Could the Department of State argue that since I was giving child support, I was separated from my wife and affect petition process?

In addition to filing a petition for you, your wife will also have to file an I-864 affidavit of support. As she is applying for public assistance, she would not appear to have the wherewithal to guarantee your support in the country and would have to have a cosponsor do such. A consular officer may be curious as to why a cosponsor would be willing to sponsor you financially if he or she is not financially supporting your wife. The question of the child support goes also to the issue of the financial support that can be shown for you. As you are sending 50% of your earnings to support the child, there would be no negative implications on your good character even if the amount does not entirely cover the cost of your child's support. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence