Grandparents abandoned in Philippines after GC Recvd

[Chetsky 5]

My wife was raised by her grandparents, but her aunt brought them to US to live with her in 2007 and returned them in 2009.. They were sent back to "finalize some property issues" in the Philippines and never helped to get back to the US. They are 78 and 79 years old and can not care for themselves. My wife has been caring for them since they returned and there is other family that can care for them when my wife gets her CR1 Visa. The family is not talking to the Aunt in US because of this. At their age they are content to stay at this point, however, my wife would be they best caregiver for them. I would like to offer to try and bring them here, but at this point I dont know what to do. I have a copy of the GC and it expires in 2017 but obviously there is an issue of being out of US so long. I really don't want to complicate our CR1 process at this point, but I do feel badly about there situation and would like to help. A related issue would be sponsorship. If they did come, what would I be responsible for. Would they have any medical care provided at their age in US, or would I be responsible for that. Thank you for any help you might have.

[kzielu 1,147]

Only choice you have is try to obtain SB-1 returning resident visa for the and prove they had not intended to abandon US residency. You likely will not be responsible for anything, but they will not have any medical care either - which will pretty costly to whoever will feel responsible for them.

[reese1 68]

They can not receive medicare as this would be considered as them becoming a charge to the state, so you would have to get them some sort of healthcare coverage that you would be paying for.

Here is a link that gives some information about being out of the country with a green card. Best of luck to you.

http://www.immigrationunitedstates.org/products/reentry-permit.html

(you don't need to order anything because the instructions for this permit are on the uscis website)

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

If you can't retrieve their old status then the only future path is for your wife to file after she becomes a USC which would be 3 years to USC and a year after that for the petition or 4 + years from now. Many times you will find it cheaper to improve their status there by funding a caretaker than to bring them here.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Can US citizen petition for grandparents?

[Ontarkie 13,957]

~~~~Moved to General Immigration-Related Discussion, From IR-1/CR-1 Spouse Visas Process and Procedures.~~~~ As the OP is exploring options for returning GC holders to the US.

Computer errors I'm a bit late with the moving note.

[Boiler 43,702]

I strongly suggest you forget it, at that age any minimal medical costs incurred in the US would pay for a comfortable life style in PI.

Anything major would bankrupt everybody.

you may be able to buy insurance through your States High risk pool. But that does not cover everything and will not be cheap.

[akihon 129]

Can US citizen petition for grandparents?

No. A US citizen can petition for parents to come over, and then once the parents are citizens, they can petition for their parents .. the original US citizen's grandparents.

[Chetsky 5]

Thank you all for your reply, I have a lot to think about.

[ca_babe 129]

If they did come, what would I be responsible for.

Everything!

Would they have any medical care provided at their age in US, or would I be responsible for that.

You can get pcip insurance in Floria https://www.pcip.gov/#StateInformation for a maximum cost of $26,120 for both of them per year. This is only available until Dec. 31, 2013. When 2014 rolls in, cost of insurance will depend on the health insurance exchange offered by Obamacare. I'd hire 2 caregivers for them in Philippines if I were you. It'll cost you around $300 per month. My grandmother had a live in caregiver for her. She was able to stay in her home and have relatives visit her.