Is the petitoning spouse responsible for the other per the I864 financial support affidavit? 8 Answers as of November 07, 2011

Yes. The responsibility does not end until the Beneficiary becomes a U.S. citizen or has 40 quarters of social security earnings.

I - 864 is a valid contract between the petitioner and the government until beneficiary becomes a US citizen or pays SS taxes for 40 qualifying quarter.

The Petitioning spouse could be held responsible for the alien relative.

Yes. The USC spouse who signed I-864 will be responsible for the alien spouse even if they divorced until: 1, alien dies or permanently left the US; 2. alien became US citizen; 3. alien has earned 40 social security credits.

Yes, unless the beneficiary spouse earns enough money to support themselves at 125% of the poverty level. If not, then this can be an issue until the beneficiary spouse becomes a naturalized U.S. Citizen or leaves the U.S. These issues can become complicated for other reasons.

You do have exposure on the Affidavit of Support.

Obligations under an I-864 will end once the lawful permanent resident you signed for becomes a U.S. citizen; has worked, or can be credited with, 40 quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act; no longer has lawful permanent resident status, and has departed the United States; becomes subject to removal, but applies for and obtains in removal proceedings a new grant of adjustment of status, based on a new affidavit of support, if one is required; or dies. The obligations also end upon the death of the sponsor. A divorce or separation does not end your obligations under the I-864.

Yes, until the beneficiary becomes a US citizen or has 40 quarters of qualifying employment under the SSA.