I would definitely recommend Jim Hacking from the Hacking Law Practice to all of my family and friends, and know that they will be in good hands.
Mr. Hacking was very professional and handled the case extremely well, always responded as soon as possible to any of our doubts and questions. The staff was very courteous and efficient as well. They walked us through the entire procedure and we got our mom’s green card within 6 months!!!
Thank you so much for your professional and effective help. I won't hesitate to recommend you to anyone who needs assistance with any immigration case.
Having dealt with many lawyers in my professional career, there is nobody that I would recommend more than Jim Hacking of the Hacking Law Practice. For over 10 years, Mr. Hacking is the most effective and resourceful attorney who has ever represented me. From general practice to immigration to civil rights, I have always known Mr. Hacking to be an incredibly loyal advocate for his clients and also immensely respected by his peers in the legal industry. Quite simply, I will return to the Hacking Law Practice for all of my legal needs and would recommend him to all of my family, friends and neighbors without any hesitation whatsoever. By hiring the Hacking Law Practice, you will be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that you have the best lawyer in St. Louis on your side! (Arsalan I., The Crescent Post Group, LLC)
The prompt, thorough and responsive service regarding our work visa needs was exactly what we needed, and when we next bring an international circus star to St. Louis, Jim will be our "go-to" man. (Joel K. Emery, Executive Director of Circus Flora)
Jim Hacking was nothing short of a miracle for us. I believe, with all my heart, if it weren't for him, and him alone, my daughter-in-law would have been deported. (Donna S.)

Here's what you need to know about "sponsoring" an immigrant to come to the United States.

Working as extensively as we do in the family-visa context, we are often asked about "sponsoring" an immigrant and something called the Affidavit of Support. The Affidavit of Support is the legal document that a "sponsor"ing U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident uses to promise their support.

The State Department defines an affidavit of support as follows:

The Affidavit of Support is a legal contract between you (the petitioner for an immigrant visa applicant) and the US Government. It ensures that the visa applicant has adequate means of financial support and is unlikely to become a public charge after entering the US.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains:

This form is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S. Government. Completing and signing this form makes you the sponsor. You must show on this form that you have enough income and/or assets to maintain the intending immigrant(s) and the rest of your household at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. By signing Form I-864, you are agreeing to use your resources to support the intending immigrant(s) named in this form, if it becomes necessary.

The submission of this form may make the sponsored immigrant ineligible for certain Federal, State, or local means-tested public benefits, because an agency that provides means-tested public benefits will consider your resources and assets as available to the sponsored immigrant in determining his or her eligibility for the program.

If the immigrant sponsored in this affidavit does receive one of the designated Federal, State or local means-tested public benefits, the agency providing the benefit may request that you repay the cost of those benefits. That agency can sue you if the cost of the benefits provided is not repaid.

It works like this. The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (usually the child or spouse of the immigrant) serves as the primary sponsor for the alien beneficiary. In doing so, she promises to reimburse the government for any expenses related to the beneficiary being in the United States. In addition, if the beneficiary were to need such benefits, the government might not provide them and would expect the sponsor to provide. So if, for example, the beneficiary received benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, etc., the government would have the right to come after the sponsor for those benefits.

If someone agreed to be the co-sponsor, they would also be responsible for fronting and/or reimbursing any such benefits. The legal obligations for a sponsor and a co-sponsor are the same.

One thing to keep in mind is that the sponsor's responsibility for the beneficiary exists until the beneficiary (1) becomes a U.S. citizen or (2) achieves 40 quarters of employment in the U.S. (roughly ten years if they work straight through).

In the end, agreeing to sponsor or co-sponsor a potential immigrant beneficiary is a signficant legal obligation on the part of the sponsor. It is a serious responsibility that may or may not come into play depending upon the beneficiary and what happens in the future. It is not an obligation that should be taken lightly.

We hope this helps explain the legal obligations of an Affidavit of Support. If you need further information, please contact us at (888) 782-4169.

The Hacking Law Practice, LLC helps individuals and families who need help with U.S. citizenship, legal residency, deportation, and other immigration issues in the St. Louis area and across Missouri and Illinois, including:

St Louis City; St. Louis County; Jefferson County; St. Charles County; Madison County, IL; St. Clair County, IL; Columbia and Rolla, MO; Champaign, IL; Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; all other cities and counties in Missouri.

The choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Hacking Law Practice, LLC

34 N. Gore, Suite 101
St Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314.961.8200
Fax: 314.961.8201
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Jim Hacking is available for free immigration-related public speaking engagements. Request that he visit your school, college, church, synagogue or mosque today.