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What does divorce mean for a green card status?

Christopher Palmiter filed for divorce from Diana Cojocari. Attorney David Concha says there could be different outcomes depending on her green card status

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christopher Palimiter filed for divorce from Diana Cojocari Monday morning. The documents show they have been separated since Dec. 17, 2022, the same day they were arrested for failing to report Madalina missing. 

So what does this mean for Diana Cojocari's status in America if they get divorced? 

OUR SOURCES:

During Diana's settlement hearing, a Mecklenburg County judge stated that Diana was not a U.S. citizen and only had a green card. 

Now that there's a divorce pending, attorney David Concha tells us there could be different outcomes depending on the status of her green card. 

According to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, noncitizens who have been married for at least two years file for a permanent green card, which means they can renew it and don't have to prove their marriage legitimacy during the process. 

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Court documents show that Diana and Chris have been married since 2016. Concha said getting a divorce will not affect permanent resident status. 

The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service shows you need to renew your permanent green card status every 10 years. However, there are no questions on the form about your marital or relationship status. 

But, keep in mind, Diana was convicted of a felony and, because of that conviction, the Mecklenburg County judge said she is likely to be deported. 

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WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.

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