Understanding Green Card Through Marriage: A Comprehensive Guide
Definition & Meaning
A Green Card through marriage refers to the process by which a foreign-born individual can obtain permanent residency in the United States by marrying a U.S. citizen. This pathway is significant because spouses of U.S. citizens are classified as "immediate relatives," which means there are no numerical limits on the number of Green Cards available to them. As a result, foreign nationals who marry U.S. citizens can apply for a Green Card without facing the usual visa caps that apply to other categories.
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in immigration law, which governs the process of obtaining residency and citizenship in the United States. The Green Card process through marriage involves several steps, including filing forms, attending interviews, and providing documentation to prove the legitimacy of the marriage. Users can manage some of these processes independently with the help of legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are designed to assist in completing necessary paperwork.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A U.S. citizen marries a foreign national in a ceremony that is legally recognized in their state. They apply for a Green Card, providing evidence of their marriage and relationship, and successfully obtain permanent residency.
Example 2: A couple marries, but the marriage is found to be fraudulent, aimed solely at obtaining a Green Card. In this case, the foreign spouse may face deportation. (hypothetical example)