Kathmandu. In the United States, permanent residency, or a green card, is considered a major step toward citizenship. It allows immigrants to live and work in the U.S. permanently. However, green card holders do not have all the rights of U.S. citizens. This provides them with many important benefits. Therefore, the demand for this license is high.
Until now, marrying a U.S. citizen was considered the most reliable way to get a green card. But that won’t happen anymore. Immigration experts say that marrying a U.S. citizen no longer guarantees permanent residency. ’
Under U.S. law, a spouse of a U.S. citizen is considered a close relative. This makes them eligible to apply for a green card through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, immigration lawyers say that “qualification does not necessarily mean approval is required”. ’
“Just because you’re married doesn’t qualify for a green card,” immigration attorney Brad Bernstein was quoted as saying by News18. ’
According to Bernstein, marriage-based green card applications are now being scrutinized much closer, especially during the Donald Trump administration. “Officials are focusing less on the legal status of marriage and more on whether it is actually a real marriage,” he said. This includes suspending the diversity visa lottery. It used to grant visas to about 50,000 immigrants every year. ’
According to Bernstein, living together is now a decisive factor in getting a green card based on marriage. “You don’t get a green card just because you’re in a relationship, you can’t get a green card,” he said. Married but separated couples are at the highest risk of being rejected. ’
Bernstein said that if a couple does not live in the same house, their green card case may already be in jeopardy. “Immigration officers don’t listen to reasons like work, education, finances or separation benefits,” he said. If a couple does not live together in the same house, immigration officials will start questioning the marriage. Questioning means they do research, and when they do, they often find a way around it. — With the help of the agency
