Q: Can an International Student get Emancipation in the United States?
I am a 16 year old from Pakistan in the US under a student visa. I study at MIT and currently live on campus in Boston, MA. Can I get Emancipated as my home country Pakistan doesn't have defined laws for emancipation? I have a full time job and I also Invest in Stocks and Shares. I also want to know how can I proceed with the process and will I be able to get a green card, citizenship, driving license and have the same rights as other citizens this way?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
As a 16-year-old international student from Pakistan on a student visa, getting emancipated in the United States can be challenging. Emancipation laws vary by state, and in Massachusetts, where you are studying at MIT, minors can petition for emancipation under certain conditions. You must demonstrate that you are financially independent and capable of managing your own affairs, which includes having a stable income and a plan for living independently.
However, emancipation does not change your immigration status. Even if you are emancipated, you will still be on a student visa and will need to comply with the terms of that visa. Emancipation will not grant you a green card or U.S. citizenship. To change your immigration status, you would need to explore other visa options or apply for permanent residency through separate immigration processes, which often require sponsorship, a job offer, or family connections in the U.S.
Regarding obtaining a driver's license and other rights, as an emancipated minor, you may have the ability to apply for a Massachusetts driver's license and make certain legal decisions on your own. However, your rights and privileges will still be limited by your immigration status. To proceed with the emancipation process, you should consult with a legal advisor who can guide you through the specific requirements and help you understand the implications for your situation.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
