How much do affidavits help as evidence, and are they worth it?

[xillini 71]

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

My small fee would not include all this, so that would be an up charge.

 

This is after all a subjective issue.

 

I am amused that you think USCIS would have the time or the inclination to track someone down. What would the issue be? They did not like my opinion?

Right of course practically speaking they don't have time to track someone down but with your ID and all private information (i.e birth date, your citizenship status or A number, as well as your address) you give written consent, or control, that USCIS may seek adversarial action such as subpoena to either USCIS office or even to the court if it's enough evidences that your testimony does not constitute truthful statement. 

 

If falsified information is discovered, it's no longer your control to refuse to cooperate with USCIS but upto USCIS'S discretion in other words. 

 

Of course it's very rare but you would give written consent under the penalty of perjury that will come into play against you, meaning that your testimony should better be truthful and correct, not some copy and paste from google or funky website. 

 

As a result this will hold a value than just someone signing without providing private information nor the statement of penalty of perjury. Moreover, since misrepresented immigration benefit is good reason not only to turn down but also prohibit one from further benefit, I'm sure no one would be interested in someone seeking for financial compensation to write falsified affidavit. 

[Boiler 43,396]

You are expressing an opinion not a fact hence the value, how many of us have been surprised by friends and family? 

[Hawksquill 151]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!  It looks like my suspicions are correct and affidavits would be more hassle than they're worth in our situation.  I do like the idea of getting power of attorney and living wills set up, so we might pursue that and submit it as evidence.  

[afrocraft 313]

On 5/30/2019 at 3:38 PM, cute_pretzel said:

I sent three. Two are from my husband's colleagues and one from our neighbor. 

 

At least two affidavits are required as listed in the I-751 filing instructions, under the initial evidence of relationship....

Required, or suggested? They're not required. I've never ever bothered with them; they're weak.

[cute_pretzel 49]

38 minutes ago, afrocraft said:

Required, or suggested? They're not required. I've never ever bothered with them; they're weak.

The original words from the USCIS i-751 instruction is under "What Initial Evidence Is Required?" and "The documents should include, but are not limited to, the following examples" on page 5-6. 

 

[afrocraft 313]

14 minutes ago, cute_pretzel said:

The original words from the USCIS i-751 instruction is under "What Initial Evidence Is Required?" and "The documents should include, but are not limited to, the following examples" on page 5-6. 

 

Ah. "Should" and "examples" are the important terms here. It's merely a suggestion. Contrast with the wording on submitting your green card:
 

Quote

You must file your petition with a copy of your permanent resident card or alien registration card, and a copy of the permanent resident or alien registration cards of your conditional resident children that you are including in your petition. Submit copies of both front and back sides of the card.

Or with the wording on the signature or fee:

 

Quote

Signature. Each petition must be properly signed and filed.

Filing Fee. Each petition must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.