Help! Which steps should we take?

[lalaknight]

Here's my dilemma. My husband and I have been married since April, we are expecting our first child in Nov. He's here on a H2B visa with a horrible company so we need to get his citizenship fast, at least his work permit. One of our problems is the whole time he's been here he he hasn't lived with me. Because his job keeps him on the road. I am actually living with my parent's until he comes back to Dallas. None of the bills are in our name because we don't pay any. My phone bill is in my name and he's on it. But the bank account isn't in both of our names because we haven't had a opportunity in which both of us can go into the bank at the same time. Another problem we have is showing I am above the the poverty level. Last year was unemployed half the year so I didn't make that much money. My W-2s show that I am below the poverty level even though I live at home with my family and we're doing fine. I cant use either of my parents tax info because they didn't file income tax. We were going to get a lawyer but we can't afford it with a new baby on the way and the job he's here working pays crap (by American standards) so I'm trying to figure out will we have a good chance in getting approved for permanent residency or a green card with these problems? Even though we are married, deeply in love and we're expecting our first child. Should we hire a lawyer or wait until the baby's born to apply?

 

[Jackolantern]

He's here on a H2B visa with a horrible company so we need to get his citizenship fast, at least his work permit.

You mean you need to get his green card fast. Green card is NOT citizenship, it does not grant the right to vote or other privileges of citizenship. Be very careful about that distinction.

The baby will make it easy for him to get approved. Bring whatever you have like the phone bills, show the baby's birth certificate (or medical records of the pregnancy*, if you're still pregnant at the interview), explain the situation with his job taking him all over the place, and you should be OK.

You'll need a joint sponsor if his or your income isn't enough and you don't have enough assets to make up the shortfall. Your current income level is more important than last year's income, so your unemployment last year won't hurt as much as you think.

But the bank account isn't in both of our names because we haven't had a opportunity in which both of us can go into the bank at the same time.

Try to work out something with the bank, where one of you initiates the joining of an existing account by requesting that your spouse gets added to the account. Give the bank a copy of your spouse's ID, tell them your spouse's SSN, show your marriage certificate, and another day the bank will officially complete the addition when your spouse shows up in person and signs some paperwork. Or they may have some other procedure for adding a spouse without both being present, such as having the absent spouse sign a notarized form. One way or another there is a way to get both of you on one account without both showing up at the same time.


*It might be visually obvious that you're pregnant, but for your file they'll want documentation.

 

[lalaknight]

Thank you so much I was wondering if we would have to get a lawyer. Which we can't afford. I also am unemployed again as of 2 month's ago. I worked outside and the heat was getting to me 100 degree weather here in Dallas. Would I have to get a family member to sponsor us or could I get a friend?

 

[ananga73]

You seem to be very indecisive unless perhaps you have some extenuating information. Over 8 months ago, you were asking about filing for your hubby. Still not followed through yet?

 

[ananga73]

You can get anyone to sponsor you so far as they meet the requirements. What's the point in asking if you need to get a lawyer when you know you cannot afford one?

In any case many people file without a lawyer particularly if they have a clean case without complicating circumstances.

Thank you so much I was wondering if we would have to get a lawyer. Which we can't afford. I also am unemployed again as of 2 month's ago. I worked outside and the heat was getting to me 100 degree weather here in Dallas. Would I have to get a family member to sponsor us or could I get a friend?