Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) Practice Exam

Can a joint sponsor and the petitioner add their incomes together to meet the requisite household income amount?

1. Yes, always

2. No, a joint sponsor must meet it independently

3. Only if they are related

4. Only in hardship cases

The correct answer is: No, a joint sponsor must meet it independently

The correct answer stems from the purpose and requirements set forth for joint sponsors in immigration law. A joint sponsor is used to help an immigrant meet the income requirement for the Affidavit of Support, which is a crucial part of the immigration process. However, each entity involved—the petitioner and the joint sponsor—must meet the income requirement independently, ensuring that the financial capacity is sustainable in separate verifiable ways. The rationale behind this requirement is to prevent any reliance solely on a joint sponsor for the immigrant's financial support. It emphasizes the importance of each party being able to support the immigrant, thereby ensuring that there are sufficient resources to maintain financial independence. This approach serves to protect the immigrant’s well-being and reduce the likelihood of them becoming dependent on public assistance upon arrival in the United States. Moreover, allowing the incomes to be combined could lead to situations where neither the petitioner nor the joint sponsor are financially stable on their own. Therefore, this independent verification reinforces the integrity of the immigration system. In contrast, the other options introduce conditions or alternatives that do not align with established immigration law standards regarding financial sponsorship requirements.