Understanding the Risks of Sponsoring an Immigrant: A Comprehensive Guide - Tadeo & Silva Immigration Attorneys (2024)

FAQs

What are the negatives of sponsoring an immigrant? ›

An Affidavit of Support is legally enforceable. The sponsor's financial responsibility usually lasts until the applicant either becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (usually 10 years) under the Social Security Act.

The dark side of sponsorship occurs when the relationship is not working for either the sponsor or sponsee. It can be inflicted either by the sponsor, the sponsee or both of them.

If you want to withdraw your sponsorship of an immigrant who has not yet become a lawful permanent resident, you need to send a written request to USCIS. In the letter, you must explain your reasons for withdrawing your sponsorship and provide evidence to support your decision.

The sponsor is not responsible for any debts that the immigrant might incur. This includes all types of debt (credit card, medical, student loan, etc). Even if the immigrant is sued by a creditor or files bankruptcy, the sponsor will not be affected.

While sponsoring an immigrant doesn't mean you can't qualify for a mortgage, it can impact your overall financial situation depending on the level of financial support the immigrant requires.

When you sign the affidavit of support, you accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the sponsored immigrant(s), generally until they become U.S. citizens or are credited with 40 quarters of work.

The statute provides that the affidavit is legally enforceable against the sponsor in actions brought by either the sponsored immigrant or a federal, state, or “other entity.” In other words, the sponsored immigrant can sue the sponsor to enforce the maintenance agreement.

How many years of taxes do you need to sponsor an immigrant? ›

How Many Years of Tax Returns Are Required? For Form I-864, the U.S government requires proof of tax filing for the most recent filing year (typically the previous calendar year). Note that the the sponsor (and co-sponsor if any) has the option to provide tax filings from the past 3 years.

If your sponsor has sent in the sponsorship application, but it is not yet final or approved, you are also at risk of deportation. If your relationship breaks up before your application is finalized, your sponsor can withdraw the application and you will not be granted permanent residence.

If you do not meet the financial qualifications, the income of certain other household members can be added to your income level if they sign a contract on Form I-864A, Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, agreeing to make their income or assets available for the support of the relative ...

Disadvantages for sport

A performer can become reliant on a particular sponsor, which could then pull out. Some sponsorship (for example, alcohol) gives a bad image to sport. Generous sponsorship is only available to the elite few. Performers, teams and events can be manipulated or exploited to suit the sponsor.

All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18 years old, and be living in the United States (including territories and possessions) when they file the affidavit of support.