Will they look negatively upon us?

[rsa1205 0]

My wife is a distant cousin and we share the same last name. I know to most, this sounds unusual. However, this is common in our culture.

I was just curious if our case would be looked upon negatively because we share the same last name. Will this make us look more suspicious of fraud?

[rsa1205 0]

My wife is a distant cousin and we share the same last name. I know to most, this sounds unusual. However, this is common in our culture.

I was just curious if our case would be looked upon negatively because we share the same last name. Will this make us look more suspicious of fraud?

Maybe I should mention.. we are 2nd cousins.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

The consular officer will be aware of what is typically acceptable in the local culture and what it is not. If marriage between second cousins is pretty common then it shouldn't be a problem.

BTW, marriage between second cousins is legal in every US state.

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot which subforum I was posting in.

The IO might not be keenly aware of the cultural norms in your country. However, they usually try to assign cases to an IO that will have some understanding and experience with immigrants from that part of the world.

Edited February 16, 2011 by JimVaPhuong

[Delaw 0]

This type of marriage is allowed in many places...where are you from?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

My wife is a distant cousin and we share the same last name. I know to most, this sounds unusual. However, this is common in our culture.

I was just curious if our case would be looked upon negatively because we share the same last name. Will this make us look more suspicious of fraud?

There was a previous topic where a couple was NOT related but they had the same name and they were denied because they were accused of fraud. A lot of people asked the person why they didn't just provide a family tree proving they're not related so that's my thoughts to you now.

Be completely open about it. Have a family tree available to explain the relationship. Check your state laws but the only "cousin" rule I've seen relates to first cousins, so I don't think you being second cousins should be an issue, just have your family tree ready to prove it... just so you have all your bases covered just in case.

Edited February 16, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[doodly 0]

my husband has the same last name as my dad. in my community, it is sometimes common to give your kids a shortened last name, so my last name is not the same as my dad's. after marriage, i took my husband's last name, which is the same as my dad's last name.. and the only time i was questioned about this was when i was applying for my social security card. so far, i haven't had a problem with USCIS yet.. the officer didn't ask me anything about my last names at the interview. but i think you should be able to explain this if necessary, maybe with a signed affidavit explaining the family tree?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

moved from AOS from family visa to AOS from Work, Student & Tourist Visa as it does not appear OP is adjusting from a K or other immediate family sponsored entry visa