On May 23, 2019, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens. This memorandum directs relevant federal agencies to update or issue procedures, guidance, and regulations to comply with current law and ensure that ineligible immigrants do not receive federal means-tested benefits.
To implement Trump’s latest memorandum, USCIS officers will now be required to remind individuals at their adjustment of status interviews of their sponsors’ responsibilities under current existing law and regulations.
USCIS officers must remind applicants and sponsors that the Affidavit of Support is a legal and enforceable contract between the sponsor and the federal government. The sponsor must be willing and able to financially support the intending immigrant as outlined by law and regulations. If the sponsored immigrant receives any federal means-tested public benefits, the sponsor will be expected to reimburse the benefits-granting agency for every dollar of benefits received by the immigrant.
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Over the next few months, federal agencies will develop and implement guidance on the presidential memorandum to make sure that agencies enforce these requirements. If you are an immigrant who has been contacted by USCIS or any other federal agency regarding reimbursement for any federal means-tested public benefits, you should consult with a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.
At Mathur Law Offices, we are committed to serving clients who need help resolving their immigration matters. We can review the details of your case and use our knowledge of the law to fight for you. Call (888) 867-5191 to request your consultation today!