Legal Question in Immigration Law in Washington

Emancipation & Citizenship.

My girlfriend moved to the U.S. (Washington) from Russia 3 years ago with her family. Her mother has been married, and divorced now. (But soon to be married again). She lives a hectic house life and would like to move in with me. Her mother and her mother's fiance are very supportive of this. She would like to be legal about it (file for emancipation, she is not 18 yet) but she is concerned that it will effect her chances of aquiring a green card, as she is a temporary citizen at the moment. Will an emancipation put her ability to get a green card at risk?

Thanks!


Asked on 9/07/05, 7:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Emancipation & Citizenship.

Emancipation could affect her status as she is currently here as a dependent of her mother and emancipation removes her from the status of dependent. There is nothing illegal about her moving in with you without being emancipated. That just means she needs her guardians consent which it sounds like she has. Emancipated or not, you could still be brought for statutory rape charges if that is the nature of your relationship.

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Answered on 9/07/05, 7:45 pm


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