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."
The Minnesota Affidavit of Marriage Relationship is a crucial document that accompanies the I-130 or I-751 Application or Petition to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in marriage-based immigration cases. This affidavit serves as a sworn statement confirming the legitimacy and authenticity of the marital relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign national spouse or fiancé(e). The Minnesota Affidavit of Marriage Relationship provides detailed information about the couple's union, including the circumstances of their marriage, the history of their relationship, and various supporting details to establish the genuineness of their marital bond. It is a key piece of evidence that strengthens the immigration application by attesting to the bona fide nature of the marriage. There are different types of Minnesota Affidavits of Marriage Relationship, each with its specific purpose and requirements. Some of these variations include: 1. Affidavit of Marriage Relationship for I-130 Petition: This affidavit is typically submitted along with the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. It focuses on providing evidence of a genuine marital relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor and their foreign national spouse, proving that the union is not solely for immigration benefits. 2. Affidavit of Marriage Relationship for I-751 Petition: The I-751 Petition is filed to remove the conditions on residence for a foreign national spouse who obtained a conditional green card through marriage. In this case, the Affidavit of Marriage Relationship reaffirms the legitimacy of the marriage and addresses any concerns raised by the conditional status. 3. Joint Affidavit of Marriage Relationship: This type of affidavit is signed jointly by both partners as a declaration of their commitment to the marriage. It typically contains personal statements from each spouse, detailing their experiences, shared assets, financial responsibilities, and future plans together. This type of affidavit provides strong evidence of a bona fide relationship. 4. Separate Affidavit of Marriage Relationship: In situations where the spouses are unable to sign a joint affidavit, such as in cases of separation, divorce, abandonment, or domestic violence, separate affidavits from each partner may be accepted. These affidavits should still address the key aspects of the couple's relationship and provide sufficient supporting documents to demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage. When drafting any type of Minnesota Affidavit of Marriage Relationship, it is crucial to include relevant personal details of both spouses, their addresses, dates of birth, and contact information. The affidavit should also highlight the history of the relationship, such as the time they met, the progression of their courtship, the details of the engagement, and the nature of their cohabitation. Additionally, it should include information regarding joint financial responsibilities, shared assets, joint bills, and any other pertinent details that confirm a genuine marital relationship. It is important to note that specific requirements and forms may vary depending on the INS guidelines and the type of petition being filed. To ensure accuracy and compliance, individuals are advised to consult official government resources or seek legal counsel when completing the Minnesota Affidavit of Marriage Relationship for their immigration application or petition.
