Removal of Conditions and Naturalization Approved Despite Marital Separation
August 30, 2023

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We'd like to share a story today that exemplifies our mission at Law Offices of Sabrina Li: providing unique solutions to complex immigration challenges.

Our client was a conditional resident, first reached out to us in despair. Her case was an I-751 petition for the removal of conditions on her residence, that had been in a pending state since 2018. Following her receipt of a conditional green card, she separated from her ex-husband, resulting in an unstable marital situation despite the absence of an official divorce. The processing time for her petition seemed endless, with no definitive resolution in sight. It was a time of uncertainty and anxiety.

The complexity of the case lay in the fact that the I-751 was still pending, but the breakdown of her marriage left her with little evidence of her ongoing marital relationship. Furthermore, she could not request a waiver for joint filing because her marriage had never officially ended. If her I-751 were denied, she could even be referred to the Immigration Court for removal proceedings.

Our team, being well-versed with the intricacies of immigration law, proposed an out-of-the-box solution. Recognizing that our client had been a permanent resident for over five years, we advised her to file an N-400 Application for Naturalization. Our office filed the N-400, application for naturalization and notified USCIS that the I-751 remained pending so that both could be adjudicated at the same time. We also truthfully notified USCIS about the status of our client’s marriage and established that although their marriage was breaking down, it was entered into in good faith, so our client remained eligible for the removal of conditions and was also eligible to become a citizen.

After preparing her meticulously for her first N-400 interview, we were there on call to ensure she was able to clearly communicate her marital history and the bona fide nature of her marriage.

To our client's immense relief, our client received the approval for the I-751 at her N-400. But the good news didn't stop there. USCIS requested additional information regarding the client’s marriage to make a final decision on the application for naturalization and scheduled our client for a follow-up appointment to quickly collect the information. We diligently prepared our client, and her naturalization was approved after the second appointment!

This case represents the heart of our work at the Law Offices of Sabrina Li– finding creative solutions to navigate complex immigration matters. Our team is dedicated to working tirelessly on your behalf, providing the best legal advice, and helping you achieve your American dream.

USCIS scheduled our client for an interview on both petitions. Our client was thrilled when her I-751 was approved on the same day of the interview, and her N-400 was approved shortly after.

If you or someone you know faces a similar situation and requires the expertise of skilled professionals, look no further than the Law Offices of Sabrina Li. Call us today at (213) 375-8096 or email us at info@sarbinali.law. We are committed to providing the assistance you need, so please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you.

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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.

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