Noobie

[UncleBeer 244]

I'm an American citizen, and have just started this immigration process, trying to bring my foreign wife and 2 kids back to the States after many years living in Europe. My job here has been cut back, causing me to consider pursuing a doctorate at a university in the US. I'm *stunned* to learn of the I-864 income requirements! Either $30k in income, or $150k stashed away somewhere. Obviously as a student, I won't have that kind of income to report.

Philosophical rant: what the hell has happened to the US that they now make it so difficult for honest citizens to repatriate??? Seriously: current policy would make it much more attractive to just ford the Rio Grande.

[Hypnos 6,578]

It's $90k in assets, not $150k.

Edited January 18, 2014 by Hypnos

[UncleBeer 244]

It's $90k in assets, not $150k.

The total net value of assets, less liens and liabilities against them, must equal five times the difference between the sponsor's income and 125% of the poverty level for the household size.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/support/i-864-frequently-asked-questions.html#6

[Hypnos 6,578]

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf :

[UncleBeer 244]

Thanks hypnos. What a shame the US gubmint gives out conflicting instructions depending on which of their fine websites you visit.

And the 3x or 5x difference doesn't really alter the nature of my 'philosophical rant'. Why is INS setting such a high bar for righteous repatriation, while the current administration is actively encouraging illegal immigration?

[bigdog 376]

The government does not want them or you to be come wards of the state. What the administration wants and everyone else is a whole topic for discussion.

[Pitaya 2,577]

The government does not want them or you to be come wards of the state. What the administration wants and everyone else is a whole topic for discussion.

Agree.

Welcome to the forum.

[UncleBeer 244]

The government does not want them or you to be come wards of the state.

Hmmm: Do you imagine folks caught fording the Rio Grande are being asked for proof of $90,000 assets? Because current policy is that, barring "serious criminal record", deportation of illegals has been halted . I don't think it's unreasonable as a returning US citizen to expect equally deferential treatment.