Am I being stupid?

[RichB 0]

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

[Harpa Timsah 13,260]

Sort of. The I-864 is legally binding for years, until she has worked 40 quarters in the SSA system, or she becomes a citizen, or a number of other things.

This doesn't mean that you owe her money, or will be guilty for her crimes, or whatever you take "legally responsible" to mean.

It means if she gets means-tested government benefits, the government will make you pay that back.

[Dan & Jenni 457]

He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

why would that make you doubt your fiance's motivation??

[Inky 1,111]

When your married you are responsible to look after your wife for longer than 10 years because shes your wife! your supposed to take care of her. Your scared of being responsible already and talking about divorce, not even married yet.

You may want to reflect on this. Make sure you actually want to marry her.

[Jojo92122 1,925]

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

When you bring a foreign person to the US, you are responsible for making sure that person does not become a burden on your fellow taxpayers. To obtain a green card for your wife, you will need to sign the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864. The I-864 obligation is irrevocable after your wife gets her green card. It only ends under certain conditions. You can look them up at www.uscis.gov.

If you get divorce and the I-864 obligation is still enforceable, you would be responsible for reimbursing the US government for certain means tested benefits your ex-wife would receive. This is to protect your fellow taxpayers. If you bring her over, you can't cut your losses and put the burden of supporting her on the rest of your fellow taxpayers. You bring her over, then you are financially responsible.

[sachinky 465]

Take a long hard look at the I864. A lot of people don't.

[TBoneTX 47,531]

The answers that you've gotten are correct, but more information is needed if you want input into your opening sentences:

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws.

What are his credentials, specifically?

He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance.

What did you discuss with him that would cause him to have doubts about her motivation? There's a lot of fraud in Colombia.

If you wanted answers (which you've gotten) only about the "requirements of support," please let us know. The title of your thread suggests that there's more behind your inquiry, si man.

Edited August 28, 2011 by TBoneTX

[Anh map 2,098]

Read through the I-864 form and the sponsor's contract on the last pages. >>>> http://www.uscis.gov/i-864

Divorce does not end the obligation.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

There are a few other vulnerabilities you are exposing yourself to, other that just Federal Liability under the terms of the I-864. That will vary to some extend by jurisdiction. but certain states have been very generous with the sponsoring spouse's premarital assets once a marriage with an immigrant is dissolved, especially for spousal abuse.

If you are not sure, don't do it. If you even suspect in the back of your mind you could be scammed, do not get married.

[Ready to do it 101]

It's not "10 years." If she never gets her Citizenship, then it's 40 quarters of work making over the poverty level. So if she never works or doesn't make over the poverty level for at least 40 quarters you could be on the hook for life. My ex-wife just got her citizenship this year. We married 15 years ago. Granted, she was never a public charge, but she could have been. Accidents happen. Read the I-864 VERY WELL if you have even an inkling of a doubt. This I-864 can absolutely DESTROY a US Citizen financially for life. I have no idea why they even allow co-sponsors and I have no idea why a co-sponsor would be foolish enough to sponsor someone. Can you imagine a petitioner's parents co-sponsoring thinking they are doing the right thing for a family member, then a divorce occurs, then the beneficiary becomes a public charge year after year... or worse, is involved in an accident that financially destroys the petitioner and co-sponsors for life. And this is not something a bankruptcy can take care of. This debt will be owed to the US govt. Actually the beneficiary can sue the petitioner and/or co-sponsors as well.

Read it carefully. Any co-sponsor that signs it is an absolute sucker, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

[Leatherneck 693]

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

I would assume you know more about your fiancee than "a man that claims to know the immigration laws." His knowledge of immigration law probably is greater than his knowledge of your fiancee, unless he knows her personally. I would think you determined the motivation of your fiancee before you asked her to marry you, if you had any doubts you would've had them long before your conversation with that guy.

You can not change her motivation (if it is not genuine) nor can you avoid the I-864. Let your doubt be based on your experience and not that planted by others.

[souleymon 27]

words of the wise...be cautious

[kennym 275]

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

Rich.

There is a limited truth to his claim as others have explained,,

I am married to a Colombiana, what is it about his comments that make you doubt her intentions?

Does he know your fiancee?

The more important question is; Do you know your fiancee?

Only you can know the answers... Although, there are many factors playing into relationships, dont dismiss any behaivior, in terms of how she treats you, as "cultural diferences"..

Love and Emotions are pretty much universal, so go with your gut on this... Dont be played, and dont be paranoid either... I know it's not easy, but there are many people in the US who will make you doubt the intentions of someone they dont know, simply because All Aemricans beleive the only thing a foriegn fiancee wants is a greencard.. There is no doubt that exists, but I know it's not the only motiviating factor.. there are the genuine reasons for wanting to be with someone..

Do you know your fiancee well enough to believe her motives, or does you friend know her well enough to make you doubt her?

[Julie y Pat 67]

Does the sponsor get notice from USCIS when the terms of the I-864 expire? Say an LPR who is credited with 40 quarters, but never acquires citizenship, I guess it doesn't matter if they're still married to the sponsor or not.

[bigdog 377]

Today I was speaking with a man that claims to know the immigration laws. He has put doubts in my mind as the motivation of my Colombian Fiance. He told me that I am legally responsible for her for 10 years after she arrives here in the US under the K-1 visa and we marry. Even if we divorce.

If you have doubt don't, go visit her again, you will be obligated for 10 years.