Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The concept of marrying a US citizen to obtain a Green Card has been a long-standing notion, with many individuals believing it to be a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency in the United States. 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, with officials carefully assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life.
Bernstein’s revelation highlights a significant shift in the way immigration officials approach marriage-based Green Card applications. In the past, marrying a US citizen was often seen as a straightforward route to obtaining a Green Card, with the assumption being that the marriage was genuine and the couple would live together as husband and wife. However, this is no longer the case, with immigration officials now taking a more nuanced approach to evaluating these applications.
One of the key factors that immigration officials are considering 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 immigration officials are looking for evidence that the marriage is genuine and that the couple is committed to living together as husband and wife.
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. The administration has introduced a range of measures aimed at reducing the number of people who are able to obtain Green Cards through marriage, including stricter requirements for proving the genuineness of a marriage.
For immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage, the new rules and regulations can be confusing and intimidating. Many are left wondering what they need to do to prove that their marriage is genuine and to increase their chances of a successful application.
To begin with, it is essential for couples to understand that immigration officials are looking for evidence of a genuine marriage. This can include documentation such as joint bank statements, utility bills, and rental agreements, as well as testimony from friends and family members who can attest to the couple’s relationship.
In addition to providing documentation, couples should also be prepared to answer questions about their relationship during the application process. Immigration officials may ask about the couple’s first meeting, their courtship, and their decision to get married. They may also ask about the couple’s daily life, including how they spend their time together and how they make decisions.
Couples who are living apart may face additional scrutiny, and should be prepared to provide explanations for why they are not living together. This can include documentation such as proof of employment or education commitments that require the couple to live in separate locations.
It is also essential for couples to understand that the application process can be lengthy and complex. It is not uncommon for marriage-based Green Card applications to take several months or even years to process, and couples should be prepared to wait.
In light of the new rules and regulations, it is more important than ever for immigrants to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help couples navigate the application process, ensure that they are providing the necessary documentation, and increase their chances of a successful application.
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 scrutinized more closely, with immigration officials looking for evidence of a genuine marriage. Couples who are legally married but live apart are at risk of rejection, and should be prepared to provide explanations and documentation to support their application. By understanding the new rules and regulations, and seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney, immigrants can increase their chances of a successful application and achieve their dream of living and working in the United States.
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