Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The concept of marrying a US citizen to obtain a Green Card has long been a topic of discussion among immigrants seeking to live and work in the United States. For many years, it was believed that marrying an American citizen was a guaranteed way to secure a Green Card, which grants permanent residence in the US. However, according to Brad Bernstein, an American immigration attorney, this is no longer the case.
In recent years, the Trump administration has implemented stricter immigration policies, which have resulted in a more thorough examination of marriage-based Green Card applications. Bernstein revealed that officials are now assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life, rather than just relying on the fact that a couple is legally married. This shift in approach has significant implications for couples who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage.
One of the key factors that officials are now considering 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 officials are looking for evidence that the marriage is real and not just a means to obtain a Green Card. In the past, it was not uncommon for couples to be granted a Green Card even if they did not live together, as long as they could provide documentation of their marriage. However, this is no longer the case.
The new approach to examining 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 individuals from exploiting the system, it has also resulted in increased scrutiny of legitimate couples who are seeking to build a life together in the US.
So, what does this mean for immigrants who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage? First and foremost, it is essential to understand that marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of securing a Green Card. Couples must be prepared to provide extensive documentation of their relationship, including proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and other evidence that demonstrates the legitimacy of their marriage.
In addition to providing documentation, couples must also be prepared to undergo a rigorous interview process. This may involve separate interviews with each partner, as well as a joint interview. The purpose of these interviews is to assess the legitimacy of the marriage and to determine whether the couple is genuinely committed to each other.
For couples who are already married and living apart, the new approach to examining marriage-based Green Card applications can be particularly challenging. In these cases, it is essential to provide extensive documentation of the reasons why the couple is living apart, such as work commitments or family obligations. Couples must also be prepared to demonstrate that they are still committed to each other and that their marriage is genuine.
In conclusion, the days of marrying a US citizen as a guaranteed way to secure a Green Card are behind us. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being examined more closely, and officials are assessing whether a marriage is genuine in daily life. Couples who are seeking to obtain a Green Card through marriage must be prepared to provide extensive documentation and undergo a rigorous interview process. While this new approach may be challenging for some couples, it is essential to understand the requirements and to be prepared to demonstrate the legitimacy of their marriage.
As the US immigration landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for immigrants to stay informed about the latest developments and to seek the advice of a qualified immigration attorney. By doing so, couples can navigate the complex process of obtaining a Green Card and build a successful life together in the US.
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