An Affidavit to support a relative or friend is a written sworn statement that is written on behalf of an individual in support of an immigration application or other related proceedings. The purpose of this letter is to work in favor of the immigrant in question by substantiating important aspects of their immigration case. Instances where affidavit letters are usually very useful are immigration cases in which the applicant must prove a bona fide (good faith) marriage, good moral character, or abuse within a marriage.
The Affidavit letter should be a personal declaration that includes:
1. The name, date and place of birth, phone number, and address of the affiant (person writing the letter).
2. The history of the personal relationship with the applicant.
3. Details of how the affiant came to acquire the knowledge stated in the declaration, such as the legitimacy of the applicant’s marriage.
4. Penalty of Perjury Language. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it is important to include a sworn statement that states, “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.”