Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Government enforcement of affidavit of support
I've been asked by a friend to be his joint-sponsor and sign an affidavit of support, the I-864, so he can receive residency through his wife. They don't make enough money. I understand that by signing I could be sued by the government if my friend receives public assistance in the future. There's a good chance my friend will actually apply for public assistance because they have 3 kids. Has any of you attorneys ever heard of the government actually suing in civil courts for reimbursement of this? Or, as I'm thinking, they're too busy with other things to file these suits.

Thank you.

Asked on 4/10/03, 7:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Nora Milner Milner & Markee, LLP

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Re: Government enforcement of affidavit of support

Dear Sir: so far we have not heard of the govt sueing to enforce this issue, but you should not wander into this matter unless you are fully and completely prepared to undertake the liability. You don't want to be the "test case" do you? I strongly recommend that you receive a full acknowledgment and advisement of your responsibilities in this regard before you sign this affidavit. A qualified immigration attorney like ourselves can assist you with this.

Answered on 4/11/03, 12:54 pm

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