Success Story by Gehi & Associates: Reuniting Love Across Borders

At Gehi & Associates , we aim to process even the most complex immigration challenges to help families come together. Today, we’re proud to share a remarkable journey of resilience, love, and legal ingenuity that brought a U.S. citizen and their spouse closer to building a life together in the United States.

Our clients were a U.S. citizen (USC) and their spouse, a citizen of the Dominican Republic. The couple faced a unique and challenging immigration situation. The Dominican spouse had previously held conditional lawful permanent resident (LPR) status through a prior marriage. However, after the marriage ended in divorce, the spouse returned to their home country.

Unfortunately, this return created a significant complication. The spouse's conditional LPR status was no longer valid, effectively barring them from reentering the United States. The couple, deeply committed to one another, sought to reunite and build a life together. They turned to us for assistance, hoping to find a way forward despite the legal and procedural barriers standing in their path.

This case was exceptionally complex due to the Dominican spouse’s immigration history. The loss of conditional LPR status meant that we had to start anew on immigration laws and policies to enable the spouse to gain legal immigrant status again. The process was further complicated by the lengthy and detailed documentation required to establish the validity of their current marriage, address the prior LPR status, and pave the way for consular processing abroad.

Our experienced legal team meticulously assessed the situation, identifying the best path forward. With a detailed strategy in place, we took the following steps:

Filing the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative The first step was to file the I-130 petition on behalf of the USC spouse. This critical petition establishes the bona fide nature of the marital relationship and demonstrates that the beneficiary is eligible for an immigrant visa.

We compiled extensive documentation, including joint financial records, photographs, correspondence, and affidavits from friends and family, to prove the couple's relationship's authenticity.

By presenting a strong case to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), we ensured that there was no room for doubt about the legitimacy of their marriage.

Securing I-130 Approval After a thorough review by USCIS, the I-130 petition was approved. This milestone validated the couple’s relationship and laid the groundwork for the next steps in the immigration process.

Initiating the I-824 Application for Immigrant Visa Processing Once the I-130 was approved, we filed the I-824 application. The I-824, also known as the Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, allowed us to transfer the approved I-130 petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) and ultimately to the U.S. consulate in the Dominican Republic for consular processing.

This step was essential to ensure that the spouse could apply for an immigrant visa from outside the United States.

We carefully monitored the application, addressing any potential issues that could cause delays or complications.

Managing the Waiting Period, The I-824 process is known for its lengthy processing times, which can test the patience of even the most resilient applicants. During this time, we remained in close contact with the couple, providing regular updates, answering their questions, and offering reassurance as they awaited the next milestone in their case.

After an extended waiting period, the I-824 application was approved. This approval marked a significant turning point for the couple, bringing them one step closer to reuniting in the United States and achieving their goal of permanent legal residency.

The joy and relief the couple experienced upon receiving the I-824 approval were palpable. They expressed deep gratitude for our unwavering support and dedication throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an I-130 petition, and why is it important?

The I-130 petition is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying relationship with a family member who seeks to immigrate to the U.S. In this case, it was the first step in proving the bona fide nature of the couple’s marriage and enabling the spouse to apply for an immigrant visa.

What role does the I-824 application play?

The I-824 application is used to request further action on an approved petition, such as transferring the case to a U.S. consulate for immigrant visa processing. It is particularly critical when the beneficiary is outside the United States and requires consular processing.

Why does the I-824 process take so long?

Processing times for the I-824 can be lengthy due to the high volume of applications, the thorough review process, and the involvement of multiple government agencies.

What challenges arose from the prior conditional LPR status?

The prior conditional LPR status and subsequent divorce complicated the spouse’s ability to reenter the U.S. These factors required careful legal understanding to ensure the spouse’s eligibility for a new immigrant visa.

What are the next steps for the couple?

With the I-824 approved, the case will move to consular processing. Once the immigrant visa is issued, the spouse can reenter the U.S. and proceed with applying for permanent legal residency.

This case exemplifies the perseverance, expertise, and attention to detail required to overcome immigration challenges. The couple’s success reflects our commitment to helping families in U.S. immigration law, no matter how daunting the situation may seem.

At Gehi & Associates , we are honored to have helped this couple on their journey toward reuniting and building a future together in the United States.?

If you or your loved ones face similar immigration hurdles, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey toward a brighter future with Free Consultation at www.gehilaw.com .

Disclaimer: This case study is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any legal case depends on specific facts and circumstances, and this case study does not guarantee success in any individual case. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this case study. Immigration laws can change, and information may not be up-to-date. Consult an experienced immigration attorney for personalized advice. Each immigration case is unique, and success depends on individual circumstances and applicable laws. Seek legal counsel before making any decisions related to immigration or deportation proceedings. Gehi & Associates disclaims liability for actions based on this information. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.