Risks for an individual American to sponsor a foreigner?

Question

I have been asked to help out a foreigner by signing some document which basically says I can be sued for things my sponsored individual does. They have all their paperwork in order otherwise (they're coming from China).

So, I'd like to do my part -- help out another fellow citizen of Earth. What if the tables were turned? "Do unto others"...

Still, I'd like to know what COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN, in a WORST CASE scenario. The only asset I own is my house -- paid for in full, probably worth $250k. Is a family's primary residence a fair target for a lawsuit? Will we end up sleeping in our car? The reason I ask is: I'd get me a bigger car. =]

I'm a working-class professional. I don't have much money at all, but I make a good living. I'm NOT afraid of fighting some lawsuit in court, but I'd hate to lose my house.

What kinds of things can I REALLY be sued for?

TIA,
Jesse

P.S. Rachael B answered a similar post, but no details. Email me: nrobertson-aht-gotsky-doht-cohm

Answer 1

Are you any relation to these people? What is the nature of your support for their application? That is, why are you asked to sign? How would your signature help their case? Also ask, is this truthful? Is everything on the document you are signing legal? I'm not a lawyer but I would suggest you consult one before even signing something related to immigration papers.

Helping out is okay but it is pretty scary taking on the USCIS now that it's under the Dept. of Homeland Security. I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble. You could lose a lot. Helping others does not mean going against the system.

If it was me, I wouldn't do it.

Answer 2

My understanding is you are basicly held responsible for all their financial debt. Medical etc. You are also responsible for their legal issues. I guess the most simplistic way to say it is it's kind of like having a criminal released into your custody. Except they aren't a criminal. You are responsible for them. Problem is....they aren't kids. They can go about their business as any other adult. So any problems an irresponsible adult can do......you can be left holding the bag for.

My dad hired someone to do work for him. He sent immigrants (illegal though) to do the work and told him it was ok to pay them directly for the work. He did. They didn't finish the job and took the money and ran for the border. He spent too much time in his office and didn't get out to see what was happening. They managed to screw over a quite a few people and not do the work. They're gone....he's out the money AND he's loosing 2 homes AND spending some serious time in jail.

So it's hard to tell all the various ways you could be held responsible especially since so many crimes do include a financial end to it in one way or another. Yes....they could spend time in jail, be deported etc. But you'd have to foot the bill for everything else. Atleast that's my understanding. It's only for a certain period of time. They cannot get any welfare or benefits. Any bills they have, you are responsible for they don't pay. It is risky and if you really don't know the person.......you could risk it all. It could be something as simple as a serious illness.