Kenneth City, FL Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

A US citizen brother sponsoring his brother takes many many years, and he can not change status from ESTA to his green card in that category unless he is in status. 

The visa that will be issued to the dependents should allow them to travel within reasonable period after the visa is issued.  They won't have to travel together if they are issued separate visas.  That can be arranged with the consulate at the time of issueance.

Your facts suggest that you may have abandoned your residency.   If you have been outside the U.S. longer than 180 days but less than a year, there is a rebuttable presumption that you have abandoned your residency and you will need to prove, with documentary evidence, that you have not abandoned residency. If you have been outside the U.S. longer than 1 year, you have abandoned your residency and upon entry into the U.S., you should seek to see an Immigration Judge and then hire competent, experienced counsel to defend you in removal proceedings. Typically, a Lawful Permanent Resident who knows that they will be abroad longer than 180 days should apply for a re-entry permit, which is valid for 2 years.   Please consult with an immigration attorney about your predicament.