provide evidence that there is noone in America to hire for the position, and is willing to hold the job for you while this happens. This means you must have a skill that is in short supply in the US. Even then, the visas that have been authorized for this year are, I think, gone already.
The final option is to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program in the US, get a degree, use the one-year post-degree visa, work like hell to convince your employer you are indespensible, and hope the employer will apply for a work visa for you. It's best to get a degree in a field where there is a great shortage. If you want to be positive you will get in, get a BS in nursing and pass the boards to become an RN.
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