State: California
Hello,
Here is my situation:
- I am a US citizen.
- Two years ago I married a Mexican citizen. She obtained her temporary green card through marriage and she should soon become a permanent resident (as soon as she sends the form to remove temporary residency status).
- We have a 2 year old son, born in the US.
- A few months ago, I reached the conclusion that our marriage is a total failure and will never work. I will spare you the details and I will not change my mind. So we have both agreed to get a divorce.
- My wife has 2 kids of her own that still live in Mexico with their grandmother. Both kids are teenagers, unmarried and are Mexican citizens without a tourist visa for the US.
My wife wants me to petition for both of her kids and bring them here in the US before we divorce.
I think that would be the least I could do for her. What bothers me in doing that is that if I do petition for them, I would become financially responsible for them (since I would have to sign an affidavit of support) in the event their Mom can not provide for them. My wife has a low paid job and it would be extremely hard for her not to fall under Poverty Guideline with 2 kids living with her in California.
She promised to me that if I bring her kids to the US, she would never bother me or ask for any help once we are legally divorced.
Is there any way I can help her bring her kids here without being responsible financially for them for the rest of my life (or until they become US citizens themselves which could take years)?
What advise do you have for me in such a situation? What can I do to protect myself? For me to bring her kids here would be a nice gesture but I could potentially have a lot to lose by doing so.
The terms of our divorce will most likely depend on how I address this issue. In other words, if I decline to petition for her kids, she will fight in court all the way.
Thanks for your help!
Brian, San Diego, CA

