Legal Question in Immigration Law in Minnesota

I am considering co-sponsoring a polish woman who is in the US on an expired visa. I realize the I must sign an affidavit of support, however if in the meantime, she gets sick and needs medical care, I don't want to be sued for medical support. Is there a form that I can sign that will release me from that responsibility so that I will not be sued? This would also apply for other living expenses. I live in Minnesota. She lives in Michigan. This would be an agreement between her and me, not the US Government.


Asked on 3/31/14, 4:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marlene Hemmings Marlene Hemmings, Attorney at Law

The I-864 is a legally binding contract between the sponsor (or co-sponsor) and the U.S. Government. If you are a co-sponsor to an intending immigrant, then, once they are approved for their immigrant visa, you are jointly responsible (with the sponsor) to prospectively reimburse any government agency for any "means tested" benefit the immigrant might later obtain.

Your obligation only ends when the immigrant pays into social security for 40 quarters, naturalizes or dies.

As it appears that you already have trepidation about this, you might want to reconsider before you sign anything.

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Answered on 4/01/14, 8:27 am


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