I fell in love and got married to someone related to me.

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

I truly wish you all the very best in getting this sorted out and your wife in your arms here in the US.

I just wanted to bring to you attention question 17 on the I129F. 17. Is your fiancé(e) related to you?

Good catch. I think most of us spend about a second on that question and then forget about it.

I didn't even realize that question was there!! But, it should not matter due to the fact that marriage to your first cousin is not illegal in the US.

[Capsule 0]

Thank you for spotting that LuLu.

I just called the law office someone referred me to:

Sefyan Law Firm - Attorney, Lawyer, Law Office, Lawyers

1101 East Broadway, Suite #207

Glendale, CA 91205

Phone: 818-500-1882

Fax: 818-484-2193

Website: http://www.sefyan.com

The name of the gentleman I spoke with was Armen. He seemed like a caring, understanding young fellow. He was completely honest with me and told me that he is new (less than a year) and he doesn't think this is something for him right now. He referred me to another attorney (also Armenian) to contact. I called over there but he was out of the office, so his secretary told me to call back tomorrow around 1 PM.

I called another law firm, and this attorney had some really experienced "gatekeepers" and told me that it will NOT be possible to speak with him unless it's through a consultation. After looking through the site to sign up for a consultation I noticed the price, it is $450 for half an hour. If anyone has been in Canada, you know how expensive everything is here. And all I do is work an on campus job here trying to make it day by day and am paid literally 1/3 of what someone else is paid who has been there for a couple years. After taxes it'd take me probably over 50 hours of work to earn enough to pay him for half an hour and it isn't even sure if he can do ANYTHING for me. So I chose not to speak with him.

I called another lawyer, his name is John Lee Carrico. I heard that he's dealt with an issue like mine with a couple who one was from Romania. I was told to send him an e-mail, so I will do that by tonight.

I called "Catholic Community Services" like advised, I was not able to get a hold of the immigration attorney. From her message it seems like I will not be able to get a hold of her, rather I would have to do a "walk-in consultation" which is available on any Wednesday. I will probably see him/her after I get back home.

I was about to send off a letter to the congressman in my district (who happens to be LDS and a democrat, good for me possibly), but I was advised to hold off on that until I know I may need one.

I called another attorney who told me, "This will not work, I don't know how I can help you, good luck."

This is killing me!!!

I wonder if we could flee to a country and file for asylum? I will do ANYTHING!!

[Singers 0]

I don't think they asylum option would be available to you.

" the applicant must establish that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant. "

I can't really see how any of these would apply.

[Capsule 0]

I don't think they asylum option would be available to you.

" the applicant must establish that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant. "

I can't really see how any of these would apply.

I could see how it could apply, but I could see how it won't apply to them.

It saddens me every time I hear of a person who came overseas as a refugee claiming BS political asylum, and they were a sham. My own wife, that I truly love and want to be with isn't allowed but some others are here solely on completely made up stuff.

To me, for instance, it isn't accepted in our nationality to marry your cousin, I will for sure be a dead man, it is possible she could also be killed by her own family, for instance, this is probably not far from how some people are over there http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,377044,00.html

[Singers 0]

Well, I would advise against it only because: If they deem your (spouses) application frivolous, you are denied all avenues to immigrate.

http://' target="_blank">(6) Frivolous applications. - If the Attorney General determines that an alien has knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum and the alien has received the notice under paragraph (4)(A), the alien shall be permanently ineligible for any benefits under this Act, effective as of the date of a final determination on such application.

You would also have to overcome the problem of getting her to the US. Asylum can only be claimed at customs or if in the US within one year of entry.

[pushbrk 12,898]

I truly wish you all the very best in getting this sorted out and your wife in your arms here in the US.

I just wanted to bring to you attention question 17 on the I129F. 17. Is your fiancé(e) related to you?

Good catch. I think most of us spend about a second on that question and then forget about it.

I didn't even realize that question was there!! But, it should not matter due to the fact that marriage to your first cousin is not illegal in the US.

It isn't illegal but you can bet your britches it matters. It matters to the bona fides and it matters if they decide the couple's marriage isnt' legal because it's not legal to marry a cousin in Armenia.

In high fraud countries it's a common scheme to help the family out by marrying your mom's brother's kid so they can get to the US. That's not the situation her but it is likely to be suspected and need to be overcome.

[Capsule 0]

Well, I would advise against it only because: If they deem your (spouses) application frivolous, you are denied all avenues to immigrate.

<a href="http://" target="_blank"></a>(6) Frivolous applications. - If the Attorney General determines that an alien has knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum and the alien has received the notice under paragraph (4)(A), the alien shall be permanently ineligible for any benefits under this Act, effective as of the date of a final determination on such application.

You would also have to overcome the problem of getting her to the US. Asylum can only be claimed at customs or if in the US within one year of entry.

Yes, you are right, that is not a route I will seek.

As you can tell, I am becoming pretty desperate now. I can't take out of my mind what that attorney said to me, It's making me crazy.

I am contacting two other lawyers tomorrow, I hope at least one of them can help me.

[Asante Maroon 0]

To me, for instance, it isn't accepted in our nationality to marry your cousin, I will for sure be a dead man, it is possible she could also be killed by her own family, for instance, this is probably not far from how some people are over there http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,377044,00.html

Just read the article...This is horrible! Regardless of who a person chooses to marry may be viewed as wrong or right it should not give anyone the right to kill him/her.

We all are human and we have a right to make our own choices in life just as long as it does not bring harm to others. I know this may be sanctioned by culture or religion, but I just can't believe that this is the right thing to do.

I am sorry for the trouble and hardships you are going through and I hope that you and your wife act wisely and cautiously. Good luck to you both. Be safe.

[rebeccajo 14]

Capsule -

Hogan and Hartson.

http://www.hhlaw.com/immigration/

http://www.hhlaw.com/practiceAreas/areas_m...firmService=509

Big guns. Very big guns.

Edited July 8, 2008 by rebeccajo

[Fernanda O. 0]

Hi,

Before people jump to conclusions, make assumptions and make fun of me for what is going on, if you have the time, please read what I’m writing and maybe you will understand this issue.

In the summer of 2006 my mother, brother and I went on a trip to Armenia so I can meet my mother’s family. In Armenia I met a girl I fell deeply in love with. In denial that I was in love with her, I would always tell myself, “No, that’s wrong, don’t think that, etc.” Because I was staying at her family’s house, I grew deeper in love with this woman. At the time she was 19 and I was 18 (I am now 20 and she is 21).

I came back home to the U.S. in denial, yet couldn’t believe that I was in love with her. I had to see her one last time though, before I went on with my life (or at least try to). One year went by in agony, and in the summer of 2007 I went back “to see my family.” In all actuality, it was to see her and only her. No one else mattered to me. While I was there she kissed me in a way “she’s not supposed to.” Then began to apologize and cry, and I asked her what’s wrong.

She told me that she has fallen in love with me and she can’t help it. She thought by saying that I would never talk to her again, but I told her not to worry, because I had fallen deeply in love with her also.

At first we talked about how we will never forget each another, and we are deeply in love, but we can’t be together because of what family would say.

Three weeks went by and I did a lot of research on the internet and found out what I was experiencing is NOT abnormal, it is actually pretty common. It is common for relatives (in our case, first cousins) to meet for the first time or reunite after years of not seeing each another and fall in love. It’s a phenomenon called ‘genetic sexual attraction.’

Contrary to what we have learned in society (I also), the offspring of cousins has a very minimal risk in increasing chances for a birth defect, it is equal to a 40 year old female to have a child.

And like that, after three weeks I thought to myself, “Forget what other people think, I don’t care, I love her and it is no one's business!” We discussed it and decided the only way to be together is to get married (not to mention the fact that both of us were crazy for each another, even after a year).

With little research about Armenian law, and after a daunting task, we got married. After coming back to the United States I consulted with a lawyer and he said I’m probably going to end up having problems. After I researched Armenian family law, I found out that this:

i) Cousin marriages are not allowed

ii) Cousin marriages will be considered invalid if they will be brought up to the courts for a consideration

iii) Cousin marriages will only be considered valid if she is pregnant or a child is already born

iv) Any marriage CAN be considered valid if deemed by the court

Now you see my problem? I we must’ve slipped through the cracks, because I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, I was born in Armenia. We did not lie on anything, no forms asked if we are related and it was not asked to us verbally either.

After reading this I was devastated, I didn’t know what to do. Someone recommended me to go to Canada, she come to Canada and we get married here. I contacted an attorney in Canada, and explained my situation and she said that is just fine, she could help me out with it and it will be a no problem job.

So like that, as a 19 year old, busting my butt working 50 hours a week AND a full time college student I came to Canada as a student for one year. After six months of being here she was denied entry because a study permit has already been issued to me.

I’ve pretty much spent my life savings on this (about 10 thousand dollars) and now I’m at a dead halt. I’m beginning to become depressed as I know I have a long road ahead of me if I am forced to go to Armenia and flee with her from there. Her brother saw a picture of us that looked a little “risky” and told me that if anything is going on between us two I am a dead man.

I am in serious need of legal help and am desperate. I only have a couple thousand dollars left of student loans and my car which I will sell if I need more funds. I have worked all throughout high school, I never receive a dime from my parents (I come from a fairly poor family). It is difficult surviving the way it is, yet all the costs. I’m 20 years old and I raised some money by selling my motorcycles (I started racing motocross at 16 after I was able to earn money).

What do I need to do? How can I prove to the embassy that this is not a sham? She is the only thing helping me cling on to life right now, if I new she wasn’t in my future my fingers would slip and I would be gone.

I am willing to do anything. I have found some contacts in Armenia that will allow me to live in their home temporarily. If need be, I can move to Armenia and flee with her until things are sorted out, if need be, I can go to Armenia, officially nullify our marriage, flee to a country such as Egypt or Jordan where cousin marriages are legal and get married over there. I will do anything!

I am desperate, and there is no way I can turn to family for help .

I´m sorry about what you´re going through, I wish I could help. I just wanted to tell you to stay strong, if are really that much in love you´ll find a way to be together and it´ll be worth it. I don´t see the big deal about marrying a cousin, I mean, if you love each other, your family should be happy for you. I didn´t know you could get killed over this in Armenia. Maybe you could come to Brazil? I don´t know if marriage between cousins is permitted but I think nobody would care. =)

[Capsule 0]

It isn't illegal but you can bet your britches it matters. It matters to the bona fides and it matters if they decide the couple's marriage isnt' legal because it's not legal to marry a cousin in Armenia.

In high fraud countries it's a common scheme to help the family out by marrying your mom's brother's kid so they can get to the US. That's not the situation her but it is likely to be suspected and need to be overcome.

Yup, I can not see it not being suspected. Our mother's maiden names are not like Smith and Anderson where 1 out of 20 people have it. When I Google search my last name I have 133,000 results, when I search our mother's maiden name I have 12 results (and one of those is a second cousin of mine).

To me, for instance, it isn't accepted in our nationality to marry your cousin, I will for sure be a dead man, it is possible she could also be killed by her own family, for instance, this is probably not far from how some people are over there http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,377044,00.html

Just read the article...This is horrible! Regardless of who a person chooses to marry may be viewed as wrong or right it should not give anyone the right to kill him/her.

We all are human and we have a right to make our own choices in life just as long as it does not bring harm to others. I know this may be sanctioned by culture or religion, but I just can't believe that this is the right thing to do.

I am sorry for the trouble and hardships you are going through and I hope that you and your wife act wisely and cautiously. Good luck to you both. Be safe.

I agree, some family members disagree (which I don't care) and some lawmakers and politicians feel they should decide what we who we are able to love and be with.

In fact, I believe "The Bible" does NOT condemn marriage. From the research I've done it says that "God" actually forced several into marrying their cousin. "God" in the bible says that one may not "marry near of kin" and specifically states what he means by thought which is parent to child, grandparent to grandchild, siblings, aunt to nephew, uncle to niece and the former spouse of one's uncle or aunt. There may have been others, such as former spouse of sibling, but I can't remember, but that was as far as it goes and it was specific (not that it matters to me anyway).

Capsule -

Hogan and Hartson.

http://www.hhlaw.com/immigration/

http://www.hhlaw.com/practiceAreas/areas_m...firmService=509

Big guns. Very big guns.

Wow, these guys seem like they know what they're doing, I'm going to definitely contact them.

I´m sorry about what you´re going through, I wish I could help. I just wanted to tell you to stay strong, if are really that much in love you´ll find a way to be together and it´ll be worth it. I don´t see the big deal about marrying a cousin, I mean, if you love each other, your family should be happy for you. I didn´t know you could get killed over this in Armenia. Maybe you could come to Brazil? I don´t know if marriage between cousins is permitted but I think nobody would care. =)

I would probably get killed over this in Armenia because they will feel "betrayed" for what I did and what she did. Not only that, it would be a "disgrace" to them, yeah, baloney!

[LRA 0]

I truly wish you all the very best in getting this sorted out and your wife in your arms here in the US.

I just wanted to bring to you attention question 17 on the I129F. 17. Is your fiancé(e) related to you?

Good catch. I think most of us spend about a second on that question and then forget about it.

Thank you for spotting that LuLu.

Thanks pushbrk.

Capsule, not I a problem...truly wish there was more help I could provide. :-) Seems you have some good leads on lawyers and I really hope they'll be able to help you. Good luck.

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

Hi,

Before people jump to conclusions, make assumptions and make fun of me for what is going on, if you have the time, please read what I’m writing and maybe you will understand this issue.

In the summer of 2006 my mother, brother and I went on a trip to Armenia so I can meet my mother’s family. In Armenia I met a girl I fell deeply in love with. In denial that I was in love with her, I would always tell myself, “No, that’s wrong, don’t think that, etc.” Because I was staying at her family’s house, I grew deeper in love with this woman. At the time she was 19 and I was 18 (I am now 20 and she is 21).

I came back home to the U.S. in denial, yet couldn’t believe that I was in love with her. I had to see her one last time though, before I went on with my life (or at least try to). One year went by in agony, and in the summer of 2007 I went back “to see my family.” In all actuality, it was to see her and only her. No one else mattered to me. While I was there she kissed me in a way “she’s not supposed to.” Then began to apologize and cry, and I asked her what’s wrong.

She told me that she has fallen in love with me and she can’t help it. She thought by saying that I would never talk to her again, but I told her not to worry, because I had fallen deeply in love with her also.

At first we talked about how we will never forget each another, and we are deeply in love, but we can’t be together because of what family would say.

Three weeks went by and I did a lot of research on the internet and found out what I was experiencing is NOT abnormal, it is actually pretty common. It is common for relatives (in our case, first cousins) to meet for the first time or reunite after years of not seeing each another and fall in love. It’s a phenomenon called ‘genetic sexual attraction.’

Contrary to what we have learned in society (I also), the offspring of cousins has a very minimal risk in increasing chances for a birth defect, it is equal to a 40 year old female to have a child.

And like that, after three weeks I thought to myself, “Forget what other people think, I don’t care, I love her and it is no one's business!” We discussed it and decided the only way to be together is to get married (not to mention the fact that both of us were crazy for each another, even after a year).

With little research about Armenian law, and after a daunting task, we got married. After coming back to the United States I consulted with a lawyer and he said I’m probably going to end up having problems. After I researched Armenian family law, I found out that this:

i) Cousin marriages are not allowed

ii) Cousin marriages will be considered invalid if they will be brought up to the courts for a consideration

iii) Cousin marriages will only be considered valid if she is pregnant or a child is already born

iv) Any marriage CAN be considered valid if deemed by the court

Now you see my problem? I we must’ve slipped through the cracks, because I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, I was born in Armenia. We did not lie on anything, no forms asked if we are related and it was not asked to us verbally either.

After reading this I was devastated, I didn’t know what to do. Someone recommended me to go to Canada, she come to Canada and we get married here. I contacted an attorney in Canada, and explained my situation and she said that is just fine, she could help me out with it and it will be a no problem job.

So like that, as a 19 year old, busting my butt working 50 hours a week AND a full time college student I came to Canada as a student for one year. After six months of being here she was denied entry because a study permit has already been issued to me.

I’ve pretty much spent my life savings on this (about 10 thousand dollars) and now I’m at a dead halt. I’m beginning to become depressed as I know I have a long road ahead of me if I am forced to go to Armenia and flee with her from there. Her brother saw a picture of us that looked a little “risky” and told me that if anything is going on between us two I am a dead man.

I am in serious need of legal help and am desperate. I only have a couple thousand dollars left of student loans and my car which I will sell if I need more funds. I have worked all throughout high school, I never receive a dime from my parents (I come from a fairly poor family). It is difficult surviving the way it is, yet all the costs. I’m 20 years old and I raised some money by selling my motorcycles (I started racing motocross at 16 after I was able to earn money).

What do I need to do? How can I prove to the embassy that this is not a sham? She is the only thing helping me cling on to life right now, if I new she wasn’t in my future my fingers would slip and I would be gone.

I am willing to do anything. I have found some contacts in Armenia that will allow me to live in their home temporarily. If need be, I can move to Armenia and flee with her until things are sorted out, if need be, I can go to Armenia, officially nullify our marriage, flee to a country such as Egypt or Jordan where cousin marriages are legal and get married over there. I will do anything!

I am desperate, and there is no way I can turn to family for help .

I´m sorry about what you´re going through, I wish I could help. I just wanted to tell you to stay strong, if are really that much in love you´ll find a way to be together and it´ll be worth it. I don´t see the big deal about marrying a cousin, I mean, if you love each other, your family should be happy for you. I didn´t know you could get killed over this in Armenia. Maybe you could come to Brazil? I don´t know if marriage between cousins is permitted but I think nobody would care. =)

But getting a work visa for Brazil is almost as difficult as the United States. When I was working down in Brazil a couple of years ago, I was doing about as much paperwork as my wifes visa, and just about the same documents also. After about 3 months of working on this visa, I found a way I could do things with a business visa, which is a little easier, and abandoned the work visa.

[Capsule 0]

Hi,

Before people jump to conclusions, make assumptions and make fun of me for what is going on, if you have the time, please read what I’m writing and maybe you will understand this issue.

In the summer of 2006 my mother, brother and I went on a trip to Armenia so I can meet my mother’s family. In Armenia I met a girl I fell deeply in love with. In denial that I was in love with her, I would always tell myself, “No, that’s wrong, don’t think that, etc.” Because I was staying at her family’s house, I grew deeper in love with this woman. At the time she was 19 and I was 18 (I am now 20 and she is 21).

I came back home to the U.S. in denial, yet couldn’t believe that I was in love with her. I had to see her one last time though, before I went on with my life (or at least try to). One year went by in agony, and in the summer of 2007 I went back “to see my family.” In all actuality, it was to see her and only her. No one else mattered to me. While I was there she kissed me in a way “she’s not supposed to.” Then began to apologize and cry, and I asked her what’s wrong.

She told me that she has fallen in love with me and she can’t help it. She thought by saying that I would never talk to her again, but I told her not to worry, because I had fallen deeply in love with her also.

At first we talked about how we will never forget each another, and we are deeply in love, but we can’t be together because of what family would say.

Three weeks went by and I did a lot of research on the internet and found out what I was experiencing is NOT abnormal, it is actually pretty common. It is common for relatives (in our case, first cousins) to meet for the first time or reunite after years of not seeing each another and fall in love. It’s a phenomenon called ‘genetic sexual attraction.’

Contrary to what we have learned in society (I also), the offspring of cousins has a very minimal risk in increasing chances for a birth defect, it is equal to a 40 year old female to have a child.

And like that, after three weeks I thought to myself, “Forget what other people think, I don’t care, I love her and it is no one's business!” We discussed it and decided the only way to be together is to get married (not to mention the fact that both of us were crazy for each another, even after a year).

With little research about Armenian law, and after a daunting task, we got married. After coming back to the United States I consulted with a lawyer and he said I’m probably going to end up having problems. After I researched Armenian family law, I found out that this:

i) Cousin marriages are not allowed

ii) Cousin marriages will be considered invalid if they will be brought up to the courts for a consideration

iii) Cousin marriages will only be considered valid if she is pregnant or a child is already born

iv) Any marriage CAN be considered valid if deemed by the court

Now you see my problem? I we must’ve slipped through the cracks, because I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, I was born in Armenia. We did not lie on anything, no forms asked if we are related and it was not asked to us verbally either.

After reading this I was devastated, I didn’t know what to do. Someone recommended me to go to Canada, she come to Canada and we get married here. I contacted an attorney in Canada, and explained my situation and she said that is just fine, she could help me out with it and it will be a no problem job.

So like that, as a 19 year old, busting my butt working 50 hours a week AND a full time college student I came to Canada as a student for one year. After six months of being here she was denied entry because a study permit has already been issued to me.

I’ve pretty much spent my life savings on this (about 10 thousand dollars) and now I’m at a dead halt. I’m beginning to become depressed as I know I have a long road ahead of me if I am forced to go to Armenia and flee with her from there. Her brother saw a picture of us that looked a little “risky” and told me that if anything is going on between us two I am a dead man.

I am in serious need of legal help and am desperate. I only have a couple thousand dollars left of student loans and my car which I will sell if I need more funds. I have worked all throughout high school, I never receive a dime from my parents (I come from a fairly poor family). It is difficult surviving the way it is, yet all the costs. I’m 20 years old and I raised some money by selling my motorcycles (I started racing motocross at 16 after I was able to earn money).

What do I need to do? How can I prove to the embassy that this is not a sham? She is the only thing helping me cling on to life right now, if I new she wasn’t in my future my fingers would slip and I would be gone.

I am willing to do anything. I have found some contacts in Armenia that will allow me to live in their home temporarily. If need be, I can move to Armenia and flee with her until things are sorted out, if need be, I can go to Armenia, officially nullify our marriage, flee to a country such as Egypt or Jordan where cousin marriages are legal and get married over there. I will do anything!

I am desperate, and there is no way I can turn to family for help .

I´m sorry about what you´re going through, I wish I could help. I just wanted to tell you to stay strong, if are really that much in love you´ll find a way to be together and it´ll be worth it. I don´t see the big deal about marrying a cousin, I mean, if you love each other, your family should be happy for you. I didn´t know you could get killed over this in Armenia. Maybe you could come to Brazil? I don´t know if marriage between cousins is permitted but I think nobody would care. =)

But getting a work visa for Brazil is almost as difficult as the United States. When I was working down in Brazil a couple of years ago, I was doing about as much paperwork as my wifes visa, and just about the same documents also. After about 3 months of working on this visa, I found a way I could do things with a business visa, which is a little easier, and abandoned the work visa.

Business visa seems like you need at least half a million dollars (+50 thousand to live on probably).

Hmmm, I wonder how easy will it be for her to immigrate to another country that allows cousin marriages (such as Jordan, Egypt, etc.). Then after she is a national of one of those countries, I get our current marriage officially anulled, and we get married in one of those, and after that we are good to go .

That would definitely take along time though, but it doesn't matter to me. As long as I can be able to work in one of those countries to earn money until everything falls together.

I'd have to keep our location a secret from ANY family, because word will get around and eventually probably meet the pointy side of a blade or something by someone who is supposed to "love me" because they are family.

[reeses16 8]

Hi, I just wanted to point out that there is no reason for you to move to another state. You can get married in a state without being a resident of that state. I'm reading the the posts and I'm not sure if someone mentioned it later on.

I know its a very stressful time for you. Just take time away from the situation before proceeding with major decisions. Would hate for you to pack of your life and move necessarily.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a list of states and what they say about first cousin marriages: http://marriage.about.com/cs/marriagelicenses/a/cousin.htm

Maybe you could get her to the USA on a tourist visa, get married there, and then after she goes back home file for a K-3?

Thank you for the list, I have already been planning to move to one of those states. I have a lot of family from my father's side in California, and they would've been more than willing to help me bring my wife and be with her, however, if they find out (which they will) that she is my cousin, they'd most likely not talk to me, throw me out of their home and probably tell all family members to stay away from me because I'm probably a sexual predator as I can not control myself with my own cousin. Which is absolutely fine with me if she was here, but until she's with me, I'm best off of no family member knowing.

And if only she could come here, it is nearly impossible for an Armenian national to come to the U.S.A. now unless they are diplomats or multi-millionaires that have reason to go back.