Ineligible under Section 221(g)

[Olomi_811 130]

During our registry wedding, the "court photographer" took pictures for the court's records. Perhaps your husband can contact the Registry where you got married to inquire if they have a wedding photo with a copy of your marriage certificate on file. BE READY TO PAY IF THEY DO.

[Adriene H 89]

So, how do we overcome this issue of the photos from our wedding???

I got married on June 13th, 2011. We also had an informal vow exchange

at the Registry Office, and we're extremely camera shy

I've been stressing over the same thing lately

[nigerwife 17]

I keep getting an error message when I try to reply to individual comments...so I'll try to answer everyone's questions here and hope you see them.

The first "marriage" came up because he has two children with his ex that we are also petitioning for as he has "custody" of them. We had papers drawn up with a Nigerian attorney that states she is aware of the intentions for them to move with us to the US and that she is in support as well as that my husband has custody of the children. We stated on the petition that he had never been married because there is no legal record of his traditional agreement in Nigeria. As you know, it is a verbal agreement between families. The only reason he even did this from a cultural perspective was to take responsibiity for his children. Honestly, the CO clearly has no understanding of Nigerian customary practices and the legality of the Nigerian Marriage Act.

Regarding the lack of wedding pictures, in my opinion, this is a moot point. It does not prove or disprove anything. I can put on a wedding dress, throw a party and create wedding pictures if they would like....just like anyone else can.

I think that any CO that actually looked at the evidence that my husband brought to the interview would be hard-pressed to say we do not have a legitimate relationship and marriage. I have known my husband for over 20 years. My parents moved to Nigeria when I was in high school. That is when we initially met, as we went to school together. My husband then came to the US for college....and happened to go to college just four hours from where I did. We dated all throughout college back in the 90's. Then life led us both on different paths and he moved back to Nigeria. After my divorce, we reconnected and started dating long-distance. After two years of dating, we got married in Nigeria. I then negotiated a transfer to Nigeria with my employer and moved (with my children from my first marriage). We lived in Nigeria for two years with no intention of moving back to the states. During these years, we had our first child together (born in Nigeria), raised our children together, went on international vacations, had my mother come out for a three month stay, etc. There was an unexpected change with my job (it was relocated to South Africa) and while I was offered the relocation, it wasn't a good option for our large family and instead we decided I should come back to the US for another position. He took "proof" of all of this with him to the interview.....but the CO didn't look at any of it. (She briefly scanned through some photos, that's all.)

But alas, we are all at the mercy of someone else's whim in the end.....

[nigerwife 17]

During our registry wedding, the "court photographer" took pictures for the court's records. Perhaps your husband can contact the Registry where you got married to inquire if they have a wedding photo with a copy of your marriage certificate on file. BE READY TO PAY IF THEY DO.

I'll have him look into this. Thanks!

[princessO 6]

Wow...I was not aware that he had children from his previous "marriage" and that is how this came up. I truly wish I had some answers for you. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

I understand that there is no paperwork or marriage certificate involved with a Traditional Marriage in Nigeria, but it was always my thought that even without the "paperwork", a Traditional marriage was something that is highly respected in the Nigerian culture. I have read that some churches will not even marry a couple if they have not had the Traditional ceremony. Maybe I am mistaken.

All due, things happen in God's time. Have faith and keep your head up.

[souleymon 27]

Do wish things becomes easy for you guys soon.One feels sick with this kind of outcome.Lagos seems to always REFUSE an applicant everyday.

You still have a second chance..thats the inspiration