How Divorce Affects Your Immigration Status?

How Divorce Affects Your Immigration Status?



Understanding Conditional Residency

Going through a divorce or separation as an immigrant in the United States can provide several challenges, including your immigration status. Unfortunately, this may mean that your relationship could significantly impact your ability to stay in the United States. But how?

Someone who is lawfully in the United States through a marriage visa and has been married for less than two years is often considered a “conditional permanent resident.” Under this classification, the immigrant receives a green card that is valid for only two years instead of ten. Although they can petition for removal of these conditions with a Form I-751 within 90 days of the green card expiration date, getting divorced within this timeframe could indicate that there was wrongdoing and affect your ability to file.

Why is Immigration Status Affected?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes fraud cases very seriously and works diligently to ensure that immigrant couples understand the requirements when going through the process. Although a divorce may not seem like a clear indicator of any wrongdoing in terms of marriage fraud, it does have the potential to raise red flags.

However, this does not always mean that the spouse whose residency is dependent on the other will have to be deported. In cases where a divorce or separation occurs, the immigrant spouse can choose to file a waiver with the Form I-751 that allows them to file separately. In doing so, however, additional evidence may need to be obtained to prove that the marriage was “bona fide” or done in good faith.

These cases can be lengthy and complicated if you aren’t familiar with the process or prepared with the paperwork. And since the conditional green card has a shorter expiration date, time is of the essence. For your best chance at having a successful case, contact an experienced immigration attorney today.

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frequently asked questions

Our firm is built on compassion. We are ready to help.
What Is The Immigration Law?

United States immigration law determines who is eligible to come into the U.S., how long they can stay, the rules and procedures for becoming a citizen, etc. In addition, U.S. immigration law dictates the consequences of visa overstays, what happens when a foreign national commits a crime, and detention and removal proceedings.
The U.S. Congress has the authority to legislate all immigration areas.

The mainstay of immigration law lies in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). But, there are countless other pieces of legislation that affect immigration law. The agencies charged with administration and enforcement include ICE, USCIS, and CPP. All of these are under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security.

How Does Family-Based Immigration Work?

Family-based immigration must involve either a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, also called a green card holder.

Citizens and permanent residents have the right to sponsor a foreign citizen family member to lawfully immigrate to the United States.

Although immigration law magnanimously allows for family members to be united in America, it does not make it an easy process. Depending on the type of relation, this process can range in duration and difficulty, which is why legal assistance from the experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal team at Richard Kolomejec is essential to a successful outcome.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Family-Based Immigrant Visa?

This depends on the category to which you are applying. In the Immediate Relative (IR) category, there are an unlimited number of visas available. This means that processing can begin immediately upon approval of the initial petition.

From start to finish, IR visas typically take from six to nine months or longer, depending on the circumstances. In the Family Preference category, there are annual numerical limits, and applicants may have to wait several years for a visa to become available.

Who Is Eligible To Sponsor A Family-Based Visa Petition?

Sponsors must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who are at least 21 years of age or older. Sponsors must also have domicile in the United States or a U.S. territory. If a sponsor lives abroad, they must show proof that their residence abroad is temporary, and their permanent domicile is in the U.S. Sponsors must prove their family relationship with the applicant/beneficiary and meet certain financial requirements as well.

What Is The Difference Between Citizenship And Naturalization?

There are two general types of U.S. citizens: citizens by birth and naturalized citizens. Those who were born in the United States and born to U.S. citizens abroad receive automatic citizenship. All others obtain citizenship through what is known as the naturalization process. In general, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can apply for naturalization if they have maintained continuous residence in the U.S. for three or five years, depending on the circumstances.

Does The New Immigration Law Affect Green Card Holders?

The new immigration law that was recently passed does not affect green card holders. Green card holders are still able to live and work in the United States legally. However, there are a few changes that green card holders should be aware of.

Additionally, the new law makes it more difficult for green card holders to bring family members to the United States. Overall, however, green card holders are not significantly affected by the new immigration law.

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