Many individuals don’t realize that divorce can significantly impact immigration status, financial obligations, and the future of both spouses. The legal consequences vary depending on the stage of the immigration process, and they often straddle both federal immigration law and state-level family law, particularly in Texas.

We spoke with the team at the Law Office of Udo Ezeamama, a Houston-based law firm that handles both immigration and divorce cases, to understand what’s at stake—and what individuals can do to protect themselves.

Immigration Status: Where You Are in the Process Matters

If your green card or immigration status is based on marriage, divorce could trigger serious consequences:

• Pending Green Card Applications: If a divorce occurs while a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is still pending, the entire petition may be denied. That’s because the marriage no longer legally exists, and the basis for sponsorship disappears.
• Conditional Permanent Residents: If the marriage was less than two years old when the immigrant spouse received their green card, they are issued a conditional green card valid for two years. Normally, the couple must file Form I-751 together to remove the conditions. If they divorce before that filing, the immigrant must request a waiver and prove the marriage was entered into in good faith. This often becomes a complex and emotionally charged process, requiring strong documentation.
• Full Permanent Residents: If the immigrant has already received a full 10-year green card, divorce usually doesn’t affect their residency status. However, other areas—like citizenship eligibility and financial sponsorship—may still be impacted.

Financial Obligations Don’t End With Divorce

One of the most misunderstood aspects of immigration sponsorship is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. When a U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsors their spouse, they agree to support them financially so they do not become a public charge. This is a binding federal contract, not just a formality.

What’s surprising? Divorce does not terminate this obligation.

“The Affidavit of Support creates an enforceable duty that survives divorce,” says Attorney Udo Ezeamama. “Sponsors remain responsible until certain legal benchmarks are met—such as the immigrant becoming a U.S. citizen, working for 10 years, or leaving the country.”

This means a sponsor could be legally required to support their ex-spouse, regardless of alimony or divorce agreements issued by a Texas court.

Bona Fide Marriage: Proving It Was Real

In cases where divorce occurs before immigration conditions are removed, USCIS will scrutinize whether the marriage was genuine or fraudulent. Couples who divorce must be able to prove the relationship was entered into in good faith.

Evidence may include:

• Joint bank accounts and bills
• Photos from shared trips or family events
• Lease agreements or shared mortgages
• Affidavits from friends or family
• Birth certificates of children (if applicable)

“If USCIS suspects the marriage was for immigration purposes only, they can deny the petition or initiate removal proceedings,” Ezeamama warns.

How Divorce Impacts Naturalization

Another wrinkle? Divorce can also affect eligibility for U.S. citizenship. Typically, spouses of U.S. citizens can apply for naturalization after three years of residency. But if the marriage ends in divorce, the immigrant may need to wait the full five years instead.

Additionally, divorce may delay or disqualify individuals from other immigration benefits that rely on a living, legal relationship between spouses.

Texas Divorce Law Meets Federal Immigration Law

Texas is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during marriage are generally divided equally. While the divorce decree will handle matters like property, child custody, and spousal maintenance, Texas courts have no authority to cancel or override federal immigration sponsorship obligations.

However, divorce proceedings in Texas may indirectly impact immigration cases—for example, by documenting support agreements or abuse that could be relevant in federal waiver applications.

Legal Guidance Is Crucial in These Overlapping Cases

The intersection of family law and immigration law is complex and unforgiving. Deadlines, documentation, and proper legal strategy can make all the difference.

Attorney Udo Ezeamama urges individuals in this situation—whether the sponsor or the immigrant—to seek legal advice as early as possible.

“Too many people wait until it’s too late. Whether you’re filing for divorce, facing sponsorship questions, or trying to preserve your status, you need a lawyer who understands both systems.”

For millions of immigrants across the United States, Texas offers a place of opportunity, family, and community. But as legal battles intensify over state-level immigration enforcement and as criminal records quietly jeopardize immigration status, knowing your rights has never been more critical.

In recent months, legal experts have warned that many immigrants in Texas — even those with valid visas or green cards — could be putting their futures at risk by not fully understanding how federal law protects them, or how a past offense could trigger deportation proceedings. One Houston-based firm, Mokolo Law, has taken the lead in offering education and representation on this complex intersection.

Federal Law vs. State Enforcement in Texas

Despite high-profile debates in Austin, immigration law remains under federal jurisdiction. That means only federal agencies like USCIS, ICE, and the Department of Homeland Security have the authority to enforce most immigration rules.

Recent attempts by Texas lawmakers to pass state-level enforcement bills (like SB 4, which sought to allow local police to arrest undocumented migrants) have largely been blocked by courts. Legal analysts say this reinforces what many immigration lawyers have argued for years: your rights are rooted in the Constitution, not political headlines.

According to Mokolo Law Firm’s published breakdown on “Your Immigration Rights in Texas”, immigrants — regardless of status — are protected by the Fifth and Fourth Amendments, including:

• The right to remain silent during questioning
• Protection from unlawful searches and seizures
• The right to a hearing before removal
• Access to legal counsel (though not court-appointed in immigration cases)

These protections are especially critical for those stopped by law enforcement or immigration agents in Texas, where local involvement can create confusion.

When a Criminal Record Complicates Your Immigration Journey

For many immigrants, the bigger threat doesn’t come from ICE raids or border patrol — it comes from a prior criminal conviction. And in immigration court, the consequences can be more severe than most realize.

According to Mokolo Law Firm’s guide on criminal records, certain offenses — including some misdemeanors — can:

• Make you inadmissible for a visa or green card
• Trigger deportation proceedings, even after years of legal residence
• Block naturalization, even if you’re otherwise eligible
• Lead to lifetime reentry bans if classified as an “aggravated felony”

Offenses involving fraud, controlled substances, domestic violence, and theft are among the most damaging. The trouble is, many immigrants don’t realize that immigration law has its own definitions of crimes, separate from how they’re classified in state court.

“Something as simple as a plea deal you took years ago to avoid jail time can now be the reason your green card is denied,” one Texas immigration attorney explained. “And once removal proceedings begin, the window to act gets very small.”

Legal Relief May Still Be Available

Fortunately, not all is lost. There are legal remedies for some immigrants facing inadmissibility or deportation due to criminal history, including:

• Waivers of Inadmissibility
• Post-conviction relief (reopening past criminal cases)
• Cancellation of Removal for long-term residents with strong family/community ties
• Asylum or Withholding of Removal if returning to home country poses danger

However, these strategies are legally technical and time-sensitive. Immigration attorneys — especially those with criminal law experience — are critical in identifying options and avoiding further harm.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Not Afraid

Texas remains one of the most active states in the national immigration conversation. But the laws that affect your future are rooted in federal systems — and they come with both risk and protection.

Whether you’re pursuing a green card, defending against deportation, or simply unsure how a past mistake could affect your immigration status, the best defense is preparation. Stay informed. Keep your records. And when needed, speak to a legal professional who understands how immigration and criminal law overlap.

When it comes to family law matters, finding the right attorney can make all the difference in both the legal outcome and the emotional experience of the process. In Houston, one law firm that continues to stand out for its client-focused approach and legal expertise is Kamal Law Firm, PLLC, led by Attorney Farah Kamal.

Farah Kamal brings a unique blend of skills to the table as both a seasoned family lawyer and a certified mediator. Her areas of practice include divorce, child custody, child support, property division, adoption, and mediation. What sets her apart is her ability to handle cases that involve both family and immigration law — a rare and valuable skill in Houston’s diverse community.

One of the defining traits of Kamal Law Firm is its cultural competence. Attorney Kamal’s fluency in Urdu, Hindi, and Spanish allows her to connect deeply with clients from the Latin and South Asian communities, ensuring that language and cultural barriers never stand in the way of quality representation.

The firm is also known for its education-driven approach, keeping clients informed about their rights and the legal process at every step. Whether resolving disputes through mediation or advocating fiercely in court, Kamal Law Firm prioritizes fair outcomes and reduced stress for clients.

For anyone in Houston facing a divorce, custody dispute, or any other family law challenge, Kamal Law Firm offers not only legal representation but also compassionate guidance during some of life’s most difficult transitions.

To learn more about their services or to schedule a consultation, visit www.kamallawfirm.com or call 713-524-4529.