Sponsoring an immigrant in need of a new home can be rewarding and beneficial, but also very challenging. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before committing to taking on additional responsibility that affects your entire family. Many individuals opt to contact an Immigration Lawyer before making this decision. Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks associated with sponsoring an immigrant.
Understand Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor
It’s important to understand the legal and financial responsibilities associated with sponsoring an immigrant before signing on. As a sponsor, you are responsible for providing necessary support during the period of sponsorship (typically up to 10 years) as well as any additional costs incurred. The financial responsibility includes wherever possible, helping the immigrant find suitable employment, paying for language and cultural orientation, and supporting all other relevant needs of the sponsored immigrant.
Consider the Financial Aspects of Sponsorship
Before you decide to become a sponsor, realistically consider your financial capacity and potential budgeting difficulties. Understand that if the person requiring sponsorship cannot secure suitable employment, you as the sponsor are solely responsible for providing necessary financial support, including covering food and shelter costs.
Future U.S. Citizenship Status for the Immigrant
If you are a U.S. citizen and plan to sponsor an immigrant, you need to consider the consequences this could have on their future U.S. citizenship status. For example, in some cases, sponsored immigrants can face various limitations or restrictions while applying for U. S. permanent residency and/or naturalization processes due to past or ongoing sponsorship obligations – something those looking to sponsor should make sure they’re aware of before making the commitment.
Eligibility Requirements for Immigration Through Sponsorship
Before deciding to sponsor an immigrant, it is essential that you are aware of the eligibility requirements for him or her to change their immigration status. Depending on the time length and type of relationship with their sponsor, sponsored immigrants may have different options when applying for U.S. citizenship. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time and know all the steps to take in order to make sure that sponsored immigrant meets specific eligibility requirements when applying for a visa.
Resources & Assistance During the Process
As the sponsor, it’s important to make sure that you are prepared to provide for the sponsored individual’s housing, support and financial stability over a period of time. You should also be able to answer relevant questions regarding the specified attainment of residency status for those you sponsor. Moreover, at different points in the immigration process your sponsored immigrant will need assistance from local government or organizations; it is essential that you are either ready to assist them financially or direct them towards the appropriate resources.
