Worried, In need of advice.

[WonderingWonder]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a US citizen. A girlfriend of mine married and I am not 100% sure they are a real couple... She asked me to be their affidavit of support. Question is, if immigration says it's not a real marriage would I be responsible or in any legal trouble for being their affidavit of support? I'm not certain it's a f.a.k.e marriage but with a family to support I don't want to get in trouble.

Thanks guys.

[yeahbuddy]

Does she want you to be a financial sponsor (https://www.uscis.gov/i-864) or submit an affidavit sharing your personal knowledge of their relationship?

If it's the former, that's a big thing. Others here could advise on what that means.

If it's the latter, and I think that's what you mean, this is supporting evidence to show they have a bona fide marriage. I've heard that USCIS doesn't place too much importance on these (they prefer joint bank statements, lease agreements etc between the couple). This letter can simply be confirming that you have met her spouse on such a date, you've witnessed them together at certain events and you believe they are in a genuine relationship. If you really do have suspicions then you can say no. I think those affidavits hold more weight if they come from their parents/close family members, so you could suggest they do that instead?

[azblk]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a US citizen. A girlfriend of mine married and I am not 100% sure they are a real couple... She asked me to be their affidavit of support. Question is, if immigration says it's not a real marriage would I be responsible or in any legal trouble for being their affidavit of support? I'm not certain it's a f.a.k.e marriage but with a family to support I don't want to get in trouble.

Thanks guys.

Why do you think its a f.a.k.e marriage? How well do you know the couple? You can not get in trouble for completing a affidavit of support but if your friends marriage failed - the immigrant spouse could sue you for the terms of the i-864. Basically I wouldn't do it unless i knew them very well and completely trusted them.

[newacct]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a US citizen. A girlfriend of mine married and I am not 100% sure they are a real couple... She asked me to be their affidavit of support. Question is, if immigration says it's not a real marriage would I be responsible or in any legal trouble for being their affidavit of support? I'm not certain it's a f.a.k.e marriage but with a family to support I don't want to get in trouble.

Thanks guys.

The obligations of the Affidavit of Support only begin when the immigrant becomes a permanent resident. If their permanent residency is denied from the start, you never have any obligations. If they are granted permanent residency but later deported, your obligations would also terminate when they are deported.

[flyforever85]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a US citizen. A girlfriend of mine married and I am not 100% sure they are a real couple... She asked me to be their affidavit of support. Question is, if immigration says it's not a real marriage would I be responsible or in any legal trouble for being their affidavit of support? I'm not certain it's a f.a.k.e marriage but with a family to support I don't want to get in trouble.

Thanks guys.

If you were asked to file an I-864 and I were you, I would read CAREFULLY all the clauses of that form. You're not simply signing that in case of something tremendous you can pay for their food, you're signing a 10 years agreement wit the beneficiary to take care of her financially speaking if needed. And she can sue you if you won't do it.

[4EVER]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a US citizen. A girlfriend of mine married and I am not 100% sure they are a real couple... She asked me to be their affidavit of support. Question is, if immigration says it's not a real marriage would I be responsible or in any legal trouble for being their affidavit of support? I'm not certain it's a f.a.k.e marriage but with a family to support I don't want to get in trouble.

Thanks guys.

Ask her what kind of support affidavit she wants from you. There are 2:
1) USCIS Affidavit of Support or Form I-864, which is legally enforceable. You will be financially responsible for your friend, and if she encounters financial hardship she can sue you if you failed to support her. Details here: https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/affidavit-support
2) Third-Party Affidavit, which is a sworn statement by third parties (you) affirming that the marriage of your friend is real.

Since you sounded unsure and hesitant, better not do it, for your peace of mind. If you're not 100% in, you're better off out because immigration will mess with your sanity lol.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

If you were asked to file an I-864 and I were you, I would read CAREFULLY all the clauses of that form. You're not simply signing that in case of something tremendous you can pay for their food, you're signing a 10 years agreement wit the beneficiary to take care of her financially speaking if needed. And she can sue you if you won't do it.

Great point. It's worse, though. It's a 10 year commitment if they work every quarter for 10 years; i.e., 40 quarters. It becomes 20 years if the person only works every other quarter.
I believe the person can only sue you up to the 125% federal poverty line and the household size you sponsored. Sure, it's still money but it's not like they can demand royal treatment.
Now agencies can sue you if the person goes around collecting benefits. LOL, it's a mess.

[78600]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a US citizen. A girlfriend of mine married and I am not 100% sure they are a real couple... She asked me to be their affidavit of support. Question is, if immigration says it's not a real marriage would I be responsible or in any legal trouble for being their affidavit of support? I'm not certain it's a f.a.k.e marriage but with a family to support I don't want to get in trouble.

Thanks guys.

If i was you I would contact an immigration attorney