Co-Sponsor for US immigrant?

Question

My cousin needs a co-sponsor for his wife to immigrate to the US. I have no problem doing that but I am concerned about something. My cousin has bad credit and has some bills that he never paid off. If I co-sponsor for his wife, will they be able to come after me for his debts?

Answer 1

Your volunteering to sponsor your cousin's wife will not make you responsible for his other debts.  Still, it's something you might want to think twice about.  You will be responsible to support her if he can't or won't do it.

Answer 2

you will not be responsible for the debts in his name... but since you will be the co-sponsor for the wife... any debts she acquires in her name... you might be found responsible for. part of the responsibilities of being the sponsor is that you vouch for the immigrant not being a liability of the government. if she has debts in her name... the creditors might come after you. signing your name as a sponsor is like cosigning for a loan. you assume responsibility if the loanee can't pay for it.

also, if your cousin and his wife divorces... not only can she come after your cousin for financial support... she can also come after you.

the time your financial liability cease is when she becomes a US citizen... or if she remarries someone else.

Answer 3

No, not his debts.  But if his wife ends up collecting some type of public benefit, such as Medicaid or Food Stamps, you will be forced to repay the state.

Please understand, the ONLY debts you can be held responsible for are debts to the government.... NOT private debts such as credit cards or mortgage payments.