More details to this question:
I am a US citizen and he is not. If I marry him can I legalize him?
5 ANSWERS
Adebola O. Asekun
Depending on your state of residence, marriage between two cousins may not be legal and if so, such marriage may not be used to obtain immigration benefits. The bar to marriage will depend on the degree of consanguinity between you and your cousins. And different states have different rules regarding the degree of your relationship wit the person you wish to marry. So, whether CIS will give effect to the marriage to your cousin will depend of the consanguinity laws of the state where you marry. Even if your marriage is legally recognized in the state of your marriage, you will have to convince CIS that you did not enter into this marriage just to help your cousin. In other words, you must convince CIS, that this is not a sham marriage.
Answered on Aug 22nd, 2013 at 5:25 AM
Immigration Attorney serving Van Nuys, CA
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Law Offices of Hussain & Gutierrez
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If it is a true marriage and your cousin came to US with a visa, then yes you can file for his green card.
Answered on Aug 21st, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Immigration Law Attorney serving Detroit, MI
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Walker & Associates of Michigan, P.C.
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Your question has many variables to it, and can't give you a category answer. In many states, you cannot legally marry a relative. Even if you are in a state that allows this, for Immigration purposes you have to demonstrate that the marriage is bona-fide. You may other variables and problems to consider; e.g the present status of your cousin, and that persons means and mode of entry into the U.S.
Answered on Aug 20th, 2013 at 8:09 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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It depends on the State where you live and what degree of relationship you are as cousins. Most states do not allow first cousins to marry.
Answered on Aug 20th, 2013 at 8:03 PM
Immigration Attorney serving Arlington, TX
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Law Office of Pho Ethan Tran, PLLC
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As long as your marriage is permitted or recognized by the authorities where you will be marrying, you may submit an I-130 petition on behalf of your husband.
Answered on Aug 20th, 2013 at 8:01 PM