Marry on a Tourist Visa and then CR-1

[KWG17 0]

I would add that when you ask a lawyer the wrong question, you're sure to get the wrong advise. It is not illegal to marry in the USA while visiting. Period. What your immigration options are after doing so, depend on the details of the couple's circumstances.

There's so much ambiguity on this issue, not just in this post but in other similar threads. Some have even called USCIS/Airport CBP Managers and got different answers on different days whether this route is legal or not. Some embassy websites say it is (http://dublin.usembassy.gov/faqs_immigration.html#question7). Most lawyers who have been queried have raised concerns.

I think because this scenario is not explicitly stated on a USCIS/State Dept website/law (at least that I can find) so there is room for ambiguity aka misrepresentation in the eyes of USCIS, especially at the POE (http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87011.pdf). Because of this we have no consensus.

[katiemanny 64]

It seems to me that is perfectly legal to come here on a b2 visa and get married to a US Citizen and leave, the US Embassy link clearly say its legal. End of story

Edited May 27, 2011 by katiemanny

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

To add to the Elvis/Vegas argument, New York City Hall is trying to market itself as a romantic place for foreigners to get married. People can come to the US and get married, whether or not you are marrying a citizen does not change that fact.

There is a consensus, but if you want to have a guilty conscious for no reason (or perhaps a reason you don't say), then so be it.

[Done--Really 331]

There is nothing ambiguous about this at all--thousands and thousands of couples get married under these condtions every year. Now, there are plenty of issues if you come via VWP and overstay, or fradulently enter and get marreid, but I give up--you are certainly not open to what occurs every single day without issues, so no matter how much you hear from the vast majority who mostly have alrady gone down this path, you are still afraid. All I can say is good luck, but it's a hard way to live a life denying what right in front of you.

Or maybe you just have cold feet, and need to think about the whole thing some more. Come back when you have an open mind and we will all help with whatever path you choose, but it looks to me like you might be better off mentally paying up for a lawyer whether they know what to do or not, and in that way you will never be to blame--or to take the credit either.

Edited May 27, 2011 by magical