Marriage valid in the US from another country

[Mstameka 5]

Hi All

 

I just wanted to know once you get married in another country such as Ghana is it legal in the state that you reside in?

[Jojo92122 1,924]

Yes.  Marriages that are legal where performed are legal in the US.

 

The US allows for spousal visas in Ghana.  If marriages legally performed in Ghana were not legal in the US, then it would be very hard to get spousal visas.  LOL.

Edited April 13, 2017 by Jojo92122

[Unlockable 7,314]

Yes. Married is married where ever it happens. 

 

That is why when filing for a spousal visa, they ask for marriage documents from the home country.

[Mstameka 5]

I understand that they ask for a marriage documents but some states wont recognize the marriage. I guess I am used to marriages ceretifcate being on file with whatever state you live

Edited April 13, 2017 by Mstameka

[Becci391 339]

6 minutes ago, Mstameka said:

I understand that they ask for a marriage documents but some states wont recognize the marriage. I guess I am used to marriages ceretifcate being on file with whatever state you live

Who said that some states won't recognize the marriage?

Like @Jojo92122 already said, if the marriage is legal in the country where you get married are legal here in the US.

Edited April 13, 2017 by Becci391

[Jojo92122 1,924]

1 minute ago, Mstameka said:

I understand that they ask for a marriage documents but some states wont recognize the marriage.

You are wrong.  There is no state that would not recognize a marriage that was legally performed in another country.

 

Don't mistake a legal marriage with getting a spousal visa.  There are legal marriages that don't allow for an immigration benefit.  For example, first cousin marriages are not allowed in Texas because Texas laws do not allow for first cousin marriages and Texas residents would be violating Texas' laws against it.  The marriage is still legal, the Texas resident would be in violation of Texas laws and that is why a spousal visa would not be granted.  This is subtle and hard for many people to understand.

[Jojo92122 1,924]

What is your specific concern?  Instead of focusing on a general discussion, what is your problem and how can we help to solve it?  Did you get married in Ghana or planning to?  What state do you live in?  Why are you concern about this?

[Mstameka 5]

@ Jojo92122 I asked my question, and I didn't focus on a general discussion, and I don't have a problem and don't ask me why am I concern about it. Thank you

[Lemonslice 4,841]

I think it's a legitimate question, not all countries recognize automatically foreign marriages the way the United States does.