• August 19, 2016

Minnesota Litigator focuses on “news and developments” in Minnesota civil litigation but it tends to be even more focused on the kinds of Minnesota civil litigation that its writers practice. As a result, there is very little focus on family law, intellectual patent litigation, ERISA litigation or other areas of law outside of the zone of danger of the authors’ main areas of practice.

On the other hand, I deviate from time to time and today I note a decision in a recent immigration-related decision: Dahhane v. Stanton et al.. The case concerns a couple who met on-line: Adam Dahhane, in Morocco, and Linda Lorraine Stanton in Mankato, Minnesota. First came love, then came marriage, then came a child in a baby carriage.

As in 42-45% of marriages between American citizens, then came divorce.

Then came Mr. Dahhane’s lawsuit against his ex-wife and ex-mother-in-law based on their sworn promises to be Mr. Dahhane’s “sponsor” as part of the immigration process. To get Mr. Dahhane into the country, Ms. & Ms. Stanton committed to support Mr. Dahhane at 125% of federal poverty guidelines…

This sponsorship commitment continues until the sponsor’s death; or (2) the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, departs the U.S. permanently, or dies.

Mr. Dahhane brings his case pro se. I was not surprised note this because, were money the only factor, it would be unreasonable for a Minnesota lawyer to take on Mr. Dahhane’s case, even though he is asserting a valid legal right. For the most part, the Dahhana/Stanton family subsisted right around 125% of the federal poverty level and the amount of time and resources in bringing this lawsuit undoubtedly exceeds any amount that Mr. Dahhane, ultimately, will recover (if anything).

 

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