US Citizen Penalties: Why Sponsoring Your Spouse Can Be So Hard

Sponsoring your spouse for a U.S. green card is a major, binding commitment. As the sponsor, you sign an Affidavit of Support (I-864), a legally enforceable contract.

This means you are financially liable for your spouse at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, often for up to ten years, even if you divorce. Furthermore, you must repay the government for any “means-tested” public benefits your spouse receives. Your own financial situation changing does not void this serious obligation.

Why am I being penalized because I am a U.S. citizen? — common situations and how to respond

U.S. citizens sometimes face actions or penalties that feel unfair — for example, tax penalties, benefit overpayment demands, sponsor liabilities, or fines for regulatory violations. Therefore, it’s important to identify the legal basis for the penalty, preserve records, and take timely action to correct errors or mount an appeal. Below is a practical guide to common scenarios, what the notice means, and how to proceed.

Common scenarios where citizens see “penalties”

• Tax penalties — late filings, underpayments, or information returns that trigger IRS penalties and interest.
• Benefit overpayment / sponsor liability — repayment demands from agencies or sponsor obligations under Form I-864 when an immigrant receives means-tested benefits.
• Civil/regulatory fines — local or federal regulatory penalties for licensing, environmental, or business violations.
• Administrative penalties — missed deadlines or incorrect filings with USCIS or other agencies.
• Criminal fines — fines imposed after convictions or from traffic/municipal violations.

First steps when you receive a penalty notice

1. Read the notice carefully — note agency, legal basis, amount, deadline, and appeal instructions.
2. Preserve all records and copies of correspondence and receipts.
3. Do not ignore deadlines — many appeals require prompt action.
4. Gather evidence that supports your position (payments, corrected forms, affidavits).
5. Contact a qualified professional (tax attorney, benefits/immigration counsel) depending on the issue.

How to challenge typical penalty types

• IRS penalties: file an abatement request for reasonable cause, amend returns if needed, or appeal through Collections Due Process where applicable.
• Benefit overpayments/sponsor liability: request a detailed explanation, appeal the agency decision, and evaluate sponsor defenses under immigration law.
• Administrative/regulatory fines: use the agency’s protest/appeal process and consider requesting a hearing.

When to get an attorney

• Large amounts or risk of liens, levies, or asset seizure.
• Possible criminal exposure or referral to enforcement.
• Complex statutory issues (I-864 sponsor liabilities, tax audits).

How we help

We review notices, identify defenses, prepare appeals and abatement requests, negotiate repayment plans, represent clients at hearings, and coordinate with tax or immigration specialists when cases overlap.