“We Wouldn’t Have Been Able to Do This Without You”: A Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status Success Story
Waiting for a decision on a marriage-based adjustment of status can feel overwhelming. For many couples, it is not just paperwork. It is months of uncertainty, fear, and emotional stress that affect daily life.
In this real client story, Maria L. shares what it felt like to finally receive approval for her adjustment of status through marriage, how the process impacted her sense of safety, and what changed once she became a permanent resident of the United States with the guidance of a green card lawyer.
The Call That Changed Everything
The call started like many others. It was a routine follow-up after the immigration interview. Maria L. did not expect a final decision that day. She was simply waiting for an update.
Then came the words she had been hoping to hear: her marriage-based adjustment of status had been approved.
“Oh my God, thank you so much. That’s really good news,” she said as soon as she heard the confirmation.
There was no rehearsed reaction. Just relief. The kind that comes after a long period of waiting and uncertainty.
Below is the real call where Maria hears the news that changed everything:
How Approval Feels After Months of Uncertainty
When asked how it felt to receive approval, Maria L. did not describe celebration or excitement. Instead, she spoke about something deeper.
“It feels great. We feel safer now. There is definitely a bigger sense of relief.”
Even acknowledging that the broader political climate felt uncertain at the time, approval changed something fundamental. The constant worry that followed her began to ease, and a sense of stability returned.
Before Starting the Process: Research, Timing, and Fear
Maria and her partner did not begin the process impulsively. Like many couples, they spent time researching their options, including marriage-based adjustment of status and marriage visa consular processing, well before getting married.
A year earlier, they had attended a Zoom consultation, discussed pricing, and explored their legal options. They had even spoken with the firm once before, back in 2023. At that time, they decided not to move forward.
That decision changed after the 2024 election results.
“When the results came out in November, we said, ‘No. We need to start the process now.’”
For them, timing mattered. The political context made waiting feel riskier than moving forward.
Why Communication With Your Immigration Lawyer Matters
Throughout the process, uncertainty was constant.
“There was a lot of uncertainty,” Maria explained.
What made the experience manageable was communication. Whenever questions or concerns came up, Maria and her partner reached out. Each time, the legal team responded with clarity and reassurance.
“They never hesitated to give us feedback or calm our worries.”
More importantly, Maria described the experience as emotionally supportive.
“It was very emotionally comfortable.”
She compared this to previous experiences with other attorneys, where communication was difficult or limited. This time, she felt heard and supported, which made a stressful process easier to navigate.
The Emotional Impact of the Immigration Process
Immigration cases affect more than legal status. They affect how people live their everyday lives.
At one point during the process, Maria shared that fear became part of her routine.
“I was afraid to leave my apartment for a few weeks.”
That fear was not connected to a single event. It came from living with uncertainty and not knowing what might happen next. This emotional weight is something many immigrants experience, even if it is rarely discussed openly.
Life After Approval: What Comes Next
After approval of a marriage-based adjustment of status, the process continues. Maria understands that approval is an important milestone, but not the final step, and that ongoing guidance from a green card lawyer can be important as future immigration steps arise.
The next phase includes continuing to gather documentation that shows a genuine marital relationship. This may include joint tax returns, leases, shared financial records, and photos. In the future, she will apply to remove the conditions on her residence and later pursue naturalization.
Knowing what comes next has helped replace fear with preparation.
@joshisimmigration Proving that your marriage relationship is genuine is not easy. But here #immigrationlawyer ♬ original sound - Josh Goldstein, Esq.
Feeling Safe Again: Travel, Family, and Everyday Life
One of the most meaningful changes after approval was not legal. It was personal.
For the first time in years, Maria felt comfortable thinking about travel.
“I have been here for almost ten years, and my dream was always to go back and visit my family.”
Even simple daily activities began to feel different. That same day, she and her partner took the bus home. It was something they had not done since high school.
“We felt good. I felt safe.”
That sense of normalcy was a powerful reminder of how deeply immigration status can affect everyday life.
Final Thoughts: Every Case Is Different
At the end of the conversation, Mreflected on her experience in simple terms.
“Honestly, you helped us so much. We would not have been able to do this without you.”
This story reflects one couple’s experience with a marriage-based adjustment of status. Every immigration case is different, and results depend on individual circumstances, eligibility, and evidence.
If you are considering an adjustment of status through marriage or want to better understand where your case stands, speaking with an immigration attorney can help you understand your options and next steps.
Informational Note
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a marriage-based adjustment of status is approved, it means USCIS has granted permanent resident status based on a qualifying marriage. The applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident and may receive a green card. Approval does not end all future immigration steps, as some applicants may later need to remove conditions or apply for naturalization.
Posted in: Blog, Citizenship