Our office received a telephone call today from someone who had been asked to sponsor the immigrant spouse of a U.S. citizen friend. Â The caller wanted to know what the legal responsibility of a sponsor is and how long it lasts.
The caller told me that he had co-sponsored a cousin, the cousin's spouse and their four children for green cards last year. Â He had completed an I-864 Affidavit of Support. Â But it appears that he did not understand the extent and length of his commitment to the sponsored immigrants.
For instance, he thought the commitment only lasted one year. Â He was surprised to learn that the commitment last for 40 quarters of work or roughly ten years, unless the sponsored immigrant obtains citizenship. Â The man also thought that he could not be held responsible if the immigrants obtained medical benefits from the government such as Medicaid or Medicare.
I directed this gentleman to our web site, specifically to our article on the legal responsibility of a sponsor. Â The article is here. Â Don't make the same mistakes as this gentleman. Â Find out the facts before you sponsor. Â If you have any questions, please give us a call on our toll-free number.
