Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The notion that marrying a United States citizen is a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card has been a long-standing one. However, according to Brad Bernstein, an American immigration attorney, this is no longer the case. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being scrutinized more closely than ever before. The primary focus of this increased scrutiny is to determine whether a marriage is genuine, with officials examining the daily life of couples to assess the legitimacy of their relationship.
In the past, marrying a US citizen was often seen as a straightforward way to obtain a Green Card, which grants permanent residence in the United States. However, the current administration’s stance on immigration has led to a significant shift in the way marriage-based Green Card applications are handled. Bernstein warns that couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection. This means that even if a couple is married on paper, if they do not demonstrate a genuine, day-to-day relationship, their application may be denied.
The implications of this change are far-reaching, and it is essential for couples to understand the new landscape of marriage-based Green Card applications. One of the primary concerns for immigration officials is the issue of “sham marriages.” These are marriages that are entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card, rather than for love or commitment. To combat this, officials are looking for evidence of a genuine relationship, including cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and a demonstrated commitment to one another.
For couples who are considering applying for a marriage-based Green Card, it is crucial to be aware of the increased scrutiny they will face. This includes being prepared to provide extensive documentation, including proof of cohabitation, joint tax returns, and evidence of a shared life. Couples should also be prepared for interviews with immigration officials, who will be assessing the legitimacy of their relationship.
The increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications has significant implications for immigrants who are seeking to build a life in the United States. For many, marrying a US citizen is the most straightforward way to obtain a Green Card, but this is no longer a guarantee. Instead, couples must be prepared to demonstrate the genuineness of their relationship, which can be a daunting and time-consuming process.
It is also worth noting that the increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications is part of a broader shift in the US immigration landscape. The Trump administration has implemented a range of policies aimed at reducing immigration, including stricter vetting procedures and increased deportations. This has created a climate of uncertainty and fear for many immigrants, who are facing increased barriers to building a life in the United States.
In light of these changes, it is essential for couples to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help guide couples through the application process, ensuring that they are prepared for the increased scrutiny they will face. This includes helping couples to gather the necessary documentation, preparing them for interviews with immigration officials, and representing them in the event of an appeal.
In conclusion, the notion that marrying a US citizen guarantees a Green Card is no longer accurate. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being examined more closely than ever before, with officials assessing the genuineness of a marriage in daily life. Couples who are legally married but live apart are at risk of rejection, and it is essential for couples to be aware of the increased scrutiny they will face. By seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney and being prepared to demonstrate the legitimacy of their relationship, couples can navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of US immigration.
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