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. In a recent revelation, Bernstein stated that marrying an American no longer guarantees a Green Card, citing the Trump administration’s increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications.
Under the current administration, immigration officials are taking a closer look at marriage-based Green Card applications to determine whether the marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining a Green Card. This shift in approach has left many couples, who are legally married but live apart, at risk of rejection. Bernstein emphasized that officials are assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life, taking into account factors such as cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and social integration.
The implications of this new approach are significant, particularly for couples who are in a genuine relationship but may not meet the traditional expectations of a married couple. For instance, couples who are married but live in separate countries due to work or education commitments may find it challenging to demonstrate the genuineness of their marriage. Similarly, couples who are married but do not have joint financial accounts or assets may also face increased scrutiny.
To navigate this complex landscape, it is essential for couples to understand the requirements and documentation needed to support a marriage-based Green Card application. According to Bernstein, couples must provide extensive documentation, including proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and social integration. This may include documents such as:
- Joint bank statements and tax returns
- Utility bills and lease agreements in both names
- Photos and social media evidence of the couple’s relationship
- Testimonies from friends and family members
In addition to providing documentation, couples must also be prepared to demonstrate the genuineness of their marriage during an interview with immigration officials. This may involve answering questions about their relationship, including how they met, their daily interactions, and their long-term plans. Couples who are unable to demonstrate the genuineness of their marriage may face rejection, even if they are legally married.
The Trump administration’s increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications is part of a broader effort to crack down on immigration fraud. While the intention behind this approach may be to prevent individuals from exploiting the system, it has significant implications for genuine couples who are seeking to build a life together in the United States.
For immigrants who are considering marrying a US citizen, it is essential to understand the risks and challenges involved. Bernstein advises couples to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the complex application process and ensure that they are adequately prepared to demonstrate the genuineness of their marriage.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card. The Trump administration’s increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications has created a complex and challenging landscape for couples who are seeking to build a life together in the United States. To navigate this landscape, couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and demonstrate the genuineness of their marriage. As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for couples to stay informed and seek the advice of experienced immigration attorneys to ensure the best possible outcome.
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