Cousins getting Married

[hellotoall 0]

Hi All,

I am a US citizen and my husband is a foreign citizen.

The question here is this---my husband is my cousin. In our foreign country, if there are no genetic issues, then we are legally married.It wasn't planned, we just fell in love. We have been in a relationship for 6 years---(I went to see him every year, lots of e-mails, phone calls, etc). I was the type of person who NEVER thought i would marry my cousin. I was born and raised in the US. We love each other dearly.

I am nervous that at the embassy, when they ask if we are related, what should he say??

He applied for a student visa two times, and both times he was denied. (i told him to apply for the student visa because that could be a way for us to be together--we were too young to get married).Now, I am 24 and he is 25. On one of his student visa applications, he wrote that he is going to live with his aunt in the US (he wrote down my US address).

When asked why he applied for a student visa, what should he say? And if they (god-forbid) look further and ask him why the US address he used for his student visa (the one he said he would live with his aunt) is the same US address for his wife, what should he say??

I am sorry if i have confused anyone. I love my husband dearly, and we have been together for almost 7 years now. PLEASE HELP! Thank you!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, you can admit you are cousins. In fact, if you lie, you will most certainly be denied, so you must admit you are cousins.

Edited May 26, 2012 by Harpa Timsah

[hellotoall 0]

did you admit you are cousins in your interview?

how can i be sure?

i'm very nervous!

thank you so much!!!!!!

[hellotoall 0]

Yes, you can admit you are cousins. In fact, if you lie, you will most certainly be denied, so you must admit you are cousins.

Thank you. I've heard that if you DO admit you are cousins, you will (God-forbid) certainly be denied because it is against the law. Is this true??

[Inky 1,110]

Always tell the truth NEVER lie.

Besides they probably already know about the address thing and the fact you are cousins. If you lie then they will know you lied and deny you for it. By posting your information on here they can also access this and see what you have said/ plan to do. Previously people have mentioned that the US embassy did know about their posting on here and on facebook. The fingers of the background checks reach far. Do not lie or make things up.

[hellotoall 0]

Thank you so much for your replies. I am still very nervous that (God-forbid) we will be denied for this.

What happens if God-forbid we are denied because of this?

Does that mean we can never be together? (God-forbid---I don't even want to think about it

[Anh map 2,098]

The lying and not telling the whole truth needs to end. No more, not for any reason. That is what will ultimately cause any problems that you will experience.

From the Field Adjudicators Manual:

In some foreign countries, and some states in the United States, marriages between close relatives (e.g., cousins) are permitted under certain circumstances. In cases where such marriages do not offend the laws of the state where the parties reside, the marriage will be recognized for immigration purposes.

What country are we talking about? That info will help members give more specific advice.

Now it is the time to prove that you married to have a life together, not just to help him obtain a visa to the US. Do some reading here on VJ to learn what types of evidence is expected to prove a bona fide marital relationship. Again, this can vary by country.

[hellotoall 0]

Thank you. We are from Iran. I hope this helps.

Thank you again!

Any info will help!

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Cousin, in what sense, 1st cousins, paternal or maternal cousins? In some states cousins are allowed to marry, does your state allow cousins to get married and what are the criterias?

[hellotoall 0]

Thank you. We are maternal first cousins. In the state of florida, i believe it is illegal. What should we do? We already have our case filed.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

It says here it is legal in Florida. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage Besides which, the marriage is taking place abroad, correct?

What makes you think it is illegal? A guess?

[hellotoall 0]

We were married in Iran. We have applied for an IR1/ CR1 visa. Thank you so much for your reply!!!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Good luck to you. Lots of worry over nothing

[hellotoall 0]

U are awesome. Thanks.

[Adriene H 89]

Good luck!