Every week, thousands of people search the internet for reliable immigration answers. Some of the questions asked online are urgent—about visas, green cards, unlawful presence, detention risks, and work permits. But, the information out there is often confusing or outdated. That’s why we’re breaking down the top 5 immigration questions people are asking online this week. We’ve tracked what’s trending across forums, search engines, and social platforms.
Whether you’re worried about overstaying a visa, unsure about your DACA renewal, or trying to understand work authorization rules, we’ve got you covered. Immigration law is complex and always changing, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark.
Here are the top 5 immigration questions people are asking this week—and what you need to know about them.
#1. Can a green card holder serve as a joint sponsor for a family- or marriage-based immigrant visa?
Yes, a green card holder (lawful permanent resident) can serve as a joint sponsor for a family- or marriage-based immigrant visa. To qualify as a joint sponsor, the individual must meet the same requirements as the primary sponsor, including being at least 18 years old, residing in the United States or a U.S. territory, and having an income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.
The joint sponsor must complete and sign Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the immigrant to prevent them from becoming a public charge.
#2. What’s the best way for a 21-year-old to move to the U.S. and work legally?
For a 21-year-old seeking to move to the U.S. and work legally, the best pathway depends on their qualifications and circumstances. Common options include obtaining a work visa such as the H-1B for specialty occupations if they have a relevant job offer and a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Alternatively, they might pursue student visas (F-1) with Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization to work temporarily after studies. Family sponsorship or marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident are routes to lawful immigration questions and permanent residency.
Another option is applying for an employment-based green card if eligible. Each path requires meeting specific criteria and following legal procedures. Finally, consulting an immigration questions attorney can help identify the most suitable route based on individual circumstances.
#3. Can USICS legally request birth certificates of an immigrant’s adult stepchildren during a green card review?
Yes, USCIS can legally request birth certificates and other relevant documentation during a green card review to verify family relationships, including those involving adult stepchildren, if such documents are pertinent to the case. In family-based immigration questions petitions, USCIS requires evidence to establish the qualifying relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
For stepchildren under 21, birth certificates and marriage certificates proving the stepparent’s marriage to the biological parent are standard. For adult stepchildren (over 21) who fall under family preference categories rather than immediate relatives, USCIS may still request birth certificates to confirm identity and relationship legitimacy. However, the request must be relevant and reasonable in the context of the petition or review.
#4. Can my spouse stay on an H-1B visa and work in a different state if I accept a G-4 visa job with an international agency?
Yes, your spouse can remain on an H-1B visa and work in a different state even if you accept a G-4 visa job with an international organization. The H-1B visa is employer- and location-specific, meaning your spouse’s employer must comply with USCIS requirements when there is a change in the work location.
In many cases, this involves filing an amended H-1B petition or providing a worksite notification to USCIS, depending on the nature of the move. However, your spouse’s H-1B status is independent of your visa status, so your acceptance of a G-4 visa does not affect your spouse’s ability to maintain their H-1B status or legally work in the U.S.
#5. Can I sponsor my spouse for a green card if they have a pending asylum case, and what proof of a real marriage should we prepare?
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse for a green card even if they have a pending asylum case, but the process can be complex. The spouse must be eligible for adjustment of status through family sponsorship, and the pending asylum case might affect the timing or require coordination between immigration processes.
To prove your marriage, you should prepare extensive evidence including joint financial documents (bank accounts, leases, insurance), photographs together over time, affidavits from friends and family attesting to the relationship, communication records, and any shared responsibilities or assets. This evidence helps prove the marriage is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re facing a complex immigration situation or have questions beyond what we covered here, you should speak with an experienced immigration attorney. Immigration law isn’t one-size-fits-all; each case has unique details that can affect your options. Visit Immigration Question to get answers from licensed immigration attorneys. Don’t rely on guesswork or scattered internet advice—get the legal clarity you need to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
