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 Missouri Affidavit of Marriage Relationship is a crucial document required to accompany the I-130 or I-751 application or petition submitted to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This affidavit serves as a supporting legal declaration that demonstrates the legitimacy of a marital relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their foreign-born spouse. The affidavit plays a significant role in proving the authenticity and bona fides of the marriage when seeking an immigration benefit for the non-U.S. citizen spouse. The Missouri Affidavit of Marriage Relationship is specifically designed for couples residing in Missouri, and it establishes their marital relationship by attesting to the following key aspects: 1. Personal Information: The affidavit starts by including the personal details of the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner and their foreign-born spouse. This includes their full names, addresses, dates of birth, and contact information. 2. Wedding Details: The affidavit requires a detailed account of the wedding ceremony, including the date, location, and specific circumstances of the marriage. It may also request information regarding any witnesses present during the ceremony. 3. Marital History: This section of the affidavit stipulates relevant information about the couple's joint life together since the marriage. It may require details such as the dates and locations of joint residences, joint financial accounts, shared assets, joint expenses, and joint responsibilities. 4. Emotional Commitment: The affidavit also delves into the emotional commitment between the couple, emphasizing the love, care, and mutual support they provide each other. This entails explaining the shared experiences, common interests, and evidence of a genuine bond between the couple. 5. Documentation and Evidence: The Missouri Affidavit of Marriage Relationship allows the couple to support their claims with substantial evidence. This evidence may include photographs of the couple together at different stages of their marriage, joint bank account statements, joint leases or mortgages, correspondence addressed to both spouses, joint tax returns, or affidavits from witnesses who can vouch for the authenticity of the marriage. It is important to note that while the general structure and content remain consistent, the Missouri Affidavit of Marriage Relationship may have specific variations based on the purpose of the petition or application. In the case of an I-130 application for a spouse, the affidavit aims to establish the bona fide nature of the marriage. On the other hand, in the I-751 petition to remove conditions on residency, the affidavit concentrates on demonstrating the ongoing validity of the marriage. Completing the Missouri Affidavit of Marriage Relationship with accuracy, thoroughness, and honesty is crucial, as any falsification or misrepresentation could lead to severe immigration consequences. Seeking guidance from an immigration attorney or using sample templates provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can help ensure the proper completion and submission of this essential document.
