Q: Am I still responsible for my step daughter I sponsored to obtain her resident card?
If I sponsored my step daughter to come from Guatemala to come live with me and she is now 21, living on her own and is financially independent, does the sponsor application of being responsible for her for 10 years remain in effect or am I no longer responsible for her? She has moved out of my house and is working in another state with other relatives and no longer maintains contact with me.
A:
Yes, you are still legally responsible under the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) that you signed when sponsoring your stepdaughter, regardless of her current age, living situation, or financial independence. This obligation typically continues for 10 years from the date she became a lawful permanent resident or until she becomes a U.S. citizen, whichever comes first.
Your financial responsibility means that if she receives certain means-tested public benefits, the government can seek reimbursement from you. This obligation remains in effect even though she has moved to another state and no longer maintains contact with you. The contract you signed with the U.S. government is legally binding and cannot be terminated simply because your relationship has changed or she is now self-sufficient.
To protect yourself, you should keep detailed records of when she obtained her permanent residency, as this will help you track when your obligation ends. You might also want to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the full scope of your continuing responsibilities and any potential options available to you. Remember that while this situation might feel frustrating, it's important to maintain documentation of all communications and changes in circumstances.
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