'marrying' into new york

[nyheaven]

hey guys, does new york have a problem with foreigners getting hitched just so they can get a green card? if so, do you have any tales of such stories? thanks, oh by the way i was watching fox news here in the uk and damn you guys got a lot of snow upstate, they said like 110 inches!!! crazy man

[Schadenfrau]

Come on, now. Do you think any city in any country is keen on green card weddings?

[lofter1]

I've heard various stories. They range from completely amicable unions between friends (and which end well with both parties broadening their employment options) to very unhappy "business" relationships rife with stress & peril.

Depends on the folks involved.

[nyheaven]

schadenfrau ;

obviously nobody likes it, but is it a BIG problem in new york? i was in new york last april/may when there were large protests of migrant workers in washington square. Would you rather illegals, or people using a legal loophole? thanks for the prompt response earlier my friend

[Schadenfrau]

Are you sure you've got that correct? I remember large protests demanding rights for immigrants, not the other way around.

I'd wager that most New Yorkers don't really have strong anti-immigrant feelings.

[nyheaven]

sorry, i worded that incorrectly. Youre right it was for immigrant workers. Hey while youre there im back for a vacation in march and i want to see a good nightclub, would you recommend webster hall? Thanks.

[Schadenfrau]

If you're over 21, there's absolutely no reason to go to Webster Hall. I wouldn't suggest going to any nightclub in the city, actually. The bars have a much better atmosphere.

[lofter1]

schadenfrau ;

Would you rather illegals, or people using a legal loophole?


Splitting hairs there ^^

Technically if the goal is to obtain a green card via a "bogus" marriage then that in itself is not just a "loophole" but is also illegal (especially if any money were to exchange hands).

The officials in charge of this do keep an eye on specifics (Green card holders have to go in for periodic reviews): Living together, sharing bank accounts / finances / etc.

And do be aware that when you marry someone (for whatever the reason) you become liable for their debts -- so it's wise to know who and what you're getting into. Marriage / divorce laws are specific from state to state so that is also something to read up on.

[MikeW]

It's not like ICE (or whatever they're calling Immigration this week) hasn't figured out the scam marriage thing.

If someone's applying for a green card based on marriage to a citizen, they can be assured of a long, hard, expensive, well investigated path. I have a friend who married an eastern european girl, and it took they years, a significant amount of money, and a large amount of grief, to get her approved.

[ManhattanKnight]

you become liable for their debts.

Really?|

[lofter1]

Yep ^^^ :eek:

At least the ones incurred during the marriage.

So keep an eye out for those secret credit card accounts.

And don't forget the pre-nup ...