Poverty levels going up

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

You said you currently both of you live in Seattle and that her income is too low. If you are here legally, and she applied an IR-1 for you, then you probably should have applied for a work permit at the same time which would have allowed you to work while waiting for the rest of the process. If indeed that was done, get a job so both your incomes can be used.

The only thing I agree with you is that the poverty threshold is a miningless tool. Different levels of income can support or not support a family. It all depends on how people plan to live within their means. Here in Texas, I have seen people support families with the mimimum wage. I have also seen people who make $150,000 a year struggle to support their families.

Otherewise there is nothing unconstitutional about a country wanting to make immigrants take care of their own and not become a public charge. It's their prerogative, even though the tool used is lopsided.

However, If someone earns what the same US government has set as a mimimum wage, therefore a living wage should be enough for immigration. What is discriminatory is that the US sets the minimum wage to be what they consider to be a living wage to its own citizens, yet the same standard is not applied to other would-be citizens. Why is the minimum wage good enough for some but not good enough for others?

Minimum wage has nothing to do with living wage. A person earning minimum wage is qualified for a lot of government welfare programs and that is what we are trying to avoid. Minimum wage is not enough to qualify for a family of 2.

That said, I have always believed there should be NO income requirements and simply disqualify ANY person either immigrating or sponsoring an immigrant from receiving ANY welfare benefits. Job done.

[alizon 77]

That said, I have always believed there should be NO income requirements and simply disqualify ANY person either immigrating or sponsoring an immigrant from receiving ANY welfare benefits. Job done.

Under most circumstances, I think having the income requirement is more humane than not. Imagine some poor soul thinking they could make it in the US on a few thousand a year, then not having access to any government benefits, and also not being able to fund a return home. And if that person was bringing children too? It's better not to let them immigrate in the first place. They would be screwing themselves.

Edited March 1, 2012 by alizon

[GandK 168]

I agree, 125% income above poverty level is not that much. If you can't even meet that, you would be struggling to survive in the US. Maybe moving to other country where the living costs is lower and where you have family to support you is better for the future.