The termination of a marriage to a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident can significantly affect an individual’s immigration status. An alien’s ability to obtain or maintain permanent residency based on that marital relationship faces considerable scrutiny and may be jeopardized.
The viability of an immigrant petition, the subsequent application for permanent residency, and the ultimate holding of a green card hinges on several factors, including the duration of the marriage, whether the applicant has already obtained conditional permanent residency, and whether the divorce occurred before or after the granting of permanent residency. Established immigration law emphasizes the bona fides of the marital relationship at its inception and throughout its duration.