Understanding how divorce impacts your green card status is critical. If you’re in West Palm Beach, dealing with a divorce on a marriage-based green card, this guide has what you need to know. Discover how a West Palm Beach lawyer specializing in immigration is your biggest ally in protecting your legal status in the U.S.
What is a 2-Year Conditional Green Card?
If you’re an immigrant married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for less than two years, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a conditional green card. After two years, you should remove the conditions on your marriage-based green card 90 days before its expiration date by filing Form I-751 with your spouse.
That is the usual scenario if you want to transition from having a conditional green card to becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR). But if you’re planning to divorce, that may complicate the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident.
Looking for a Divorce Immigration Lawyer in West Palm Beach?
Inspira Immigration Law stands unmatched in West Palm Beach, Florida, in navigating divorce in immigration matters. Our firm is committed to achieving results in divorce-related immigration cases. We work relentlessly to protect your rights and secure your future.
At Inspira, you’re our priority. Trust our West Palm Beach divorce immigration lawyers to deliver strategy, precision, and confidence when you need it most.
How a Palm Beach Immigration Attorney Tackles Divorce
While completing a green card application, a divorce may impact your progress, depending on the phase you are in. Here are different ways an immigration lawyer in West Palm Beach tackles them:
1. Divorce Before Green Card Approval
If you and your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse submitted Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), but USCIS hasn’t approved it yet, a divorce immediately renders you ineligible for a green card.
Without a valid marriage, the petition cannot proceed. You’ll likely need to return to your home country unless other visa options apply. An immigration attorney in West Palm Beach can help you explore other green card pathways through family connections or employment immigration.
2. Divorce Before Removing Conditions on a Green Card
Divorcing before the two-year conditional period expires may complicate your application to adjust your status and become a lawful permanent resident. If your marriage ends, you must file it independently and sign a waiver of the joint filing requirement.
To successfully remove conditions in this scenario, you’ll need to provide compelling evidence that your marriage was legitimate:
- Joint financial documents (bank statements, mortgage, or rental agreements)
- Photos of you together at holidays, family gatherings, and events
- Letter of support (I-751 affidavit) from family or friends
- Other documents demonstrating your life as a married couple
An immigration lawyer in West Palm Beach can help you gather and organize your evidence to build a strong case.
3. Divorce After Receiving Your Green Card
Divorce will generally not affect your permanent resident status if you received a 10-year green card. However, issues may arise if you plan to apply for U.S. citizenship. USCIS may scrutinize the circumstances of your marriage and divorce.
A reputable West Palm Beach divorce immigration lawyer will act as your advocate if you plan to become a citizen of the United States in the future.
Palm Beach County – Divorce Green Card Attorney
Getting a divorce may halt your progress while completing a green card application. A skilled Palm Beach immigration attorney can help you in a divorce by:
- Presenting other visa options based on your circumstances.
- Filing waivers or supplemental documents to maintain your eligibility for a green card.
- Building a strong case with evidence of bona fide
- Ensuring your application complies with U.S. immigration laws to avoid unnecessary stress.
Filing for Divorce? Hire an Immigration Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL
If you’re filing for a divorce while applying for a green card, an experienced immigration attorney in West Palm Beach can handle your case to minimize risk and scrutiny from USCIS.
At Inspira Immigration Law, we advocate for those going through a divorce and work to preserve their green card status. Contact our team to consult an immigration attorney in West Palm Beach.