Jesup, GA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Your mother does not have to live with you in order to be sponsored by you for a green card. You have to file Forms I-130, I-864, I-485, and G-325A (one for yourself and one for your mother). All forms and instructions are at uscis.gov/forms. Read the instructions and follow them *very* carefully: the success of your application depends on it. Good luck!

Although not clear from your question, it sounds like you are contemplating filing a Form N-400 Petition for Naturalization and you seek information about court-certified arrest disposition documents in that context. Generally if a court no longer has records of an arrest, the USCIS will accept an originally signed letter from the court's custodian of records (usually the Court Clerk) confirming that no records exist for the identified arrests and stating the reason no records exist (for example: "The court's record for the above-referenced matter were destroyed in compliance with this court's document retention policy for non-felony arrests more than X years ago.") Beyond documentation of the arrests is a need to assess the immigration-related ramifications/consequences for the arrest, since some convictions can result in denial of an application or even more harsh consequences. Especially since you are less than fully familiar with the regulations and processes involved in the application steps, it would be wise for you to work with an immigration attorney.

The Affidavit of Support form requires that the sponsoring U.S. citizen identify his/her own income, and if that income is not sufficient to meet the I-864p poverty guidelines for the applicable family size, then it may be necessary to have a joint sponsor. The joint sponsor generally may be any adult U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident who has sufficient documentable income and who is willing to assume the responsibilities contemplated in the Affidavit of Support. This is an example of just one of the details in the application process that can be significantly more complex than it first may appear to be. Errors or inadequate supporting documents can create significant delays or even more harsh consequences. It would be wise for you, your mother (and, perhaps, your husband) to consult with an immigration attorney who, after learning all of the relevant details, would be able to advise your family about eligibilities, options and strategies and could offer legal representation in the application process.