Define: Green-Card Marriage

Green-Card Marriage
Green-Card Marriage
Quick Summary of Green-Card Marriage

A green-card marriage refers to the act of marrying a foreigner solely for the purpose of obtaining permanent residency in the United States. This type of marriage is not genuine as the couple does not have genuine feelings for each other and only entered into the marriage for legal benefits. Engaging in such a marriage is illegal and can lead to legal consequences for those involved.

Full Definition Of Green-Card Marriage

A green-card marriage is a fraudulent marriage where a U.S. citizen marries a foreign citizen solely to help the foreign citizen become a permanent U.S. resident. In this example, John, a U.S. citizen, marries Maria, a foreign citizen, with the sole intention of assisting her in obtaining a green card. They have no intention of living together as a married couple and do not have a genuine relationship. Engaging in such marriages is against U.S. immigration laws, and the government has implemented regulations to address this issue. Those involved in green-card marriages can face severe legal consequences, including civil and criminal penalties. In the given scenario, John and Maria’s marriage is not legitimate but rather a scheme to obtain a green card for Maria, making it illegal and subject to legal repercussions.

Green-Card Marriage FAQ'S

A green-card marriage refers to a marriage entered into for the purpose of obtaining a green card or permanent residency in the United States.

No, it is not legal to enter into a marriage solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. Such marriages are considered fraudulent and can lead to serious legal consequences.

Immigration authorities may conduct interviews, review documentation, and investigate the couple’s relationship to determine if a marriage is genuine or fraudulent. They may also consider factors such as shared financial responsibilities, joint property ownership, and evidence of a bona fide relationship.

Engaging in a green-card marriage fraud can result in criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, and deportation for both the foreign national and the U.S. citizen involved.

Yes, a green-card marriage can be annulled if it is proven to be fraudulent or if there are other legal grounds for annulment, such as lack of consent or incapacity.

A green-card marriage can be a pathway to obtaining permanent residency, but it does not automatically lead to citizenship. The foreign spouse must still meet the requirements for naturalization and go through the citizenship application process.

Yes, immigration authorities have the discretion to deny a green-card application if they determine that the marriage is fraudulent or if the couple fails to provide sufficient evidence of a bona fide relationship.

Yes, a green-card marriage can be terminated through divorce or annulment after obtaining permanent residency. However, it is important to consult with an attorney to understand the potential impact on immigration status.

In some cases, a green-card marriage may be used as a defence against deportation if the foreign spouse can demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and that they would suffer extreme hardship if deported. However, each case is unique, and it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance.

Yes, it is possible to enter into a green-card marriage while on a non-immigrant visa. However, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the legal implications and potential challenges involved in changing visa status.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.

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