Hello All,

I hope I can get some help from you guys on this one. Recently, someone
has asked us to furnish the "affidavit of support form" for the INS
(form I-864, http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/I-864.pdf)
for him. He is being sponsored by his wife here, but they are falling
short of the federal poverty line. It has been explained to us that it
is a form which is used just for showing financial support so that the
intending immigrant doesn't fall on federal/state benefits during the
process of his change of status. We were also told that that that is
it's sole purpose and we in no way become sponsors or co-sponsors in
the immigration process.

But I went through the form on the web myself, and that is not what I
understood from it. My understanding is that we will be co-sponsors for
the entire immigration process, not just there to show our ability to
financially support him. And that we will remain co-sponsors until the
intended immigrant becomes a US citizen, or leaves the country, or dies.

Just wanted to know if anyone has done this for somebody else, and what
are the legal implications (if any) on us. And also if my understanding
of the I-864 form is correct. (They have been insisting that we will
not be co-sponsors but more like co-signors just for the financial side
of things).

Any help/opinion is appreciated. Thanks,

iabh


There is a previous similar GA answer with helpful references
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=35630

The form says clearly that by signing you become a sponsor.

Your obligation lasts  usually 5 to 10 years (40 quarters of work or
citizenship). It is expected that obligation will not be called upon.
In this sense it is like cosigning a loan. So, you should know situation and
character of the applicant, since it is a legal obligation. Most
immigrants are able to support their families.

I do not quite understand the difference you see when you say: 
" We were also told that that that is it's sole purpose and we in no
way become sponsors or co-sponsors in the immigration process..."

 Sponsor in the immigration process is a person providing this financial
 guaranty. Sponsor does not have other obligation to the immigrant or to
 government. The transition process to citizenship lasts
usually 5 years.

very clear answer.