Trying to figure out immigration can sometimes feel like trying to solve a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like. Everyone’s story is different, and what worked for someone else might not work for you. That’s why so many people turn to online forums and groups, hoping to find answers or hear from someone who’s been through the same thing.
But honestly, the amount of info out there can get overwhelming—and confusing. And when it comes to legal stuff, one wrong step can slow things down or even cause bigger problems. So, having clear, trustworthy answers is really important.
That’s why every week, we gather the top immigration questions people are asking online and break down the answers. Whether you’re just starting out or already in the thick of it, these insights can help you understand what’s going on and what to do next.
Here are the top 5 questions for this week—and what you need to know.
#1. How do you notify USCIS that someone no longer lives at an address they previously used in their immigration paperwork?
If someone listed your address on their immigration forms—whether it was for asylum, parole, or other USCIS filings—and they no longer live there, it’s important to correct that information with USCIS.
Here’s what you can do:
Contact USCIS through multiple channels:
USCIS doesn’t have a specific form for reporting someone else’s address change, but you can try the following:
Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. When navigating the automated system, you can say “InfoPass” or “technical support” to try to reach a live agent.
Submit a letter to the USCIS field office or service center handling the person’s case (if you have that info), stating that the individual no longer resides at your address. Include as much identifying information as possible (e.g., their full name, A-number, and former address).
Ask them to use Form AR-11 (Change of Address):
If you are able to get in touch with the individual whose address is outdated, encourage them to update their address with USCIS by completing Form AR-11 (Change of Address) online or by mail.
File a letter with the local USCIS office (if possible):
You can draft a brief, factual letter stating the situation—clearly noting that the person used to reside at your address but moved out and no longer receives mail there. Include your contact information in case USCIS needs clarification.
Do not open USCIS mail not addressed to you:
It’s a federal offense to tamper with someone else’s mail. If mail continues to arrive for the individual, mark it as “Return to Sender – Not at This Address” and place it back in a USPS mailbox.
Ultimately, USCIS may continue using the last known address unless the applicant themselves updates their information. However, notifying them in writing can help document your efforts and may reduce the risk of confusion or legal complications tied to your address.
Have pressing immigration questions? Ask for free on Immigration Question and get reliable answers within hours. Connect directly with experienced attorneys who can guide you every step of the way—quick, easy, and trustworthy.
#2. Can I marry my girlfriend in the U.S. while she’s here on a tourist visa and then apply for a green card?
Here’s the issue: using a tourist visa with a preconceived intent to immigrate can be seen as visa fraud. The key is whether she truly came to the U.S. just to visit, or if the real purpose was to adjust status after marriage.
Waiting 90 days (the “90-day rule”) before marrying and applying for adjustment is safer—but not a guarantee of approval. USCIS will evaluate whether her intent at entry matches the purpose of her visa. If they determine the intent was to immigrate from the beginning, the green card may be denied.
A safer option is to file a K-1 fiancé visa while she is abroad. That process allows her to enter the U.S. with the clear intention to marry and apply for a green card.
#3. How can I help my brother-in-law get a green card if he’s an Argentine citizen currently living in Germany with Italian citizenship?
As a U.S. citizen, you cannot directly sponsor a brother-in-law. U.S. immigration law doesn’t allow sponsorship of siblings-in-law. Only spouses, children, parents, and siblings (not in-laws) qualify under the family-based categories.
If your spouse (his sibling) is also a U.S. citizen and above 21 years old, she could file an I-130 petition for her brother. But this is a long process—sometimes taking 15+ years for countries outside the immediate preference categories.
Alternatively, he may qualify for a green card through employment, an investor visa, asylum (if eligible), or a Diversity Visa Lottery (Italy and Argentina often qualify). Since he holds EU citizenship and lives in Germany, he might be less likely to qualify for asylum but could explore employment-based options.
Consulting an immigration attorney is the right move, especially if you’re open to exploring multiple pathways.
#4. Can an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. move to another country where they can live and work legally?
Leaving the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant is legally possible—but can carry serious consequences.
Here’s what to consider:
- Departure triggers reentry bans: If you have been unlawfully present in the U.S. for more than 180 days, leaving the country could trigger a 3- or 10-year bar on returning legally.
- Other countries have their own visa rules: There’s no automatic path to “start over” in another country. Each country has specific visa, asylum, or work permit requirements.
- Seeking asylum elsewhere: If safety is the concern, he might consider applying for asylum in another country—but international law requires asylum seekers to show genuine risk of harm in their home country. Simply being undocumented in the U.S. doesn’t guarantee protection elsewhere.
- Voluntary departure vs. deportation: Voluntarily leaving the U.S. is typically viewed more favorably than being deported, especially if the person might one day apply for a visa or waiver.
An experienced immigration attorney can help you assess whether leaving is wise—and whether any relief options exist before making that decision.
#5. Is it normal for N-400 cases filed at the same time to move at different speeds—and when should I contact USCIS?
Yes, it’s common for naturalization cases (Form N-400) filed at the same time—even at the same field office—to be processed at different speeds.
USCIS considers a variety of factors when scheduling interviews, including:
- Background check results
- Case complexity
- Staffing levels at your local office
- Random internal prioritization
If your biometrics were reused, but you haven’t received an interview notice—and others have—you may still be within normal processing times.
Delays don’t always mean something is wrong, but if it’s been more than 6–8 months with no movement, reaching out is reasonable.
Final Thoughts
Every immigration case is unique. What seems like a simple question—like updating an address or getting married on a tourist visa—can carry legal risks if handled the wrong way. That’s why getting personalized legal advice matters.
If you’re facing questions or uncertainties about your immigration journey, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance. You can visit Immigration Question to submit your questions for free and connect with experienced immigration attorneys who can help clarify your options and next steps.
Taking the time to get accurate information now can save you a lot of stress later.
