Marriage in Mexico

[miah2113 0]

Does anyone know if a civil marriage in Mexico reflects here in the USA, when you apply for naturalization? I mean, I am married in MX and want to become a naturalized citizen, but I never got divorced?

[Inky 1,111]

Are you saying this is your second marriage but you did not divorce your first spouse?

[Tygrys 143]

I've heard of some sailors having wife in every port. I'm sure Immigration guys wouldn't like it.

But seriously: yes, it is valid and if you didn't go through divorce it means that you're still married. Counts there and here.

Edited April 14, 2012 by Tygrys

[Visitor 90]

Iinky, I can't wait to hear the answer to this one.

Edited April 14, 2012 by Outback Annie

[Sandra G. 5,079]

US recognize marriages taking place overseas.If you got married without divorcing your first wife then you screwed up and they won't approve your Citizenship based on lack of good moral character.It happened with one of my friends, she was legally separated but not divorced. The USCIS denied her Citizenship.

Edited April 14, 2012 by sandranj

[Tygrys 143]

Iinky, I can't wait to hear the answer to this one.

You're not alone. I am not sure we will see OP here again, though.

[miah2113 0]

No...I guess i didn't explain it well. I got married in MX and am still with my spouse. I am a US citizen, however though we never reported our marriage here in the US and now he is the one that wants to become a naturalized citizen, but since we never reported our marriage from MX here, I was wondering if when he applies to become a naturalized citizen, if our marriage will reflect here. He has never reported any where that we are married. He obtained his permanent residence before I met him. So I didn't apply for him in the first place.

[Mellow 8]

No...I guess i didn't explain it well. I got married in MX and am still with my spouse. I am a US citizen, however though we never reported our marriage here in the US and now he is the one that wants to become a naturalized citizen, but since we never reported our marriage from MX here, I was wondering if when he applies to become a naturalized citizen, if our marriage will reflect here. He has never reported any where that we are married. He obtained his permanent residence before I met him. So I didn't apply for him in the first place.

So what's your problem? His quest for naturalization has nothing to do with you. I mean he can get it with or without you. But in filing for naturalization his civil status needs to be specified. Then he can put "Married". Marriage is honored by the US wherever it took place as long as it's a valid marriage in that place.

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

*** Moving from Bringing Family to US Citizenship as OP and husband are both in the USA *****

Neither of you lied on any immigration documents. The only potential issue I see is if you two both field taxes as "single" when you are in fact married, but you can submit ammended tax returns if necessary. His naturalisation approval is not being affected by whether he is single or married, but he must declare that he is married on the forms.