Q&A: Your Immigration Questions Answered

“I have a two-year green card. Should I be worried about traveling abroad under the current administration?”
Megan explained that green-card holders may travel, but risk rises for anyone with criminal history, open removal proceedings, multiple trips of 6 + months, or a late I-751. Know your rights at the port of entry, decline to sign abandonment forms, and consult an attorney before leaving if you fall into a high-risk category.

“Any tips for getting the full 180-day stay on my tourist visa?”
Entry is always discretionary. Bring strong proof of ties abroad (job, housing, obligations) and funds for the visit. Long stays look suspicious if you have a pending fiancé/spouse case, so consider a shorter trip and be prepared to request withdrawal of admission if questioned.

“My case is at the embassy. How should I answer the social-media section of the visa application?”
Answer honestly and list every platform you use. Officers check social media to verify relationship validity; hiding accounts can damage credibility.

“Do I need my partner’s CENOMAR before hiring your firm?”
No. Start the representation process now; your attorney will guide you through obtaining any missing civil documents, including an updated CENOMAR from the Philippine authorities.

“It’s been over a year since I filed the I-130. Should I contact USCIS?”
Current I-130 averages are 14–17 months. USCIS will only accept an inquiry once a case is outside posted normal times, so most petitioners must simply keep checking online processing-time tools.

“USCIS returned my filing and I don’t know why—what do I do?”
Review the rejection notice carefully and re-file quickly—especially for an I-751—to avoid missing statutory deadlines. An attorney can pinpoint the issue and resubmit correctly.

“I keep seeing posts saying marriage-based green cards are ‘no longer guaranteed.’ Is that true?”
No. Green cards have never been automatic; applicants must meet eligibility and prove a bona-fide relationship. Social-media clickbait is fueling unnecessary panic—stay informed through reputable sources.

“How long after NVC documentary qualification before the embassy in Bangkok sets an interview?”
With the new Department of State wait-time tool you can see the DQ date currently being scheduled. Bangkok is generally efficient, and transfers often take only a few months.

“Do I really have to file my K-1 adjustment of status within 90 days of entry?”
Best practice is yes—file within the 90-day period on your I-94. Filing later isn’t automatically fatal if the marriage occurred on time, but it leaves you in a gray area without status or work authorization.

“We had a double-proxy marriage in Montana. My husband has never been to the U.S.—how do we fill out the I-130?”
Proxy marriages are allowed if consummated afterward. Provide evidence you met in person post-wedding (e.g., travel records, photos) and cite the consummation rule to show the marriage is valid for immigration.

“I filed an I-130 after marrying in Honduras. Wait time dropped from 23 to 9 months. Will my bankruptcy hurt the case?”
The I-130 itself isn’t affected, but bankruptcy may require a joint sponsor at the affidavit-of-support stage if your current income no longer meets guidelines.

“My two-year home-residency requirement ends next month, but my CR-1 interview is this week. Could I be denied?”
It depends on the consular officer. Some may hold the case until the requirement lapses; others may ask you to reschedule. Contact the post to weigh rescheduling against possible long delays.

“How long can my fiancé stay in the U.S. on her current visit?”
Check her electronic I-94 record—the departure date on that record governs. Plan to leave a few days early to avoid an accidental overstay in case of flight delays.

Join Us for Weekly Live Immigration Chats

Have more questions about the U.S. immigration process for couples? Join Attorney Megan Pastrana and the team every Tuesday at 11 AM EST for our Weekly Live Immigration Attorney Chats. You can ask your questions live on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and get personalized guidance for your case.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, helping you navigate the complexities of the immigration journey with confidence. If you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain about the next steps, reach out for personalized advice tailored to your unique situation. And don’t hesitate to visit our resource center for more detailed guides to use on your journey through this process.