2007 Poverty Guidelines Released
Posted Feb 16, 2007
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the poverty guidelines for 2007 at the end of January. These guidelines are effective immediately. The guidelines are reviewed each year, and adjusted to account for increases in the cost of living.
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How Poverty Guidelines Impact Immigration Cases
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The tie-in between immigration and the poverty guidelines is through the "public charge" provisions. The guidelines are used to determine whether the income levels of sponsors are adequate on the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is needed in most family-based cases and some employment-based cases. Its purpose is to establish that the sponsor's income is sufficient to support the beneficiary, so that the foreign national will not become a public charge. The affidavit of support requires a showing that there is enough income to reach at least 125 percent of the current poverty level.
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2007 Poverty Guidelines
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The 2007 poverty guidelines are as follows. As mentioned above, the requirement for the affidavit of support is 125 percent of the poverty line.
48 Contiguous States plus Washington DC
Size of Family Unit
Guideline
1
$
10,210 2
13,690 3
17,170 4
20,650 5
24,130 6
27,610 7
31,090 8
34,570 For family units with more than 8 members, add $3,480 for each additional member.
Alaska
Size of Family Unit
Guideline
1
$
12,770 2
17,120 3
21,470 4
25,820 5
30,170 6
34,520 7
38,870 8
43,220 For family units with more than 8 members, add $4,350 for each additional member.
Hawaii
Size of Family Unit
Guideline
1
$
11,750 2
15,750 3
19,750 4
23,750 5
27,750 6
31,750 7
35,750 8
39,750 For family units with more than 8 members, add $4000 for each additional member.
Other Assets Can Help in Meeting the 125%
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As the table shows, the required income varies with the size of the
family and the geographic location. Previous sponsorship of other foreign
nationals can also impact the amount of income required. It is sometimes
possible to use assets if there is a lack of income. Additionally, it can
be possible to utilize the sponsorship of a more financially secure joint
sponsor, if needed.
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Conclusion
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Specific questions regarding the affidavit of support should be directed to
an experienced immigration attorney. If you do not have an attorney, you may
wish to contact the Murthy Law Firm.
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