At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, we know sponsoring a loved one for U.S. immigration is a critical step, especially with new policies in 2025. The Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) set the income thresholds you must meet to file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), ensuring your beneficiary (e.g., spouse, parent, child, sibling) won’t rely on public benefits. This guide explains FPG, how its numbers are set, and how assets can help if your income is low, tailored for our Vietnamese clients. We also highlight how Trump’s 2025 tax policies, like the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” impact your sponsorship. Our bilingual team is here to make this process clear and achievable.

What Are Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)?

The FPG, published yearly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), defines income levels to measure poverty. In immigration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses FPG to confirm petitioners can financially support their beneficiaries, preventing public charge issues.

Why 125% or 100% of FPG?

• 125% FPG: Most sponsors need annual income at or above 125% of the FPG for their household size (including petitioner, dependents, and beneficiary) for family-based visas or status adjustments.
• 100% FPG: Active-duty military sponsors for a spouse or child need only 100% of the FPG, easing the requirement for military families.

How Are FPG Numbers Set?

• Annual Updates: HHS adjusts FPG each January using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation. For 2025, thresholds are estimated from 2024 guidelines with a 2.5% inflation adjustment (exact figures may vary).
• Household Size: Counts you, your dependents, the beneficiary, and any other sponsored immigrants.
• 2025 FPG Examples (Estimated):
  • 100% FPG:
    • Household of 2: $20,440
    • Household of 4: $30,960
    • Household of 6: $41,480
    • Add $5,240 per additional person.
  • 125% FPG:
    • Household of 2: $25,550
    • Household of 4: $38,700
    • Household of 6: $51,850
    • Add $6,550 per additional person.
• Note: These apply to the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds (e.g., $25,550 for a household of 2 at 100% FPG in Alaska).

Proving Income

Submit:

• Federal Tax Returns: Most recent Form 1040 with W-2s or 1099s.
• Current Income Proof: Pay stubs, employer letters, or bank statements.
• Self-Employed: Business tax returns (e.g., Schedule C). USCIS uses gross income (before taxes) to compare against the FPG threshold.

Impact of Trump’s 2025 Tax Policies

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (May 2025) offers temporary tax deductions through 2028, boosting take-home pay and potentially helping meet FPG requirements:

• Tip and Overtime Deduction: Up to $25,000 in tips or overtime pay is deductible (phasing out above $150,000 income), aiding Vietnamese workers in restaurants, nail salons, or delivery. For example, a worker earning $20,000 plus $10,000 in tips reports $30,000 gross income, meeting 125% FPG for a household of 2 ($25,550).
• Senior Deduction: A $6,000 standard deduction for those over 65 helps retiree sponsors increase disposable income. These deductions raise your gross income, which USCIS considers, but you must ensure your total meets the FPG after taxes.

Using Assets if Income Is Low

If your income falls below the FPG threshold, assets can supplement it:

• Valuation Rules:
  • 5:1 Ratio: For most sponsors, assets (e.g., savings, property) must be worth 5 times the income shortfall. Example: If you need $38,700 (125% FPG for a household of 4) but earn $30,000, the shortfall is $8,700, requiring $43,500 in assets ($8,700 × 5).
  • 3:1 Ratio: For U.S. citizens sponsoring a spouse or minor child, assets need only 3 times the shortfall ($26,100 in the example above).
• Eligible Assets:
  • Cash in savings/checking accounts.
  • Real estate (net value after mortgages/liens).
  • Stocks, bonds, or liquid investments.
  • Assets must be convertible to cash within one year without significant hardship.
• Documentation: Provide bank statements, property appraisals, or investment records showing ownership by you or the beneficiary.

Other Options

• Joint Sponsor: A U.S. citizen or permanent resident meeting 125% FPG can co-sign the I-864, combining their income with yours.
• Household Member Income: Include income from household members (e.g., spouse) who sign Form I-864-A.

How Truong Law Firm, PLLC Can Help

Sponsorship under new 2025 policies can be complex. Truong Law Firm, PLLC offers:

• Expert Review: We analyze your income, taxes, and assets to ensure your I-864 meets USCIS standards.
• Document Support: Help with tax returns, asset proof, and joint sponsor forms.
• Bilingual Guidance: Tailored advice for Vietnamese clients to simplify sponsorship.