Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The United States has long been a beacon for immigrants seeking a better life, and one of the most common ways to gain permanent residency has been through marriage to a US citizen. However, according to Brad Bernstein, an American immigration attorney, marrying an American no longer guarantees a Green Card. This shift in policy has significant implications for couples who are planning to build a life together in the United States.
Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being scrutinized more closely than ever before. Immigration officials are now assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life, rather than just on paper. This means that couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection. The days of assuming that a marriage to a US citizen would automatically lead to a Green Card are behind us, and immigrants need to be aware of the new landscape.
The Green Card process has always been complex, but the current administration’s focus on rooting out suspected marriage fraud has added an extra layer of complexity. Immigration officials are now looking for evidence that a couple’s marriage is real, and not just a means to gain a Green Card. This can include everything from proof of cohabitation to documentation of joint financial assets.
For couples who are planning to apply for a Green Card through marriage, it’s essential to understand the new requirements. According to Bernstein, immigration officials are looking for evidence that a couple’s relationship is genuine and not just a sham. This can include everything from photos and emails to witness statements and documentation of joint activities.
One of the key factors that immigration officials consider when evaluating a marriage-based Green Card application is whether the couple lives together. Couples who are legally married but live apart are at a higher risk of rejection, as this can raise suspicions about the legitimacy of their marriage. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a couple can demonstrate that they are living apart due to circumstances beyond their control, such as work or education commitments, they may still be eligible for a Green Card.
Another important factor is the level of financial interdependence between the couple. Immigration officials want to see evidence that the couple is financially intertwined, such as joint bank accounts, credit cards, and loans. Couples who can demonstrate that they are financially dependent on each other are more likely to have their Green Card application approved.
The shift in policy has significant implications for immigrants who are planning to apply for a Green Card through marriage. It’s no longer enough to simply be married to a US citizen; couples must now demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and meets the requirements set out by immigration officials.
So, what can couples do to increase their chances of a successful Green Card application? According to Bernstein, it’s essential to be prepared and to have all the necessary documentation in place. This can include everything from proof of cohabitation to documentation of joint financial assets. Couples should also be prepared to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, through evidence such as photos, emails, and witness statements.
It’s also important for couples to understand that the Green Card process can be lengthy and complex. It’s not uncommon for applications to take several months or even years to be processed, and couples should be prepared for delays and setbacks. However, with the right preparation and documentation, couples can increase their chances of a successful application.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of a Green Card. The Trump administration’s focus on rooting out suspected marriage fraud has added an extra layer of complexity to the Green Card process, and couples must now demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and meets the requirements set out by immigration officials. By understanding the new requirements and being prepared, couples can increase their chances of a successful Green Card application and build a life together in the United States.
About the Author
