Case Update (2020): Pachal v. Bugreeff; I-864, support of an immigrant, interplay with alimony and divorce suit
This is a really interesting case that addresses the issue of an I-864 contract. This immigration form is completed by a U.S. citizen who commits to ensuring that an applicant for residency maintains an income of 125% of the federal poverty level. This obligation is indefinite, unless a specific "terminating event" occurs. In the case of Pachal v. Bugreeff , Ms. Bugreeff signed an I-864EZ on behalf of Mr. Pachal, her fiance. Prior to marrying, they also signed a prenuptial agreement waiving alimony. About five years later, Bugreeff filed for divorce. The proceeding progressed, and nearly 2 years after the filing, Pachal was ordered to leave the marital home, at which time he sought temporary alimony. Separate from the ongoing state court divorce proceedings, Pachal filed a federal suit to enforce the I-864EZ. Ms. Bugreeff filed to dismiss the federal suit, using the abstention doctrine. As a refresher, the Younger doctrine mand...