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 nuanced approach to assessing the legitimacy of marriages.
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, with the increasing focus on immigration enforcement and the prevention of marriage fraud, the process has become more complex. Immigration officials are now taking a closer look at the daily lives of couples to determine whether their marriage is genuine.
One of the key factors that officials consider when evaluating marriage-based Green Card applications is whether the couple lives together. Couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection, according to Bernstein. This is because officials view cohabitation as an important indicator of a genuine marriage. If a couple does not live together, it can raise suspicions about the legitimacy of their relationship.
The increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on immigration fraud. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of marriage fraud, in which individuals have entered into sham marriages solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. These cases have highlighted the need for more rigorous vetting of marriage-based applications.
So, what do immigrants need to know about the new landscape of marriage-based Green Card applications? First and foremost, it is essential to understand that marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of obtaining a Green Card. Couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence of their relationship, including proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and social integration.
In addition, couples must be prepared to undergo a rigorous interview process, in which they will be questioned about their relationship and their daily lives. This can be a daunting experience, especially for couples who are not familiar with the US immigration system. It is essential to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney, who can guide them through the process and help them prepare for the interview.
Another important factor to consider is the concept of “bona fide” marriage. Immigration officials use this term to describe a marriage that is genuine and not entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. To demonstrate that their marriage is bona fide, couples must provide evidence of a genuine relationship, including proof of communication, joint activities, and a shared life.
In some cases, couples may be required to provide additional evidence, such as letters from friends and family members, or documentation of their joint financial transactions. The key is to demonstrate that their marriage is real and not just a sham arrangement.
The increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications has significant implications for immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage. It highlights the need for couples to be prepared and to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney. By understanding the new landscape of marriage-based Green Card applications, couples can navigate the process with confidence and increase their chances of a successful outcome.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being examined more closely, and officials are taking a more nuanced approach to assessing the legitimacy of marriages. Couples who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and evidence of their relationship, and to undergo a rigorous interview process. By seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney and understanding the new landscape of marriage-based Green Card applications, couples can navigate the process with confidence and achieve their goal of obtaining a Green Card.
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