Multiple wives - what is the policy?

[raygellenbeck 0]

So, in the case where a family is legally married in another country, and one of the members is a US citizen, and that family consists or more than one wife, and the marriage to each is legally recognized in the other country, what is the US immigration policy?

Are both/all the women eligible for spouse visa? Is their marriage recognized in the US?

I have heard in unreliable venues that while polygamy is not allowed in the US and a man cannot marry more than one woman here, Immigration has allowed muslim and other religious families that involve multiple wives to all immigrate and be recognized, but they keep it very low-key to avoid the issue being "front-and-center" in today's hyper-sensitive social media world.

Does anyone have a factual source on the matter to quote/provide one way or the other?

Edited April 25, 2016 by raygellenbeck

[Georgia16 2,858]

There is no way america would let you bring more then one wife. I don't believe that.

[raygellenbeck 0]

There is no way america would let you bring more then one wife. I don't believe that.

I respect your opinion, and you presume it was for me, but my ask on the thread is for someone to provide some factual reference either way. I do know someone who is in that boat in Asia and might be repatriating to the US, hence the whole visa route.

[Georgia16 2,858]

But it's not legal in america to have more then one wife, so why should they suddenly allow it to people immigrating to their country?

You look up the laws on this..

[Lhanz0729 52]

Section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act

(a) Classes of Aliens Ineligible for Visas or Admission.-Except as otherwise provided in this Act, aliens who are inadmissible under the following paragraphs are ineligible to receive visas and ineligible to be admitted to the United States:

(10) MISCELLANEOUS. -

(A) Practicing polygamists.-Any immigrant who is coming to the United States to practice polygamy is inadmissible.

[milimelo 4,167]

Only the first wife would get the immigrant visa -all others are sol.

[Lhanz0729 52]

ditto..

Can't remember where I read it...

Only the first wife would get the immigrant visa -all others are sol.

[rutabaga 209]

Immigrant Visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1)

What Is a "Spouse"?

A spouse is a legally wedded husband or wife.

• Merely living together does not qualify a marriage for immigration.
• Common-law spouses may qualify as spouses for immigration purposes depending on the laws of the country where the common-law marriage occurs.
• In cases of polygamy, only the first spouse may qualify as a spouse for immigration.

You might also want to check out this article (dealing mostly with naturalization though).

[newacct 688]

Not only will the wives after the first not be recognized, but you are prohibited from immigrating to the US if you intend to "practice polygamy", which includes continuing to live with your multiple wives in the US, even if they are not recognized as being married to you.

Nonimmigrant visitors are different; the prohibition is only for immigrants.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Only the first wife is considered a spouse for immigration however all the children hold equal ground for immigration. So the way to reunite as family would be to come with first wife and children from all wives , as the children become 21 they can petition their missing parent. ( however you are prohibited from all living together as man and wives and only the first wife can claim benefits as your spouse such as medical and SS )

[aaron2020 11,651]

FIrst, the US citizen is committing a crime. Bigamy is illegal in the US. It's illegal for a US citizen to commit bigamy anywhere in the world.

Second, only the first wife qualifies for an immigration visa.

Third, BS on US Immigration allowing bigamists and polygamists to immigrate to the US. Pure BS.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

FIrst, the US citizen is committing a crime. Bigamy is illegal in the US. It's illegal for a US citizen to commit bigamy anywhere in the world.

Second, only the first wife qualifies for an immigration visa.

Third, BS on US Immigration allowing bigamists and polygamists to immigrate to the US. Pure BS.

Right on!!!

[Boiler 43,393]

First the guy who wanted a K1 for a 14 year old now this.

[Georgia16 2,858]

First the guy who wanted a K1 for a 14 year old now this.

Is it the same guy??

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

First the guy who wanted a K1 for a 14 year old now this.

I missed that one. My favorite is still the story of the rose thrown from the balcony.

OP, it is illegal and even if they all chain immigrate as was posted above, it is still illegal if all the wives make it here

sponsored by their children. That would be a DNA fest to say the least.