Can I marry my undocumented first-cousin in California, US?

[pinkuledi 0]

Thank you very much for your advise.

Let me answer some of the quetions.

1. Why his parents decliend?

answer: they were getting working permit first, but their sponsor disappeared. yes his name was also in their file.

2. Why did he over stay?

answer: he was young. had no choice.

my question?

1. if I don't mention he is my cousin, how will they find out?

Would they dig into our family register in korea and find out my mom and my aunt has same parents?

they are both in heaven, passed away 30 yrs ago.

My mom's Last name: A -> B (remarried in US)

Aunt's Last name: A

My last name: B

His last name: C

I find this forum really helpful. please help me get thru this.

[Little_My 463]

One question that remains is.. Are you marrying him because you two are in love and in a relationship, or are you marrying him to keep him in the country? In the end, that is the main thing.

The cousin part.. Well. If it is not asked in the forms (which I don't think it is) and if it never came up in the interviews, then I guess yes, you could not bring it up. If you were asked about it in any way, and you lie, you will be in trouble. Both of you. I tend to lean towards full disclosure usually, but in this case I do not know what would be the better way to go about it. Someone will probably chime in on this one soon.

[pinkuledi 0]

One question that remains is.. Are you marrying him because you two are in love and in a relationship, or are you marrying him to keep him in the country? In the end, that is the main thing.

The cousin part.. Well. If it is not asked in the forms (which I don't think it is) and if it never came up in the interviews, then I guess yes, you could not bring it up. If you were asked about it in any way, and you lie, you will be in trouble. Both of you. I tend to lean towards full disclosure usually, but in this case I do not know what would be the better way to go about it. Someone will probably chime in on this one soon.

I love him and cannot stand this situation anymore.

[xxtinaxx 14]

Thank you very much for your advise.

Let me answer some of the quetions.

1. Why his parents decliend?

answer: they were getting working permit first, but their sponsor disappeared. yes his name was also in their file.

2. Why did he over stay?

answer: he was young. had no choice.

my question?

1. if I don't mention he is my cousin, how will they find out?

Would they dig into our family register in korea and find out my mom and my aunt has same parents?

they are both in heaven, passed away 30 yrs ago.

My mom's Last name: A -> B (remarried in US)

Aunt's Last name: A

My last name: B

His last name: C

I find this forum really helpful. please help me get thru this.

you will submit birth certificates of both of you so i'm pretty sure they will know because there are his and your parents ' names on it

Edited April 1, 2011 by xxtinaxx

[xxtinaxx 14]

Also, from my experience, they asked me a lot about my family, like my parents' names, what they do, how my co sponsor is related to me because he's my uncle in law, which aunt he married [ my dad's sister], his former name before citizenship...and so on. So I think you should just tell them the truth

Edited April 1, 2011 by xxtinaxx

[pinkuledi 0]

you will submit birth certificates of both of you so i'm pretty sure they will know because there are his and your parents ' names on it

W

Thank you for your reply.

When you turn in your birth certificate,

Did they require it from the begining?

I heard birth certificate is not one of the required docs?

[Daniel&Theary 30]

You can marry your first cousin in california as wrong as it sounds. If you are marrying just to keep someone in the states it is fraud.

[Little_My 463]

Birth certificate is required from the beneficiary (i.e. the person applying for the green card) right in the initial stage of the application process. The US citizen's birth certificate is not necessarily required, but if you have obtained citizenship through naturalization and not through birth, then you might have to submit your birth certificate as well - not 100% about how it goes with USCs who are not citizens by birth.

[Bushra 2]

To the OP- You didn't mention in your post, so it is not fair for any person here to assume anything. 1. It is illegal to marry someone for immigration purposes. 2. You can marry someone who is a visa overstay and adjust their status in country if you have a bonafide marriage. 3. I would consult with an immigration attorney, but it is not necessary to hire a lawyer to file paperwork for you if you determine you will have no obstacles and make sure there is no deportation order for your cousin. So if you can agree that you are not marrying for immigration purposes, please follow this guide http://www.visajourn...ent/i130guide2. Best of luck to you!!

I agree with "Katgrl" . She is right, its looks like a huge issue but with all the right documents you will be all good. Though it would be little tough but not as much as some people are thinking here on VJ.

Good Luck

Edited April 1, 2011 by Bushra

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Post containing comment more appropriate for the Off Topic forum has been removed. As well, now that the OP has verified that this is a true relationship based upon love, there should be no further 'judgmental' posts suggesting the OP is trying to commit immigration fraud.

I will also re-iterate the comments made by many here - if you really want to be helpful, then do not post a response unless you do know the correct information. Posting incorrect information can cause damage as well as unnecessary stress. Fortunately, there are enough VJ members posting in this thread to correct the misinformation.

One last clarification - overstay isn't forgiven when the AOS is filed; it is forgiven when the AOS is approved.

[w8inglongtime 29]

I love him and cannot stand this situation anymore.

Hope that answers all those wondering if she's trying to commit fraud. Now that the OP has cleared the air can we collectively move towards the positive side of her situation?

Go ahead and marry him since you love him and file for aos. Just make sure he doesn't step foot outside the country untill this whole journey is complete. Good luck to both of you.

[Bushra 2]

Yup, good luck and marry him ASAP so you can start the process ASAP.

You do not worry, here on VJ tons of nice member will be ready to help you.

Edited April 3, 2011 by Bushra

[Mrstate 1]

I guess it will all depends on the situation whether this would be a huge red flag or not but I will give some info first, in some countries like in the middle east it is normal to marry your own cousin, if its something normal in your culture then the uscis might be aware that in some countries these things are normal, it might raise some red flags but you can convince them that in your culture its normal, now if you are from a country/culture that marrying a cousin or a relative is strictly ban because of beliefs then you might need something really good to convince them that this is for real. Now im not going to tell you not to do it or do it since all we can do here is give suggestions. If you really love each other like a real couple then i guess what you need is a good lawyer to help you guys with your situation. If you are doing this because you love your cousin then think about it as you might make his situation even worst and get him sent back home and be banned and you on the other hand might be fine or be in jail for fraud, it says on the application. Think about it really good.

[Mrstate 1]

I guess it will all depends on the situation whether this would be a huge red flag or not but I will give some info first, in some countries like in the middle east it is normal to marry your own cousin, if its something normal in your culture then the uscis might be aware that in some countries these things are normal, it might raise some red flags but you can convince them that in your culture its normal, now if you are from a country/culture that marrying a cousin or a relative is strictly ban because of beliefs then you might need something really good to convince them that this is for real. Now im not going to tell you not to do it or do it since all we can do here is give suggestions. If you really love each other like a real couple then i guess what you need is a good lawyer to help you guys with your situation. If you are doing this because you love your cousin then think about it as you might make his situation even worst and get him sent back home and be banned and you on the other hand might be fine or be in jail for fraud, it says on the application. Think about it really good.

But since you said you love him which I guess you love him more than just a cousin then Goodluck to the both of you and congratulations if you need help we here at vj will be glad to help if you are curious what to send u need I-130, I485, I864 and I 765 i think the EAD