Form I-130 is the legal foundation of every marriage based green card case. When an I-130 petition is denied, the impact is often broader than couples expect. A denial can delay permanent residence, disrupt lawful status planning, and complicate future filings if the underlying issues are not properly understood and […]
Category: Family Based Immigration
Financial Eligibility and the Role of the Affidavit of Support In a marriage based green card petition, the Affidavit of Support is a legally binding requirement that often raises complex questions about financial eligibility and sponsorship structure. Petitioners frequently ask whether a joint sponsor is necessary and, if so, at […]
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Jan
2026
2026
What Is a Bona Fide Marriage? Understanding the Legal Standard for Marriage Based Green Cards
What Is a Bona Fide Marriage Under U.S. Immigration Law In U.S. immigration law, a bona fide marriage is a marriage entered into in good faith, with the genuine intent to establish a shared life together, rather than for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit. This concept lies at […]
Mr. Lehmann appeared visibly anxious throughout his consultation for his marriage based green card petition, seated beside his U.S. citizen spouse. On paper, most of things seemed in order. Their marriage was genuine. They were expecting their first child. Both had stable employment. There were no apparent red flags. As […]
For many conditional residents, escaping an abusive marriage can feel as daunting as packing up your household and moving on short notice. When your lawful status is tied to a relationship that has turned dangerous, it may seem like there is no safe path forward. Fortunately, Congress built a lifeline […]