Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The notion that marrying a US citizen is a straightforward path to obtaining a Green Card has been a long-standing assumption for many immigrants. 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, and the process has become increasingly complex.
In recent years, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been taking a more rigorous approach to evaluating marriage-based Green Card applications. The primary concern is to determine whether a marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. As a result, couples who are legally married but live apart are facing a higher risk of rejection.
The USCIS is now placing greater emphasis on assessing the daily life of married couples, looking for evidence that they are living together and sharing a life as a married couple. This includes evaluating factors such as joint bank accounts, shared living arrangements, and social media activity. If the USCIS determines that a marriage is not genuine, the Green Card application will be denied, and the applicant may face deportation.
This shift in approach has significant implications for immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage. It is no longer sufficient to simply be married to a US citizen; couples must now demonstrate that their marriage is real and that they are committed to living together as a married couple.
So, what do immigrants need to know about the new requirements for marriage-based Green Card applications? Firstly, it is essential to understand that the USCIS is looking for evidence of a genuine marriage, and this requires more than just a marriage certificate. Couples must be prepared to provide documentation and testimony that demonstrates their commitment to each other and their intention to live together as a married couple.
One of the key factors that the USCIS considers when evaluating marriage-based Green Card applications is the couple’s living arrangements. Couples who live apart, even if it is for legitimate reasons such as work or education, may face a higher risk of rejection. The USCIS may view separate living arrangements as evidence that the marriage is not genuine, even if the couple is otherwise committed to each other.
Another critical factor is the couple’s financial situation. The USCIS may examine the couple’s joint bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial records to determine whether they are sharing financial responsibilities and living expenses. Couples who maintain separate financial accounts or do not share financial responsibilities may be viewed with skepticism by the USCIS.
In addition to these factors, the USCIS may also consider social media activity and other public expressions of the couple’s relationship. Couples who do not present a united front on social media or who do not publicly acknowledge their marriage may be viewed as not being genuinely married.
The implications of these changes are far-reaching, and immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage must be aware of the new requirements. It is no longer sufficient to simply be married to a US citizen; couples must now demonstrate that their marriage is real and that they are committed to living together as a married couple.
In light of these changes, it is essential for immigrants to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help couples navigate the complex process of applying for a marriage-based Green Card and ensure that they are prepared to meet the new requirements.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of obtaining a Green Card. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being scrutinized more closely, and couples must now demonstrate that their marriage is genuine and that they are committed to living together as a married couple. Immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage must be aware of the new requirements and seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to ensure the best possible outcome.
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