Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The notion that marrying a US citizen is a straightforward path 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 determining the legitimacy of a marriage.
In the past, marrying a US citizen was often seen as a guaranteed way to obtain a Green Card, which grants permanent residence in the United States. However, with the changing immigration landscape, this is no longer a certainty. Bernstein notes that officials are now assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life, and couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection.
This shift in approach has significant implications for immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage. It is no longer enough to simply be married to a US citizen; couples must now demonstrate that their marriage is real and that they intend to live together as husband and wife. This can be a challenging and daunting process, especially for couples who are not familiar with the intricacies of US immigration law.
One of the key factors that officials consider when evaluating a marriage-based Green Card application is the couple’s living arrangements. If a couple is married but lives apart, it can raise red flags and suggest that the marriage is not genuine. This can be particularly problematic for couples who are in a long-distance relationship or who have other obligations that prevent them from living together.
In addition to living arrangements, officials also consider other factors such as the couple’s financial situation, their social media activity, and their communication with each other. Couples who are unable to demonstrate a strong, genuine relationship may find their Green Card application rejected. This can be a devastating outcome, especially for couples who have built their lives together and are counting on the Green Card to secure their future in the United States.
So, what can couples do to increase their chances of a successful Green Card application? According to Bernstein, it is essential to demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship. This can involve providing evidence of regular communication, joint financial accounts, and a shared living space. Couples should also be prepared to provide detailed information about their relationship, including how they met, how their relationship evolved, and their plans for the future.
It is also crucial for couples to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help guide them through the complex and often confusing process of applying for a Green Card, and can provide valuable advice on how to demonstrate the legitimacy of their marriage. With the right guidance and support, couples can navigate the challenges of the Green Card application process and increase their chances of a successful outcome.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of 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 determining the legitimacy of a marriage. Couples who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship, and must be prepared to provide evidence of their commitment to each other. With the right advice and support, couples can navigate the challenges of the Green Card application process and build a secure future together in the United States.
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