Poverty Lines Raise for Financial Sponsors of Immigrants
The recently published 2016 Poverty Guidelines have been slightly raised. The poverty guidelines are important to review if you are a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident hoping to sponsor or currently sponsoring a member of your family in order for them to get a green card.
In an effort to promote family unity, the USCIS allows U.S. citizens to petition for immediate relatives to live permanently in the United States. Family members who are eligible include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents if the citizen is over the age of 21. When a sponsor applies to sponsor a family member, they are required to fill out an Affidavit of Support form I-864 on the immigrant’s behalf. In order to qualify for sponsorship, the US citizen must possess an income large enough to support their current dependents and the future dependent immigrant. Your income must be 125% more than the U.S. Poverty line levels. If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, you income level must only be 100% over the poverty line to qualify. Additionally, if you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, income level is also 100%.
These guidelines are enacted to prevent the immigrant family member from having to rely on public assistance programs like welfare. You are obligated to provide financial assistance to the immigrant family member until:
- The new immigrant becomes a US Citizen
- They get a job
- Lose their lawful permanent residence and leave the U.S.
- Either party dies
Our New York Immigration Attorney Can Help
If you have a family member you wish to immigrate over to America, the process can be confusing and difficult. Contact our New York City immigration lawyer for a more information on the best strategy for immigrating a family member to the US through sponsorship. At Musa Obregon & Associates, we are a team of well-versed, multi-cultural legal advocates dedicated to bringing you and your family together. With over 75 years of combined experience, our knowledgeable team can provide you with a results -driven legal strategy.
Get a legal advocate today – Call us for a free consultation.