Jemavalon

    > Just wanted to wish you luck. I was in a similar situation as you. My
    > husband and I put off his AOS paper work because I was attending
    > college and wouldn't meet the guidelines. I was close to finishing
    > and we both decided that I should finish vs dropping out and finding
    > a job or two to meet the guidelines. We had our AOS interview in Sept
    > and at that time we did not have a co sponsor, we thought since I
    > make enough money now that the past 3 years with me in school
    > wouldn't matter to much (thought my current income was the most
    > important), we were wrong to assume. We were told we needed a co
    > sponsor. We knew it would be hard to find someone. My husbands Uncle
    > agreed to help (can't thank him enough). It took some talking over
    > with him, and he agreed. I wouldn't give up on your husbands father,
    > but try to find a back up plan. If all else fails then maybe your
    > husband will have to quit school for the time. If your father in law
    > doesn't wan't you to see his income, then he can put everything in an
    > sealed folder. My husbands Uncle did that. Alittle off topic...I was
    > surprised about how patient the officers can be. My husband and to
    > show back up at the office last week with the 2003 taxes (has an
    > extension, but not yet completed) and his Uncle's buisness license.
    > The day of his appt in the morning the officer called to see if my
    > husband can come in earlier, he said sure. Then he told her about the
    > tax extension (we were worried if it took too long they would be
    > impatient can deny his green card). She said no problem, told her
    > when the extension is due and she gave another appt plus her cell
    > phone incase we still don't have the taxes or is my husband can't get
    > thru security. Made us feel better, sorry about the ranting..just
    > shocked me some. Again good luck to you!

Here is another link that explicitly lists what is considered means
tested benefit and what's not (this is from Dept. of State):
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigra...overty3.html#5

Note that medicaid is considered a means tested benefit but emergency
medicaid is not (I have no idea what the difference is, but the name
says for itself that emergency help probably will be available). Since
with all these public means tested benefits you have to apply for them
before you get them, maybe you can convince your farther-in-law that no
matter how tough the times are you will never apply for them until you
get your citizenship? And your farther-in-law might only need to help
you to get through the tough times.

I agree with Rete that having medical insurance is always a good idea.
You should check with your husband's university though: when I was a
student we could sign up our spouses for the student health plan (yes,
we had to pay a premium, but it was still better than private isurance
rates). When you get a great job with a good health plan you can just
cancel it ;)