Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The notion that marrying a US citizen is a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card has been a long-standing belief 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 more rigorous approach to assessing the authenticity of marriages.
In the past, marriage to a US citizen was often seen as a straightforward route to gaining permanent residency in the United States. However, Bernstein warns that couples who are legally married but do not live together are increasingly at risk of rejection. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now placing greater emphasis on verifying the legitimacy of marriages, and couples must be prepared to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card.
The shift in approach by the USCIS is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on immigration fraud and tighten the rules surrounding Green Card applications. As a result, couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence to support their application, including proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and social integration.
One of the key factors that the USCIS considers when evaluating marriage-based Green Card applications is the level of cohabitation between the couple. Officials will assess whether the couple lives together, shares financial responsibilities, and is integrated into each other’s social lives. Couples who are married but do not live together, or who do not have a strong social and financial connection, may be viewed with suspicion and are more likely to have their application rejected.
Bernstein notes that the USCIS is also placing greater emphasis on assessing the motivations behind a marriage. Officials will investigate whether the marriage was entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card, or whether it is a genuine and loving relationship. Couples must be prepared to demonstrate that their relationship is real and that they have a deep emotional connection.
The implications of this shift in approach are significant for immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage. Couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence to support their application, and must be willing to undergo rigorous scrutiny by the USCIS. Additionally, the process of applying for a Green Card is likely to become more time-consuming and expensive, as couples may need to hire an immigration attorney to guide them through the process.
Despite the challenges, it is still possible for couples to obtain a Green Card through marriage. However, it is essential that they are aware of the new rules and regulations and are prepared to provide the necessary documentation and evidence to support their application. Bernstein advises couples to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney who can guide them through the process and help them to navigate the complexities of the US immigration system.
In conclusion, the days of marrying a US citizen as a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card are behind us. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being scrutinized more closely, and couples must be prepared to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. As the rules and regulations surrounding Green Card applications continue to evolve, it is essential that immigrants stay informed and seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to guide them through the process.
For immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage, the key takeaways are:
- Marriage to a US citizen is no longer a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card
- The USCIS is placing greater emphasis on verifying the legitimacy of marriages and assessing the motivations behind a marriage
- Couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence to support their application, including proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and social integration
- The process of applying for a Green Card is likely to become more time-consuming and expensive
- Couples should seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to guide them through the process
As the US immigration system continues to evolve, it is essential that immigrants stay informed and up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations. By seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney and being prepared to provide the necessary documentation and evidence, couples can still obtain a Green Card through marriage and build a new life together in the United States.
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