Quote Quoting greenguy38
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What does an affidavit of support really mean beyond qualifying at some income level? Am I legally bound to pay her debts if she cannot pay it? What should I be aware of about an affidavit of support?
As far as my knowledge goes on the Affidavit of Support I-134 you have to show the US government is that the p[erson you are sponsoring is not going to become a problem for the US government. They do not want to pay them welfare, medical benefits and other services provided by the government. In any case, you are financially responsible for this person for 10 years if they have the GC or until they become a US citizen. Mostly this form is for the government benefits.

The form is I-134 http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-134.pdf
As the sponsor, you must show you have sufficient income and/or financial resources to assure that the alien you are sponsoring will not become a public charge while in theUnited States.

Joint and Several Liability Issues.
Sections 1621(e) of the Social Security Act andsubsection 5(i) of the Food Stamp Act also provide that an alien and his or her sponsor shall be jointly and severally liable to repay any SSI, TANF or Food Stamp benefits that are incorrectly paid because of mis-information provided by a sponsor or because of a sponsor's failure to provide information, except where the sponsor was without fault or where good cause existed.
Incorrect payments that are not repaid will be withheld from any subsequent payments for which the alien or sponsor are otherwise eligible under the Social Security Act or FoodStamp Act.