Such affidavits must be sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit as well as the following:
1. his or her relationship to the petitioner, if any, and
2. complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of the marriage.
The instructions for the I-751 Petition describes the affidavits that must accompany the petition as follows:
"Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your marriage and relationship. (Such persons may be required to testify before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the affidavit.) The original affidavit must be submitted and also contain the following information regarding the person making the affidavit: his or her full name and address; date and place of birth; relationship to you or your spouse, if any; and full information and complete details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge."
An affidavit is a written statement, made under oath, that serves as evidence in legal proceedings. In the context of an I-751 form, specifically used in the United States immigration process, an example affidavit is a vital document required to support a joint petition to remove conditions on residence. It is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove that the couple's marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes. The example affidavit for I-751 should include detailed information to demonstrate the bona fides of the marital relationship. It should be a comprehensive and well-crafted document, addressing specific points pertaining to the history and authenticity of the marriage. This affidavit acts as a testimony from the petitioner and their spouse, reaffirming their commitment to their union and supporting evidence of shared life experiences. Key elements to include in an example affidavit for I-751 may involve: 1. Identification: Begin by stating the full legal names of the petitioner and the intending immigrant, their dates of birth, addresses, and contact information. 2. Background: Describe the background and context of the marital relationship. Explain how the couple met, when and where they got married, and introduce any children born of the marriage. 3. Shared Financial Responsibilities: Outline the joint financial responsibilities the couple has undertaken during their marriage, such as joint bank accounts, shared property ownership, and any joint loans or debts. 4. Co-mingling of Assets: Detail how the couple has merged their financial resources, including joint ownership of property, joint investments, shared bills, insurance policies, and tax filings. 5. Mutual Living Arrangements: Explain how the couple has shared their residence during the marriage, including lease agreements, mortgage statements, utility bills, or any joint lease/ownership documents. 6. Social Context: Elaborate on the social aspects of the marriage. Highlight family gatherings, religious or cultural ceremonies celebrated together, and activities undertaken as a couple. Mention any joint memberships, joint travel, or photographs capturing moments together. 7. Relationships with Family and Friends: Discuss the relationships the couple has developed with each other's families and friends. Mention specifically how the extended families have recognized and accepted the marriage. 8. Emotional Support: Describe instances where the couple has provided emotional support to each other during difficult times, such as sickness, loss, or other significant life events. 9. Communication: Address the couple's communication methods and frequency, including phone calls, text messages, emails, or any other form of regular correspondence between them. 10. Affirmation of Shared Intent: Provide a closing statement reaffirming the commitment to the marriage and the intent to build a life together. It is crucial to remember that the example affidavit should not be a mere template. It should be customized to reflect the unique details and circumstances of the couple's relationship. Furthermore, it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that the affidavit is properly prepared and aligns with USCIS requirements. While there may not be distinct types of example affidavits for I-751, variations can arise based on the specific evidence provided, the length of the marriage, or other unique aspects of the relationship. However, the primary purpose of any I-751 affidavit remains the same — demonstrating the authenticity and validity of the marital union.
