My nice has asked to become her sponsor in applying to legal-resident status. I am a US citizen and make more than the minimum yearly salary required. My question is: Aside from being financially responsible that she does not become a "social charge," what are the boundaries, if any, of my financial-legal responsibilities? Am I liable for both herself and her husband (unemployed)? If for example, they get into a car accident, am I liable for injuries and damages incurred? Can I set limits to my financial-legal responsibilities before signing to become her sponsor? Thank you.
Your responsbility will be to the Federal government should she have to go on welfare. You are not responsible for anything else. Also, you are responsible only for the person for whom you sign an I-864. If you sign just for her, then that is your only responsibility.
Experience: Over eight years of experience practicing immigration law.