A Sponsor's Guide to the I-864.
A Sponsor's Guide to the I-864.
I have successfully represented clients for more than 39 years. My case load is limited so that I have the time to meet with you personally. Your telephone calls will be promptly answered by me or I will call you back personall. Your file will be prepared by me. I will attend your court hearing or trial. Your emails and texts will be responded to by me. You will not be sent to a a paralegal or assistant.
The I-864 Affidavit of Support
The Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a central document in family-based immigration and employment-based green card cases. It should be understood as an offer from the U.S. government: the government offers to admit the intending immigrant as a lawful permanent resident if a qualified sponsor agrees to accept financial responsibility.
By signing the I-864, the sponsor accepts that offer and agrees to demonstrate the ability to support the immigrant—typically by showing sufficient income on a federal tax return or adequate assets—to maintain the immigrant at no less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for the sponsor’s household size. The affidavit sets forth the essential terms of this obligation, including the sponsor’s duty to provide financial support and the immigrant’s right to enforce that support. The affidavit includes the terms of the contract should the government accept the affidavit and admit the intending immigrant into the U.S.
The I-864 Affidavit of Support can be revoked at any time before the intending immigrant is admitted into the United States as a lawful permanent resident. However, once the intending immigrant enters the United States as a lawful permanent resident, the I-864 is no longer merely an affidavit—it becomes a binding and enforceable contract. At that point, the sponsor’s obligation to maintain the immigrant at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is fixed, subject only to the limited termination provisions set forth in the statute and regulations.
The I-864 was implemented by Congress to prevent intending immigrants from becoming dependent on the American taxpayer, and to ensure that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who brings the immigrant to the United States accepts financial responsibility for that individual. Once the affidavit becomes a binding contract, it is important to keep this congressional intent in mind. The purpose of the I-864 is to ensure that the sponsored immigrant is maintained at a minimum income level of 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, consistent with the sponsor’s agreed obligation under federal immigration law.
Why Team with Mulder Law
-
Commitment
The Mulder Law commitment is to follow through with intention and focus. My commitment to my clients is to follow through with a purpose and a plan of action. I will listen to you in defining your purpose and we will build a plan together. The purpose and plan will be put in writing.
I will answer or promptly return your phone calls,
I will meet with you personally,
I will appear personally at your interviews and hearings.
-
Experience
There is no substitute for experience. Think of a weight lifter; the more the weight lifter works out the stronger s/he becomes and the more weight s/he is able to lift. It is the same with the practice of immigration law; the more practice the more knowledgeable and skilled the attorney becomes.
I have over 34 years experience and focus on immigration cases that require a waiver. I have developed a skill at identifying purpose, developing a plan, and implementing the plan.
-
Passion
I have been practicing law for more than 34 years. At this stage in my career I have narrowed my practice and I am selective in the clients I choose to team with. My practice is narrowed to Immigration cases that require a waiver. If I choose to team with you, your case is my case and your victory is my victory. I will be with you all the way.
If I can not represent you with passion, I will not take you as a client.
Testimonials
