Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The United States has long been a destination for immigrants seeking a better life, and one of the most common ways to gain permanent residency is through marriage to a US citizen. However, according to Brad Bernstein, an American immigration attorney, marrying an American no longer guarantees a Green Card. In a recent statement, Bernstein revealed that marriage-based Green Card applications are being examined more closely under the Trump administration, and officials are assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life.
This new development has significant implications for couples who are planning to get married and apply for a Green Card. In the past, marrying a US citizen was often seen as a straightforward way to gain permanent residency, but now couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence to prove that their marriage is genuine. This includes providing proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and other evidence that demonstrates a shared life.
One of the key factors that officials are looking for is whether the couple lives together. Couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection, according to Bernstein. This can be a challenge for couples who are in a long-distance relationship or who have other obligations that prevent them from living together. In such cases, couples must be prepared to provide additional documentation and evidence to prove that their marriage is genuine, despite the physical distance between them.
The Trump administration’s closer scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications is part of a broader effort to crack down on immigration fraud. While the intention behind this effort is to prevent fake marriages and other forms of immigration fraud, it also has the potential to affect genuine couples who are seeking to build a life together in the United States.
So, what do immigrants need to know about the new requirements for marriage-based Green Card applications? First and foremost, it is essential to understand that the application process is now more rigorous and time-consuming than ever before. Couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence to prove that their marriage is genuine, and they must be prepared to wait for a longer period before their application is processed.
In addition to providing proof of cohabitation and joint financial accounts, couples may also be required to provide other evidence, such as photos, letters, and testimony from friends and family members. The goal of this evidence is to demonstrate that the couple has a shared life and is committed to each other, despite any physical distance between them.
Another important factor to consider is the role of social media in the application process. In today’s digital age, social media can provide a wealth of information about a couple’s relationship, including photos, messages, and other online activity. While social media can be a useful tool for providing evidence of a genuine marriage, it can also be a source of trouble if the couple’s online activity suggests that they are not in a genuine relationship.
To navigate the complex and often confusing world of marriage-based Green Card applications, it is essential to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help couples understand the requirements for a successful application and can provide guidance on the types of evidence and documentation that are needed to prove a genuine marriage.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of a Green Card, thanks to the Trump administration’s closer scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications. Couples who are planning to get married and apply for a Green Card must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence to prove that their marriage is genuine, and they must be prepared to wait for a longer period before their application is processed. By understanding the new requirements and seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney, couples can navigate the complex application process and build a successful life together in the United States.
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