Life after divorce for a Japanese National in the US?

[yukio_michael]

I'm writing this thread on someone's behalf, with a pretty good idea of how it might be answered, though still, because I made a promise, I write it regardless.

Recently a Japanese girl I know living in the United States has been going through some divorce proceedings. When the couple got married she opted to keep her Japanese citizenship.

I don't know exactly how the law applies to divorce. I know that in keeping her Japanese citizenship, she is probably beholden to the same laws as she was when she arrived, but under what time period, and what are her options?

I know that she is attempting to have a work visa sponsored through an artist for whom she works, but I have no idea what the progress of this is.

What happens to the divorced of those living in the United States who did not obtain US Citizenship? Are they simply shipped off from whence they came?

Is anyone familiar with this sort of situation? She's been living in the United States for some time now, perhaps a few years. I don't expect the answers I receive to be too promising, but I ask because it is the least I can do.

Thanks for any info, advice, assistance.

ps. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, I couldn't think of a better one for it.

 

[ArmandV]

I know of a Japanese national whose husband, an American, committed suicide in the U.S. at their home. They have a son who was born in the U.S. I think that despite her husband's suicide, she is in the U.S. as a permanent resident alien. I would imagine that your friend can stay under this arrangement despite the divorce. It is probably best to speak to an immigration attorney, though.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I knew a woman in America whose husband cheated on her, and when she found out they got a divorce. I haven't spoken to her in quite a while, but I do know that she for one wasn't worried about being deported. Perhaps she had a green card; I don't know. The laws in America concerning this are almost certainly different than they are in Japan, but I think it best to determine your friend's visa status in the U.S.

It may be that she already has permanent resident status but is unaware of it. Either way, finding out her exact status is the place to start.

My brother is going through the green card process with his wife as we speak. His wife isn't even attempting to come to America until the process is finished and she has her green card. Maybe I can ask him next time I call him.

 

[yukio_michael]

Thanks for the responses thus far, I'll try to get more information, and pass what you've told me along... I know an immigration lawyer is probably for the best as well.

 

[Mike Cash]

Green cards persist even after divorce or death of a spouse. Anything other than a green card, ask an attorney.

 

[Pachipro]

I knew a couple, Japanese wife/American husband, who divorced some years ago. The wife was a permenant resident with an alien registration card and was employed full-time. Therefore she was allowed to stay in the US and she is still here while retaining her Japanese citizenship.

Even as Mike and others said above, there should be no problem whatsoever as long as she has the card and I wouldn't waste any money on an immigration attorney.

It may seem odd, but that is why alot of of females marry Americans and once they get their "Green Card" many divorce as they know they will be allowed to remain in the US and bring over their families.

 

[Alma]

...
It may seem odd, but that is why alot of of females marry Americans and once they get their "Green Card" many divorce as they know they will be allowed to remain in the US and bring over their families.

it is a bit odd, but also it is reality these days. Bunch or marriages are also arranged just for this purpose. And worldwide situation, not just Japan-America.

 

[yukio_michael]

It's hard for me to directly communicate with the person involved in this drama, more or less I speak to her sister, I simply don't wish to embarrass her or make her feel awkward about her situation.

I'll find out more about her green card situation, thank you all for the replies, I knew I could count on this forum to be so helpful as usual.

 

[ET_Fukuoka]

It all depends on how long she has been here. If she has "the card" she should be good to go.


PS. The VISA process is a pain in the A$$!!! Seems like it's easier for a illegal immigrant to get a visa then a legal one these days!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH

 

[tampopo]

If she has a green card I don't think it automatically allows her family to come over and stay. The green card is for her and her alone...

 

[GaijinPunch]

How long were they married? I can speak from first hand experience, marriages under two years are tagged with a "conditional" flag. Technically at the end of the two years if you're still married, you lose this condition, but it's not always that fast. There may be delays, and this and that.

Assuming she got a green card, she will be a permanent resident, and won't even need to get a work visa. If she wants to leave the US for an extended period though, her green card and permanent residency will most likely become void after 365 days of absence.

And yes, she needs to ask an attourney. I can give her the number of a terrible one in Hawaii.

 

[yukio_michael]

Just to let you all know, I spoke with the person in question who tells me that this all may have been blown out of proportion--- I can never really tell these things... though my ex does have a tendency to make or feel that situations are more dire than they actually are...

I think it's just a question of timing... In between the time that I asked for advice, and now, the couple in question have seemed to settle their differences, and aren't going to be getting divorced (for at least the function of allowing her to remain in the US without any hassles)....

I thought I would let you all know, and again, thank you for the advice given.