confusing visa waiting times, can someone explain please

[Yeep]

Hi, I have been trying to find some answers if possible without going to an immigration attorney.
My case is the following.
My brother (US citizen) petitioned me in 2004. The lawyer told me it would take ten years at least to get the approval.
Now, my mother is about to become a Citizen in a year.
I am little confused about the visa times. Should I give in another application through my mother? Will it take less time than waiting for my brothers?
I am 29 and unmarried. I have been here in the US since I was 14. I am from Argentina.

I checked the case processing uscis.gov website and it says there are processing 2001 case on fourth preference. But if I check on the bulletin at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html for feb 2007 they are processing 1996 cases.
Which one should I go by? By applying through my mother what most likely be my wait time?
thanks

 

[TheRealCanadian]

But if I check on the bulletin at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html for feb 2007 they are processing 1996 cases. Which one should I go by?

Both. They are adjudicating cases filed in 2001, but they are only giving out visas to approved petitions filed in 1996.

By applying through my mother what most likely be my wait time?

You'll be FB1 if unmarried, FB3 if married. FB3 priority date wait is 7 years, FB1 wait is 5 years. Still better than FB4.

 

[Yeep]

Ok I understand now. Hmm, so if I apply again with my mother which will be in about a year and a half, I will have to wait 5 years since I fall into first category.
That would mean if I apply by the middle of 2008 I would hopefully get my approval by 2013-14.
If I wait for my brother petition since I applied in 2004. I would probably get an answer by 2014.
Man that kinda sucks. Only if they allowed us to work while we waited would make things much easier for us