A 90 Day Fiance breakup will always be more complex than your average divorce. Why? Because the federal government, specifically USCIS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, third wheels from the day you bring your partner into the country and say “I do.” That agency holds both parties accountable to their legally binding financial sponsorship.
When Jonathan Rivera and Fernanda Flores parted ways, it wasn’t just an issue of processing feelings, packing up the “viejo” underwear and moving out. Jonathan would still be financially accountable for Fernanda for another decade. That is unless the proper paperwork was submitted.
Here’s a word of caution. The USCIS official website guidelines advise “divorce does NOT end the sponsorship obligation.” So it’s not as easy as it seems.
But on Tuesday, Jonathan was celebrating his release from the contract requirements. He posted a picture to his Instagram. He was carefree enough to do bell-kicks in a newly renovated kitchen. Jonathan wrote, “that feeling you get when cancel the I-184 (affidavit of support) & you finish your first complete design renovation!”
The Affidavit of Support is the I-864. It is a contract binding the U.S. citizen to financial responsibility for the person entering the country and applying for residency. Usually, these forms are filled out for family-based green card applications. In the case of Jonathan and Fernanda, as a pathway to citizenship by marriage to a U.S. citizen. He would have included this form with the application for Fernanda’s status adjustment to permanent residency.
RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: Jonathan Rivera Discusses Split With Fernanda Flores
According to the USCIS, “the sponsor’s responsibility usually lasts until the family member or other individual either becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years).” And also, “if the individual you sponsored receives any ‘means-tested public benefits,’ you are responsible for repaying the cost of those benefits to the agency that provided them.”
That’s a huge financial commitment. Much more than a boob job. Jonathan’s Instagram followers offered a lot of congratulations and support. Now that he can cut ties with Fernanda and USCIS, Jonathan got a lot of messages asking if he’s ready to move on.
One fan wrote, “do you think you are ready to date again soon or are you just doing you for a while?” Jonathan responded, “I’m ready to do both. Stay tuned.”
RELATED: Jonathan Rivera & Fernanda Flores Spend New Year’s Eve Apart
TELL US- IS JONATHAN RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT? WHO WILL MOVE ON FIRST? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF JONATHAN’S POST?
[Photo Credit- TLC]
