Marriage Green Card After Deportation Threat: Vihaan’s Story
Disclaimer: The client’s name and case details may have been altered to preserve identity. This success story is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique.
Marriage-Based Green Card Success Story After Deportation Threat
In 2015, the Margaret W. Wong team in New York began working with Vihaan, a man from India in his mid-thirties who fled his homeland in 2001 due to human rights activism. He arrived in the U.S. without papers and surrendered to ICE at the airport. After months in detention, Vihaan was paroled as an “arriving alien,” meaning he could enter without being officially admitted.
Removal proceedings were initiated, but Vihaan fought back by filing for asylum and appealing after his case was denied. For years, he complied with ICE check-ins and endured constant uncertainty.
Challenges in Filing for Marriage-Based Green Card
In 2014, Vihaan married Diya through an arranged marriage. Diya filed for a marriage-based green card, but the relationship quickly deteriorated. When Diya filed for divorce, she threatened to accuse Vihaan of fraud unless he withdrew his green card petition. Fearing deportation, Vihaan complied and withdrew the I-130 and I-485 applications.
Months later, Vihaan returned to our office with renewed hope. He had met Paola, a U.S. citizen, and they fell in love. After marrying, Vihaan asked if we could file for a marriage-based green card based on his new relationship. We explained the challenges, including scrutiny over his prior marriage, but Vihaan was determined.
Overcoming Deportation and Securing Residency
We filed a new package including I-130, I-485, and I-864 (Affidavit of Support). Paola, now expecting a child, demonstrated sufficient income thanks to her thriving business—boosted by Vihaan’s contributions.
In 2017, Vihaan faced another hurdle. ICE became more aggressive under the Trump administration, and Vihaan feared detention. We filed an I-246 (Stay of Removal) and accompanied him to ICE appointments, where he was ordered to wear an ankle bracelet. Soon after, Vihaan underwent knee surgery, making the bracelet painful to wear.
Just days before his USCIS interview, ICE threatened immediate deportation. Our legal team intervened, convincing ICE to wait for the interview outcome.
Why This Marriage-Based Green Card Success Story Matters
At the USCIS interview, Vihaan and Paola faced tough questions about his prior marriage and immigration history. Thanks to thorough preparation, they passed. Less than a week later, Vihaan was approved for a green card.
This marriage-based green card success story after deportation threat shows how persistence and legal expertise can overcome even the toughest challenges. If you or someone you know faces similar obstacles, feel free to contact us anytime for guidance and support. Our team is here whenever you need us.