strange situation...

[sachinky 464]

I wasn't talking about the petitioner being expressly paid to marry the beneficiary. Yes, in that case it is a sham marriage and visa fraud.

The IO simply cares that you did not marry SOLELY for immigration benefits. Immigrating to the US can be somewhere on your list of priorities but it can't be the ONLY one. Wanting a better life, higher standard of living or more opportunities is hardly a crime. Neither is getting married to a well-off spouse so that you can hopefully have a financially secure future. Is that my idea/definition of a marriage? No, but it isn't my place to judge or condemn. People get married for many reasons. Family pressure can be a powerful motivation, often in more conservative cultures where going against the parents is considered taboo. I do know of a few legit arranged couples who went through the NWD Embassy and were subject to severe scrutiny because the CO suspected that it was a "deal" between the families.

Like Jim said above, "love" isn't a requirement on the USCIS definition of a bonafide marriage. What these couples choose to disclose during an immigration interview to the IO is their prerogative. I would assume most choose not to stick their foot into their mouth by being blunt or indiscreet.

Edited December 18, 2010 by sachinky

[ATPEACE 43]

To those who are passing judgement on this young man please remember:

Unless You have Walked In His Shoes, Don't Pass Judgement On Him. I am sure the whole content of his story has not been written for our eyes.

[blahblahbl.. 1]

'If she goes back, are we still married?'

Yes.

Not sure why some don't like that question. It's an immigration-related question on an immigration forum. Can't a guy ask that question here without getting a shame-on-you-guilt-bashing? ATPEACE is absolutely correct, the whole story has not been made available.

[Mountain Climber 186]

To those who are passing judgement on this young man please remember:

Unless You have Walked In His Shoes, Don't Pass Judgement On Him. I am sure the whole content of his story has not been written for our eyes.