1. Top Law Firms in Manhattan New York | Case Background and Initial Legal Concerns
The matter arose in Manhattan when a U.S. Citizen petitioned for her foreign national spouse following a recent civil marriage.
Although the couple shared a genuine relationship, a significant age difference and the applicant’s prior entry on a B-2 visitor visa raised scrutiny during USCIS review.
A top law firm in Manhattan was retained after the couple received indications that the case would not proceed as a routine adjustment.
Manhattan Based Relationship History and Marriage Profile
The couple met in New York through professional and social networks and maintained a documented relationship for over two years prior to marriage.
Despite clear evidence of cohabitation and shared financial responsibilities, USCIS flagged the case due to the age disparity and the timing of the marriage relative to the applicant’s last entry.
Such factors, while not disqualifying, frequently trigger enhanced credibility review under federal adjudication standards.
2. Top Law Firms in Manhattan New York | Uscis Interview and Notice of Intent to Deny
During the adjustment of status interview conducted at the Manhattan Field Office, USCIS officers focused heavily on the applicant’s prior visitor visa application.
Inconsistencies between the original DS-160 disclosures and the applicant’s current immigration intent resulted in the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).
At this stage, the risk of a permanent inadmissibility finding became a central legal concern.
Legal Implications of Alleged Misrepresentation
Under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i), a foreign national who willfully misrepresents a material fact to procure a visa or admission is permanently inadmissible to the United States.
USCIS alleged that the applicant failed to fully disclose the nature of a long term relationship with a U.S. Citizen at the time of the visitor visa application.
Without corrective legal action, this ground alone would have required denial of adjustment under INA § 245(a).
3. Top Law Firms in Manhattan New York | I-601 Waiver Strategy under Federal Law
Following issuance of the NOID, the legal strategy shifted toward discretionary relief through a Form I-601 waiver of inadmissibility.
The waiver was prepared pursuant to INA § 212(i), which permits relief where refusal of admission would result in extreme hardship to a U.S. Citizen spouse.
The burden of proof required detailed factual development rather than generalized hardship claims.
Establishing Extreme Hardship to the U.S. Citizen Spouse
The waiver submission documented medical, psychological, and economic hardship that would result from forced separation or relocation.
Evidence included professional evaluations, financial dependency records, and proof of the U.S. Citizen spouse’s inability to relocate abroad.
The filing emphasized hardship beyond normal emotional distress, consistent with USCIS policy guidance and Second Circuit standards.
4. Top Law Firms in Manhattan New York | Approval Outcome and Lawful Permanent Residence
After comprehensive review, USCIS approved the I-601 waiver and reopened the adjustment application.
The applicant was subsequently granted lawful permanent residence without further requests for evidence or supervisory review.
This outcome underscores the value of experienced counsel from top law firms in Manhattan when discretionary relief is the sole path forward.
Strategic Lessons from a Manhattan Marriage Based Waiver Case
This case demonstrates that misrepresentation findings are not always fatal when addressed promptly and lawfully.
Accurate statutory framing, credible hardship evidence, and jurisdiction specific advocacy are decisive factors in waiver adjudications.
For couples facing similar challenges in New York, early legal intervention can fundamentally alter the trajectory of an immigration case.
09 Jan, 2026
