Marrying US citizen no longer guarantees a Green Card: Immigration attorney
The United States has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals from around the world seeking a better life. For many, marrying a US citizen has been a common path to obtaining a Green Card, which grants permanent residence in the country. However, according to Brad Bernstein, an American immigration attorney, this is no longer a guarantee. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications are being scrutinized more closely, and officials are taking a harder look at whether a marriage is genuine in daily life.
In recent years, the US immigration system has undergone significant changes, with a heightened focus on ensuring that only legitimate relationships are granted Green Cards. This shift in policy has left many couples in a state of uncertainty, wondering if their marriage will be enough to secure a Green Card. Bernstein’s revelation highlights the importance of understanding the current immigration landscape and the factors that can impact the success of a marriage-based Green Card application.
One of the key areas of focus for immigration officials is assessing the genuineness of a marriage. This involves evaluating whether the couple’s relationship is based on love, trust, and mutual respect, or if it is simply a means to obtain a Green Card. To make this determination, officials may examine various aspects of the couple’s life together, including their living arrangements, financial situation, and social interactions.
Couples who are legally married but live apart are increasingly at risk of rejection, according to Bernstein. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as work commitments, family obligations, or simply personal preference. However, immigration officials may view separate living arrangements as a red flag, suggesting that the marriage is not genuine or that the couple is not truly committed to each other.
So, what can couples do to demonstrate the legitimacy of their marriage and increase their chances of securing a Green Card? Bernstein recommends that couples take a proactive approach to documenting their relationship and gathering evidence to support their application. This can include:
- Keeping a record of correspondence, such as emails, letters, and text messages, to demonstrate communication and affection between the couple.
- Gathering proof of joint financial responsibilities, such as shared bank accounts, credit cards, and loans.
- Collecting evidence of social interactions, such as photos, witness statements, and social media posts, to show that the couple is integrated into each other’s lives.
- Providing documentation of joint living arrangements, such as a shared lease or mortgage, to demonstrate that the couple is committed to living together.
It is also essential for couples to be prepared for the interview process, which is a critical component of the Green Card application. During the interview, the couple will be asked questions about their relationship, including how they met, their wedding, and their daily life together. It is crucial that the couple’s stories align and that they are able to provide specific details about their relationship.
In addition to these steps, couples should also be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls that can derail their Green Card application. For example, if one partner has a criminal record or a history of immigration violations, it can negatively impact the application. Similarly, if the couple is found to have misrepresented their relationship or provided false information, it can lead to severe consequences, including deportation.
In conclusion, marrying a US citizen is no longer a guarantee of obtaining a Green Card. The Trump administration’s increased scrutiny of marriage-based Green Card applications means that couples must be prepared to demonstrate the legitimacy of their relationship and provide evidence to support their application. By understanding the current immigration landscape and taking a proactive approach to documenting their relationship, couples can increase their chances of securing a Green Card and building a life together in the United States.
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