Matter of Soriano, 19 I&N Dec. 764 (BIA 1988): Visa Petitioner Must be Given Opportunity to Address Deficiency in Proof
Matter of Soriano: the BIA followed Matter of Laureano in holding a heavy burden of proof exists for petitioners where past marriage petition was a sham marriage
Matter of Song, 27 I&N Dec. 488 (BIA 2018): K1 AOS Applicant Must Have Affidavit of Support from Petitioner
In Matter of Song, the BIA held that a K1 adjustment applicant must submit an affidavit of support from the petitioner even if he/she divorced the petitioner.
Spousal Petition Approvable of State of Residence Gives Full Faith and Credit to Marriage (Matter of Da Silva)
Matter of Da Silva held that an uncle-niece marriage petition in New York was valid because NY recognized such marriages if performed out of state.
Spousal Petitions Involving Minors
The USCIS updated its policies regarding Marriage Involving Minor. Our article also addresses information for forced marriage victims.
Validity of Marriage for Immigration Depends on Laws Where Marriage Was Solemnized (Matter of P-)
In the Matter of P-, the Attorney General recognized that a marriage after an absentia divorce is valid if recognized as such in the jurisdiction it takes place.
Precedents on Rule that Family-Sponsored Petition Must be Approvable When Filed
This article includes a link to our article on Matter of Katigbak and how it applies in the family immigrant visa petition context.
Trump Memorandum on Sponsor Obligations
President Trump issued a memorandum on the enforcement of deeming and reimbursement requirements for sponsors of aliens under the immigration laws.
USCIS Discusses Sponsor Obligations
Acting Director Cuccinelli issued a statement for USCIS on new procedures being undertaken to notify sponsors of aliens and sponsored immigrants of requirements.
USCIS Enables Online Filing of the Form I-130
The USCIS enabled online filing of the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
EOIR Publishes “No Dark Courtrooms” Policy
The EOIR formalized a No Dark Courtrooms policy. It is designed to speed of processing cases at immigration courts.
