“You’re only as good as your evidence.” Problems with K-1 Fiancée and I-130 Spousal Immigration cases: why do they suspect a sham relationship?
It is not often that one’s life is turned upside down, but a K-1 or spousal visa refusal can be one of those times. Articles on this website about K-1 visa refusals and I-130 spousal visa refusals provide many of the reasons that factor into these denials. Substantial age difference; inability to speak each other’s language fluently; different cultures; previous visitor visa refusals reflecting “desperation;” only one or two meetings prior to filing the petition; “poison pen” letter from an ex or a close relative against the relationship; social media discrepancies. The list of reasons a consul or USCIS may suspect a sham relationship goes on. And with the Trump Administration cracking down on fiancée and marriage fraud, those getting caught in the “fraud net” are not only those in a sham relationship, but those in genuine relationships. The primary reason? A lack of preparation and evidence.
“Make it make sense” is one of the golden rules when preparing these I-129F fiancée and I-130 immediate relative petitions and the subsequent visa applications or I-485 adjustment of status applications. Often times I see a short statement from the US citizen and a couple of photos taken with his significant other, a plane ticket and a receipt for a ring as the only evidence of the relationship. Remember, the burden is on the beneficiary – the fiancée, the spouse – to prove eligibility, not the other way around. This is not a criminal case where the government has to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the relationship is bogus.
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