More affidavit of support questions

[Brandon&Re 1]

Hey VJers,

Back again asking about this form... I just have some simple statements and questions, as my parents are very concerned about being a co-sponsor for me. Is the I-134 legally binding? I know there is the law that was posted in another thread, I personally called 2 lawyers and they both said it was, are they wrong?. My parents also said that the lawyer they talked to said it was a contract. Well here is the deal, we would like my parents to co-sponsor for the first affidavit then we will go back to the US while I try to get a job (since I attend college online now, I was previously a student full time) and then when I can support her myself, do the I-864 affidavit.

My questions are can she be out of status in the US while I get a job to sponsor her by myself? Are my parents legally responsible for anything that happens to her until we get the I-864 filed? The lawyer my parents talked to said that since my dad is part-owner of his company the gov't could go after the company and any other part-owners, is this true? Also, say things didn't work so well after we get married and we end up divorcing, what happens with the affidavit, are my parents still held responsible? Also, if anything what could my parents be responsible for, I was told she can't receive welfare or food stamps, so what about hospital bills or pregnancy? What if something happens while she is here out of status?

Her interview is set for October 18th so we are trying to get things figured out as soon as possible. I know most of these questions are probably repeats and beating a dead horse, but I just want some proof.

Thank you all for your help,

Brandon & Renata

[Tye & Shirlei 0]

First of all I accidentally removed you as a friend......and secondly I hope you get some answers on this post as I wonder the same.

I believe the lawyers are correct in stating that an I-134 is a binding contract, I also believe if you are getting into a relationship with even the slightest thought it may end in divorce you should reconsider......

Tye

[Persepolis 5]

I also believe if you are getting into a relationship with even the slightest thought it may end in divorce you should reconsider......

Tye

That's like saying "If I build a house, it might be destroyed by a fire.....well then I guess I shouldn't build the house"

I disagree so hard with that. A lot of people who "fall in love" are blinded by "love" and don't think rationally or think everything is storybook ending. Any rational person should not only think about "what if this ends in divorce", but also weigh their options if such thing were to occur. Especially with the legality of the I-134. It's not wrong to be a rational person who covers all the bases.

Edited September 16, 2011 by Persepolis

[Tye & Shirlei 0]

That's like saying "If I build a house, it might be destroyed by a fire.....well then I guess I shouldn't build the house"

I disagree so hard with that. A lot of people who "fall in love" are blinded by "love" and don't think rationally or think everything is storybook ending. Any rational person should not only think about "what if this ends in divorce", but also weigh their options if such thing were to occur. Especially with the legality of the I-134. It's not wrong to be a rational person who covers all the bases.

We all have our opinions, mine just happens to be different than yours. I have been through a divorce and know from experience that when you go into a marriage thinking "if it doesn't work out there's always divorce" your going to get a divorce....

I look at things spiritually now too, so I listen to Christ......

:-)

That's like saying "If I build a house, it might be destroyed by a fire.....well then I guess I shouldn't build the house"

I disagree so hard with that. A lot of people who "fall in love" are blinded by "love" and don't think rationally or think everything is storybook ending. Any rational person should not only think about "what if this ends in divorce", but also weigh their options if such thing were to occur. Especially with the legality of the I-134. It's not wrong to be a rational person who covers all the bases.

Nothing like a house!!!!!

[KayDeeCee 4,892]

The I-134 is not legally binding. Your parents do not have to worry. The government won't be suing them for anything. It is a contract, but they cannot enforce it in court. Besides, your fiancee is not eligible to receive any means tested benefits that would need to be paid back. The I-864 will replace it when you file for AOS, and that is the one that is legally binding and enforceable.