Marriage-Based Green Card Success Story: From Mexico to U.S.
Please note: The client’s name and case details have been altered to preserve identity. This success story is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Background: Lorenzo and Vicki’s Journey
In 2021, we helped Lorenzo, a legal permanent resident of the United States, secure the same status for his wife, Vicki. They met in 2019 during Lorenzo’s vacation to his homeland of Mexico, where family members introduced them.
Securing Vicki’s Marriage-Based Green Card
Obtaining a green card for Vicki was straightforward. We filed all the paperwork in November 2019. Her interview, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, took place in October 2020, and she was approved for a Marriage-Based Green Card in January 2021.
One factor that helped Vicki during the interview was her strong bond with Lorenzo’s young daughter, Sarah. Vicki’s name appeared on Sarah’s school contact card alongside Lorenzo and his first wife, Crissy, showing her role as a second mother.
Lorenzo’s Previous Immigration Challenges
Interestingly, Crissy was involved in Lorenzo’s earlier case from 2015–2017 when we secured his green card based on marriage to her. That case was more complex because Lorenzo had four convictions from his teenage years in the 1990s. Our team had to track down dispositions for all of them.
The biggest challenge was that Lorenzo and his mother, Sofia, entered the U.S. without inspection in 1990. Initially, Lorenzo believed nothing had been done to adjust his status. However, we discovered that Sofia married a legal permanent resident in 1993, who filed an I-130 petition for her. Lorenzo, under 18 at the time, was grandfathered onto that petition, making him eligible for 245(i) relief under the LIFE Act of 2000.
Although Sofia passed away before obtaining her green card, the petition enabled Lorenzo to qualify for relief. Our team successfully obtained a marriage-based green card for him and later permanent residency.
A Happy Ending
After Lorenzo and Crissy amicably dissolved their marriage, Lorenzo found happiness with Vicki. Crissy, now remarried, and their daughter Sarah were thrilled for him—as was our team. If you or someone you know needs help obtaining a Marriage-Based Green Card, contact our team today.