Our client, a Haitian national, embarked on a transformative journey toward securing his green card, culminating in a successful approval in March 2025. His story is one of perseverance, love, and the power of having the right legal guidance at the right time.
A Rocky Start
Our client entered the U.S. in 2015 on a visa, arriving with the hope of starting fresh in a new country. However, as time passed, he overstayed his visa and remained in the U.S. without legal status. Despite the overstay, he had no arrests, asylum filings, or other immigration issues on his record. His sole immigration filing was for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allowed him to stay in the U.S. legally while he sought a more permanent solution.
While TPS provided temporary relief, our client knew that he needed to pursue a more permanent path to legal status. Fortunately, this would come through the love and support of his wife, a U.S. citizen originally from Jamaica.
Building a Life Together
Before marrying in May 2021, our client had been in a committed relationship with his now-wife for several years. Their bond was solid, and their life together reflected this. The couple lived together in marital unity, filed joint tax returns, and shared all the joys and challenges of life as a married couple.
Their relationship was built on a foundation of trust and love, which would become a pivotal factor in navigating the immigration process.
Taking the First Step: Filing the I-130
In May 2023, the couple took the first major step in their journey toward permanent residency when the wife, a U.S. citizen, filed an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. However, there was a significant oversight in the filing process. The petition was prepared by a notario, and only the I-130 form and their marriage certificate were submitted. Unfortunately, no evidence of a bona fide marriage — such as photos, financial documents, or proof of shared life — was included. As a result, they received a receipt notice from USCIS, but the process stalled there.
Around the same time, the wife applied for naturalization, submitting her N-400 application in March 2022. She became a U.S. citizen in January 2023, giving the couple the chance to advance their immigration goals. Despite the initial hiccups in their I-130 filing, our client was determined to stay on course.
Turning to Legal Experts at McBean Law
In April 2024, the couple wisely decided to seek professional help. They hired our firm to guide them through the complex immigration process. We thoroughly reviewed their case and identified key areas where the filing needed to be strengthened. One of the most important steps was submitting a complete and comprehensive I-485 application for Adjustment of Status, which we filed in July 2024 based on the pending I-130.
Gathering Crucial Evidence
To ensure the success of the I-485, we worked with our client to gather a wealth of supporting evidence that would prove their marriage was genuine. This included:
- Proof of joint financial responsibilities (such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, and tax returns)
- Evidence of their shared marital home (such as lease agreements and utility bills)
- Photos from trips and events they attended together, showcasing their life as a married couple
- Wedding receipts and invoices that documented their wedding expenses
Additionally, we met the I-864 Affidavit of Support requirements using the client’s income from his valid TPS work authorization, which helped demonstrate his ability to financially support himself.
The Green Card Approval
Remarkably, the couple did not have to attend an interview for their adjustment of status application. The USCIS officer reviewed the case, including the supplemental evidence provided, and approved the I-485 application. In March 2025, our client received the long-awaited approval notice, and the green card was granted.
This was a moment of immense relief and joy for both our client and his wife, who had been waiting anxiously for a resolution to their immigration journey.
A Happy Ending
Today, our client is a proud green card holder, living and building his future with his wife in the U.S. His journey from overstaying a visa to becoming a lawful permanent resident reflects the power of determination, love, and the importance of professional legal support.
Their story is a testament to the fact that with the right guidance and preparation, even those with complicated immigration histories can overcome challenges and achieve success.
