More details to this question:
If I fell in love with someone who crossed the border illegally, what are the proper steps to formally marry her?
11 ANSWERS
Criminal Law Attorney serving Newport Beach, CA
at
Right Choice Law
Update Your Profile
You may marry anyone anywhere provided the place permits marriage. After marriage, you may petition for her but should consult an attorney if she is illegal or entered the US without inspection or authorization. Good luck.
Answered on Dec 07th, 2011 at 9:30 AM
LCA Audits and Investigations Attorney serving Houston, TX
at
Fong Ilagan
Update Your Profile
No different than anyone else. You need to get a marriage license and then you can get married.
Answered on Dec 07th, 2011 at 8:56 AM
Leon Wildes
If you are free to marry, you apply for a Marriage License at the Marriage License Bureau. It might be a good idea to consult wirth ans Immigration Lawyer first, as she may not be able to apply for US permanent residence( green card) based on the marriage.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 6:29 PM
Marrying her is really only the first step in an otherwise long haul. Getting married may be possible and may even be easy but getting her legal status, if she entered the country unlawfully may be all but impossible under the current immigration laws. The law states that if one entered the US unlawfully, there is no possibility for that person to legalize his/her status within the US. She would need to go back to her home country to consular process for her visa but as soon as she departs the US, she would automatically trigger a 10 year bar to reentry, which can only be waived by a showing of extreme hardship to a US citizen spouse, which is fairly difficult to do in most cases
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 4:18 PM
Personal Injury Law Attorney serving Pooler, GA
at
Jarrett & Price, LLC
Update Your Profile
You have to follow the rules of the state you get married in. In Georgia you have meet the requirements of obtaining a marriage license. Your girlfriend will need to provide her birth certificate. You should discuss with an immigration attorney her case though to determine if she is entitled to any relief. Just marrying her will not provide her with any immigration status. An immigration attorney can help you determine what your options are. Congratulations and best wishes.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Immigration and Naturalization Attorney serving San Diego, CA
Partner at
Feldman Feldman & Associates, PC
3 Awards
The steps for getting married vary from state to state so check with the clerk for what is required. With regard to getting immigration benefits for the "illegal alien" I would suggest a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as there are lots of questions which will need to be asked to determine the proper procedures.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Immigration and Naturalization Attorney serving San Francisco, CA
at
The Law Office of Christine Troy
Update Your Profile
The same as you would take for anyone else. Whether or not you can sponsor her for a green card and as importantly how (in the US or outside), are great questions. Please have a consult with a competent immigration attorney in your jurisdiction to fully evaluate her case including 245i eligibility and the extreme hardship waiver if needed.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 11:29 AM
2 Awards
Marrying her is easy. You can find instructions on NJ state website. Basically, both of you go to city hall with ID and two witnesses and you get a license. Wait 48 hours and you can marry. The hard part is getting her legal status. For that, call a lawyer.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Business Law Attorney serving Ketchum, ID
at
Adam B. King, Attorney at Law, PC
Update Your Profile
1. Hire an experienced immigration lawyer who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association [ www.aila.org ] 2. Marry 3. File I-130/I-485 and associated forms/documentation 4. File I-601 Waiver. The standard for the waiver is quite difficult.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 10:21 AM
You go to a clerk in your county and present proof of identity. There are no proper steps to marry. However, there are proper steps to pursue her lawful permanent resident. As a matter of law, she may not be able to process in the U.S. If she leaves the U.S., she may not be able to lawfully return for three to ten years. You may find yourself wanting to leave the U.S. to be with her. I strongly recommend an appointment with a competent and experienced immigration attorney. An attorney who will take the time to carefully review the facts and decide whether she can become lawful to avoid the possibility of deportation.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Intellectual Property Attorney serving Menlo Park, CA
at
Sheppard Mullin
Update Your Profile
Marrying him is easy. Just go to the county where you live to register. He needs proper ID to show his identification. No immigration status is required for marriage. The hard part is how togethim legal status to live in the US, even if he marries a US citizen.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 10:07 AM