Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The notion that marrying a US citizen is a guaranteed path to obtaining a Green Card has been a long-standing assumption among 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 officials are taking a harder look at whether a marriage is genuine in daily life.
In the past, marrying a US citizen was often seen as a straightforward way to gain permanent residency in the United States. The process typically involved applying for a Green Card, which would be granted after a series of interviews and background checks. However, the Trump administration’s increased focus on immigration enforcement has led to a significant shift in the way marriage-based Green Card applications are handled.
One of the key factors that immigration officials are now considering is whether a marriage is genuine in daily life. This means that couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection. According to Bernstein, officials are looking for evidence that a couple is living together, sharing finances, and making joint decisions, among other things. If a couple cannot demonstrate this, their application may be denied.
This change in approach has significant implications for immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage. Many couples who are in genuine, loving relationships may find themselves facing rejection simply because they do not meet the government’s expectations of what a “normal” marriage looks like. For example, a couple who is married but lives apart due to work or education commitments may be viewed with suspicion by immigration officials.
The increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on immigration. The administration has implemented a range of policies aimed at reducing the number of immigrants entering the United States, including stricter screening procedures, increased deportations, and a ban on travel from certain countries.
For immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage, the new reality is that they will need to be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence of their relationship. This may include proof of cohabitation, joint bank accounts, and shared responsibilities, among other things. Couples will also need to be prepared to answer detailed questions about their relationship, including how they met, how they communicate, and how they make decisions together.
In addition to providing documentation and evidence, couples will also need to be prepared for a series of interviews with immigration officials. These interviews can be intense and probing, and couples will need to be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of each other’s lives, interests, and goals.
The good news is that there are steps that couples can take to increase their chances of success. For example, they can start by gathering documentation and evidence of their relationship, including proof of cohabitation, joint bank accounts, and shared responsibilities. They can also prepare for their interviews by practicing their responses to common questions and making sure they have a deep understanding of each other’s lives.
Ultimately, the key to success in obtaining a Green Card through marriage is to demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and not simply a means to gain immigration benefits. Couples who can show that they are in a loving, committed relationship and are living together as husband and wife will be more likely to succeed.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guaranteed path to obtaining a Green Card. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being scrutinized more closely, and officials are looking for evidence that a marriage is genuine in daily life. Couples who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage will need to be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence of their relationship, as well as be prepared to answer detailed questions about their relationship. By understanding the new realities of the Green Card application process, couples can increase their chances of success and build a life together in the United States.
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