“The Green Card Gave Us Freedom”
Our client, Ms. Inci, submitted her Green Card application on August 15, attended her interview on October 27, and received approval for both her I-130 and I-485 on October 28.
After a year and a half of marriage, she decided to apply for a Green Card. Here, she shares her experience in her own words.
Break the Cycle of Violence: Independence and a Green Card Through VAWA
For many immigrants in the United States, their legal status (Green Card) is tied to their spouse or parent.
Abusive partners often weaponize this dependency, using fear to control their victims with threats like: “If you leave me or call the police, I will cancel your papers and have you deported.”
A New Beginning for Crime Victims in the U.S.: What is the U Visa?
If you have been the victim of a crime while living in the United States, you may be carrying the weight of trauma along with deep concerns about your immigration status.
However, U.S. immigration law provides a special pathway to protect immigrants who have suffered from certain crimes and are willing to help law enforcement: The U Visa (U Nonimmigrant Status).
Freedom for Survivors of Human Trafficking: The T Visa Explained
The United States is often seen as a land of freedom, but for some, the reality is far different.
If you were brought to the U.S. or recruited here under false pretenses, forced to work against your will, or coerced into commercial sex acts, you may be a victim of Human Trafficking.
From Uncertainty to Confidence: A Green Card Journey The Story of a Client Who Went Through the Marriage-Based Green Card Process
For many couples, the marriage-based Green Card process in the United States is not just a legal application -it is a life test that demands patience, emotional resilience, and the ability to live with uncertainty. In this interview, one of our clients, who successfully completed the process and attended their interview in Cleveland in October 2025, shares their personal experience and the transformation this journey brought to their life. The client speaks anonymously.
CRITICAL DETAILS IN MARRIAGE-BASED GREEN CARD INTERVIEWS
Interview with Can K., Green Card & Citizenship Manager at Okanlaw
By: Okan Sengun
December 24, 2025
In the continuation of our interview series examining the acceleration of the marriage-based Green Card process, we now focus on the critical details of the interview stage.
Real Story: How Our Client’s Marriage-Based Green Card Was Approved
November 23, 2025
Every journey toward building a new life in the United States is unique. Some take this path to gain more freedom, some to be closer to their families, and others to reshape their future. At Okanlaw, every case we accompany is more than a legal process — it is a personal story of transformation.
What Is a Joint Sponsor for a Green Card Application?
A Joint Sponsor is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who agrees to take financial responsibility for an immigrant applying for a Green Card.
This person signs the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to show the U.S. government that the applicant will not become a public charge.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE GREEN CARD – FAQ (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions for LGBTQ+ Couples Applying for a Marriage-Based Green Card
December 4, 2025
Can same-sex couples apply for a marriage-based green card?
Yes.
Same-Sex Marriage Green Cards in the U.S.
Equal Rights, Equal Process
Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s United States v. Windsor decision in 2013, same-sex marriages have been recognized equally under federal immigration law. This means that gay and lesbian U.S. citizens or green card holders can sponsor their foreign-born spouses for a marriage-based green card, just like any other couple.
Marriage-Based Green Card: A New Chapter for Couples in the U.S.
An interview with Can K.
Green Card and Citizenship Department Manager at Okanlaw
By Okan Sengun – Nov 14, 2025
In 2025, marriage-based Green Card applications, also known as Adjustment of Status (AOS) filings, have seen a noticeable speed-up. Many couples now receive their interview dates within just 3-6 months after submission.
How to Prove a Real Marriage Without Joint Documents (LGBTQ+ Green Card Guide)
Love Is Real Even When Paperwork Isn’t
For many same-sex couples in the United States, proving a bona fide marriage for a Green Card can be tricky not because the relationship isn’t genuine, but because discrimination or privacy concerns make it hard to share a lease, bank account, or employer records.
Green Card Interview Tips for Same-Sex Couples: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Equal Rights, Real Challenges
For same-sex couples, the Green Card interview can feel like the most personal part of the immigration process.
The good news: U.S. law guarantees that your marriage will be treated the same as any heterosexual marriage.
ICE Raids, Arrests, and Detentions 2025
As of October 2025, ICE operations have increased once again.
Detentions are no longer limited to border areas. They now occur inside the United States, including homes, workplaces, and even during traffic stops.
Why 2025 Has Been a Great Year for Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants
If you have been considering a marriage-based Green Card in the United States, 2025 has brought some of the most positive developments we have seen in years.
Faster USCIS Processing and
Interview Scheduling
Throughout 2025, USCIS has made significant progress in reducing backlogs and modernizing its case management systems.
Marriage-Based Green Card Process: Step-by-Step
2025 Guide
The Marriage-Based Green Card process allows a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to
sponsor their foreign spouse for permanent residency in the United States. In 2025, the process has become more streamlined but still involves multiple forms, interviews, and background checks.
Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Questions and Tips (2025 Updated Guide)
The marriage-based Green Card interview is a critical step in proving that your relationship is
genuine. USCIS officers carefully review your documents and ask questions to confirm the
legitimacy of your marriage.
Supporting Documents of Asylum Applications
What is the Most İmportant Document in an Asylum Application?
The most important document in an asylum application is your written statement. In this written statement, you are expected to narrate in detail the events that support your asylum claim. In addition to the written statement, other supporting documents for the asylum application are also important.
Marriage-Based Green Card Fees, Processing Times & Common Mistakes (2025 USCIS Update)
Applying for a Marriage-Based Green Card involves several forms, steps, and – most importantly – government filing fees that changed under the 2025 USCIS Fee Rule (effective July 22, 2025).
Understanding these costs and timelines helps couples plan better and avoid unnecessary
delays.
Form I-130 Explained: How to File a Marriage Petition (2025 FULL Guide)
Form I-130, officially called the ‘Petition for Alien Relative,’ is the first and most important
step in sponsoring your spouse for a Marriage-Based Green Card. As of 2025, the process has
been updated under the new USCIS Fee Rule and digital submission system, making accuracy
more important than ever.
Form I-485 Explained: Adjustment of Status for Marriage-Based Green Card (2025 FULL Guide)
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, allows the foreign
spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to apply for a Green Card without
leaving the United States.
In 2025, the process remains a critical step for couples seeking permanent residency, especially with updated USCIS fees and new processing guidelines.
Seal of Biliteracy in the United States: A Complete Guide for Bilingual Students
What Is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Seal of Biliteracy is an official recognition awarded to students in the United States who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This distinction is added to the student’s high school diploma and transcript, highlighting their bilingual skills for colleges, universities, and future employers.
Green Card Marriage Interview Questions: What to Expect in 2025
If you are applying for a marriage-based Green Card in the United States, one of the most important steps is the marriage interview. During this interview, immigration officers evaluate whether your relationship is genuine or a “sham marriage” arranged only for immigration benefits.
7 Legal Rights Every Immigrant Should Know in the United States
Starting a new life in the United States as an immigrant can be both exciting and challenging. Beyond the cultural and financial adjustments, knowing your legal rights is essential. These rights can help you save money, protect yourself, and make daily life much easier.
In this guide, we highlight 7 key legal rights every immigrant in the U.S. should know in 2025.
U.S. Mail System and Common Mistakes Immigrants Make: Don’t Lose Your SSN, Green Card, or Important Documents
One of the most common challenges immigrants face after moving to the United States is understanding the U.S. mail system. In America, most official documents are still delivered as physical mail, and a simple mistake can mean your Social Security Number (SSN), Green Card, or bank card never reaches you.
3 Tax Credits for Families with Children in the U.S. (2025 Updates)
Raising children in the United States can be costly, but the federal government offers powerful tax benefits to help families reduce expenses and increase their annual refunds. For tax year 2025, families may qualify for three major credits:
Mandamus Lawsuit for Delayed USCIS Cases: What You Need to Know
Immigration processes in the United States can sometimes take far longer than expected, causing stress and uncertainty for applicants. If your case has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time, you may have the option to file a Mandamus lawsuit. This legal action can compel USCIS to act on your case.
How Will Immigration Law Change if Trump is Elected?
If Donald Trump is re-elected in 2024, significant changes in U.S. border policies are expected. Trump had pursued strict immigration policies during his first term and plans to tighten these policies further if elected for a second term.
Azərbaycanlı LGBT+ Şəxslər Niyə Amerikaya Sığınır?
2024-cü il ərzində Azərbaycanda LGBT+ qarşı düşmənçilik hadisələri olduqca narahatedici səviyyədə davam etdi. Ölkədə LGBT+ şəxslərə qarşı zorakılıq, ayrı-seçkilik və təcavüz halları artaraq sürür.
Getting a Green Card Through Marriage in the U.S.: An Exciting Journey
Obtaining a green card through marriage in the U.S. isn’t just a serious and formal process; it’s also an exciting journey towards a new life. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of getting a marriage green card in the U.S. in a fun and engaging way.
I am a Citizen of a Different Country, Can I Apply for a Green Card Based on Marriage with a U.S. Citizen?
If you have entered America with a legal visa and marry a U.S. citizen, it may be possible for you to apply for a green card based on marriage.
Azerbaycanda Sıxışdırılmış İdarəetmə və Amerikanın Azadlıqçı İdarəetməsi: Miqrasiyanın Səbəbləri
Azerbaycan, Sovet İttifaqının dağılmasından sonra müstəqillik qazandı və sürətlə iqtisadi artım yaşadı. Lakin, bu artım siyasi azadlıqların və insan hüquqlarının inkişafı ilə paralel getmədi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asylum
What is Asylum?
It is a request for asylum in another country due to persecution experienced in a person’s own country or the risk of harm in the future. By applying for asylum, a person can escape the risky situation in his own country and seek refuge in another country for a safe life.