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 determining the legitimacy of a marriage.
In the past, marrying a US citizen was often seen as a straightforward way to gain permanent residency in the United States. However, with the changing landscape of immigration policies, this is no longer a guarantee. Bernstein warns that 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 build a life in the United States with their American spouse.
The process of obtaining a Green Card through marriage involves a rigorous application and interview process. Couples must provide extensive documentation, including proof of marriage, financial records, and evidence of a bona fide relationship. However, under the current administration, officials are taking a closer look at the daily lives of couples to assess whether their marriage is genuine.
This means that couples who are married but do not live together, or who do not have a strong emotional and financial connection, may be viewed with skepticism by immigration officials. Bernstein notes that this can be a challenge for couples who are in a legitimate marriage but have circumstances that prevent them from living together, such as work or family obligations.
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. While the intention behind this effort is to prevent sham marriages and other forms of immigration abuse, it also has the potential to impact legitimate couples who are seeking to build a life together in the United States.
For immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage, it is essential to understand the changing landscape of immigration policies and to be prepared for the application and interview process. This includes gathering extensive documentation, preparing for interviews with immigration officials, and being aware of the potential risks and challenges that may arise.
In addition to the documentation and interview process, couples must also be prepared to demonstrate the legitimacy of their marriage. This can involve providing evidence of a shared life, such as joint bank accounts, utility bills, and other documentation that shows a strong emotional and financial connection.
The shift in approach to marriage-based Green Card applications has significant implications for immigrants who are seeking to build a life in the United States with their American spouse. While marrying a US citizen is still a viable pathway to obtaining a Green Card, it is no longer a guarantee. Couples must be prepared to navigate a complex and often challenging application and interview process, and to demonstrate the legitimacy of their marriage in order to succeed.
In conclusion, the days of marrying a US citizen as a guaranteed pathway to obtaining a Green Card are behind us. 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 legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection, and immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage must be prepared to navigate a complex and often challenging application and interview process.
As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for immigrants to stay informed and to seek the advice of experienced immigration attorneys. By understanding the changing policies and procedures, couples can better navigate the application and interview process, and increase their chances of success.
In the end, obtaining a Green Card through marriage requires a deep understanding of the immigration process, as well as a commitment to demonstrating the legitimacy of a marriage. While the process may be challenging, it is still a viable pathway to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. With the right guidance and preparation, couples can overcome the obstacles and build a life together in the United States.
About the Author
