At The Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we're pleased to share another success story. Through diligent effort and legal expertise, we have successfully assisted a client whose adjustment of status was complicated by past CCP membership.
Our client, a bright and ambitious international student, found love and companionship with her former schoolmate—a U.S. citizen—while completing her academic journey in the United States. As their relationship blossomed, they married, with the client scheduled to graduate by the end of 2024. Shortly after their marriage, the couple reached out to the Law Offices of Sabrina Li to pursue a marriage-based green card.
However, our client’s case was far from straightforward. She had been a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for over a decade, which introduced significant legal complications under U.S. immigration law. Understanding the potential risk of denial and the possibility of family separation, the newlywed couple placed their trust in our firm to navigate this sensitive situation.
The Law Offices of Sabrina Li has extensive experience handling complex cases involving CCP membership. Upon onboarding, our legal team promptly implemented a carefully designed strategy: preparing the marriage-based green card application while simultaneously developing the I-601 waiver to address the client’s prior CCP membership.
Given the client’s imminent risk of falling out of status, timing was crucial. To safeguard her presence in the U.S., we strategically filed the I-130 petition and I-485 adjustment of status application first, thereby securing her lawful presence.
Within a month of that filing, we submitted the I-601 waiver to address the inadmissibility concern stemming from her long-term CCP involvement. In preparing the waiver, our team collaborated closely with the client and her U.S. citizen spouse to build a strong case demonstrating the extreme hardship he would face if separated. We guided them in gathering compelling evidence, including emotional, financial, and future planning factors—emphasizing family unity and humanitarian concerns critical for a newly married couple.
In May 2025, our client received a notice for an in-person interview scheduled for June. Recognizing the importance of this final step, our firm promptly provided the couple with comprehensive interview preparation. This included detailed instructions, personalized guidance, and a mock interview session designed to ensure they were well-prepared and confident.
Their preparation paid off: the I-130 petition was approved on the spot. Remarkably, just one week later, the client’s I-485 adjustment of status application was officially approved.
This swift and successful outcome was the result of our strategic planning, timely filings, and the thorough documentation of both marital authenticity and hardship factors. Today, the young couple is free to build their future together in the United States—reunited, secure, and full of possibility.
Typically, past or present membership or affiliation with the Communist Party, or any totalitarian party, renders an individual inadmissible. Yet, there are exceptions and waiver possibilities, especially for relatives of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).
A discretionary waiver is available for certain family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs).To request this waiver, the individual must submit an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (Form I-601).
Sabrina Li, our founding attorney, is recognized by the State Bar of California as a specialist in immigration and nationality law. Under her leadership, our team of legal experts has extensive experience in handling cases involving CCP membership, whether it involves challenging findings, arguing exceptions, or applying for waivers.
If you or someone you know is facing a similar situation and needs the expertise of skilled professionals, the Law Offices of Sabrina Li is here to help. Reach out to us today at (213) 375-8096 or via email at info@sabrinali.law. Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to support you.
Our attorneys possess diverse immigration experience and have an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between various immigration laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring accurate and comprehensive guidance. We offer a full range of immigration services, addressing all aspects of your case while identifying potential opportunities and challenges.
We provide a tailored approach to each client's case, ensuring that you receive individualized attention and a customized strategy for your unique situation. We adjust our strategy as your needs or circumstances change, guaranteeing a seamless transition between different phases of your immigration journey.
Our team is composed of immigrant and first-generation American professionals, along with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Many of us have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced during the immigration process. This allows us to provide guidance and advocacy rooted in authentic understanding.
