Green Card Warning Issued to Married Couples

Newsweek -  Immigration attorneys are warning couples that living apart could jeopardize marriage-based green card applications, as the Trump administration increasingly scrutinizes the legitimacy of marriages.

"While all green card applications are now facing heightened scrutiny, cohabitation has always been one of the most important factors in proving that a marriage is bona fide. USCIS looks at living together as primary evidence of a valid marriage, and the agency does scrutinize couples living apart more closely," immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart told Newsweek.

"However, because it is sometimes necessary to live apart for work, education, or other reasons, couples should provide as much additional evidence of the need to live apart to explain their situation," Stewart said.

Brad Bernstein, an immigration attorney with Spar & Bernstein, highlighted the importance of cohabitation for couples seeking permanent residency.