Missourians, I have some troubling news.. READ THIS

[rhumphres01 2]

So if you are married in Missouri and you want to bring your spouse to live there, you might be in for some trouble pretty soon. The HB 2173 bill will turn all existing marriage licenses and future marriages into contracts of domestic union. USCIS will not recognize these as marriages, making you unable to get them a visa through marriage. If you are married in Missouri and you plan of helping your spouse immigrate then you need to call your representative asap!

[Crazy Cat 41,898]

Can you list a reference which says USCIS will not recognize marriages in Missouri?

[rhumphres01 2]

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2

 

"USCIS does not recognize the following relationships as marriages, even if valid in the place of celebration:

• Polygamous marriages; ^[3] 

• Certain marriages that violate the strong public policy of the state of residence of the couple; ^[4] 

• Civil unions, domestic partnerships, or other such relationships not recognized as marriages in the place of celebration; ^[5] 

• Relationships where one party is not present during the marriage ceremony (proxy marriages) unless the marriage has been consummated; ^[6] or 

• Relationships entered into for purposes of evading immigration laws of the United States"

Current marriages will be changed into contracts of domestic union in Missouri if this bill passes.

[Crazy Cat 41,898]

3 minutes ago, rhumphres01 said:

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2

 

"USCIS does not recognize the following relationships as marriages, even if valid in the place of celebration:

• Polygamous marriages; ^[3] 

• Certain marriages that violate the strong public policy of the state of residence of the couple; ^[4] 

• Civil unions, domestic partnerships, or other such relationships not recognized as marriages in the place of celebration; ^[5] 

• Relationships where one party is not present during the marriage ceremony (proxy marriages) unless the marriage has been consummated; ^[6] or 

• Relationships entered into for purposes of evading immigration laws of the United States"

Current marriages will be changed into contracts of domestic union in Missouri if this bill passes.

Where did you see that all Missouri marriage licenses will be turned into civil unions?

[rhumphres01 2]

This is what will happen if this bill eventually passes. I think the original intent is anti-lgbt+, but it seems there could be an effect on immigration as well.

 

https://legiscan.com/MO/bill/HB2173/2020

[arken 4,197]

Well, it’s a fair game, they don’t want federally accepted marriage system, USCIS doesn’t need to accept their domestic union as marriages. May be at some point the same voters can protest to their lawmakers who passes that bill.

 

 

[rhumphres01 2]

Sure, but that's kind of the point of this post. I want Missourians on here to be aware of this and possibly let their friends and family know so that hopefully they will go out and keep this bill from eventually passing.

[Crazy Cat 41,898]

19 minutes ago, rhumphres01 said:

This is what will happen if this bill eventually passes. I think the original intent is anti-lgbt+, but it seems there could be an effect on immigration as well.

 

https://legiscan.com/MO/bill/HB2173/2020

Thanks...

[Loren Y 2,755]

I suggest, just to be safe a quick trip to Vegas if your from Missouri. I'm here to help 😁

[yuna628 9,677]

If I recall correctly, Alabama had a measure that is exactly similar in scope that passed. I presume that Alabamian's haven't had any trouble thus far, but perhaps we have some members from there that could answer accordingly.

[geowrian 22,337]

57 minutes ago, rhumphres01 said:

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2

 

"USCIS does not recognize the following relationships as marriages, even if valid in the place of celebration:

• Polygamous marriages; ^[3] 

• Certain marriages that violate the strong public policy of the state of residence of the couple; ^[4] 

• Civil unions, domestic partnerships, or other such relationships not recognized as marriages in the place of celebration; ^[5] 

• Relationships where one party is not present during the marriage ceremony (proxy marriages) unless the marriage has been consummated; ^[6] or 

• Relationships entered into for purposes of evading immigration laws of the United States"

Current marriages will be changed into contracts of domestic union in Missouri if this bill passes.

There's a bit more to this, actually.

 

1) See footnote #5. "If the relationship is treated as a marriage, however, such as a “common law marriage,” it will be recognized."

This means arrangements that are functionally identical to a marriage will be recognized.

 

2) The issue with recognizing civil unions and domestic partnerships is that generally they are not functionally equivalent to a marriage and/or they are not formally recognized the same way. They are often only similar and/or not formalized.

That's different than what is being proposed here as every domestic union would still be legally formalized and recognized, and functionally equivalent to a marriage.

 

For example, a common law marriage is generally not recognized as a valid marriage for immigration purposes. But there are circumstances where a common law marriage is recognized as valid because the law of the state or country where it is celebrated recognizes it the same as a civil marriage.

For example, a customary marriage is generally not recognized as a valid marriage for immigration purposes. But there are circumstances where a customary marriage must be recorded and then it is recognized the same as a civil marriage, and that is considered valid for immigration purposes.

 

I think this change would easily fit into the above exceptions to the norm as well.

I think the idea is stupid and a waste of tax dollars and time to even consider...but not really impactful for immigration purposes. It's a new name for the same event.

They won't even spend the time to make new deed transfers wipe out language restricting usage or transfer based on skin color or gender (which is not enforceable as it is obviously illegal now), but they can waste the time rewording several dozens of laws to eliminate the word marriage. 🤷‍♂️

[pushbrk 12,901]

2 hours ago, rhumphres01 said:

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2

 

"USCIS does not recognize the following relationships as marriages, even if valid in the place of celebration:

• Polygamous marriages; ^[3] 

• Certain marriages that violate the strong public policy of the state of residence of the couple; ^[4] 

• Civil unions, domestic partnerships, or other such relationships not recognized as marriages in the place of celebration; ^[5] 

• Relationships where one party is not present during the marriage ceremony (proxy marriages) unless the marriage has been consummated; ^[6] or 

• Relationships entered into for purposes of evading immigration laws of the United States"

Current marriages will be changed into contracts of domestic union in Missouri if this bill passes.

I did a little more precise "bolding" in your quote above.  If Missouri recognizes the union as a marriage, so will USCIS.  This is a non-issue.

 

Lawyers wrote the above.  English is spoken and written in "full sentences".  Without the full sentence, you can misunderstand a lot.

Edited February 17, 2020 by pushbrk

[rhumphres01 2]

42 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

I did a little more precise "bolding" in your quote above.  If Missouri recognizes the union as a marriage, so will USCIS.  This is a non-issue.

 

Lawyers wrote the above.  English is spoken and written in "full sentences".  Without the full sentence, you can misunderstand a lot.

Unless the state changes all marriages to civil unions. Imagine USCIS says, "Hey Missouri! Is this person considered married?" and Missouri responds "Hey USCIS! These people are considered to have a civil union!". Then USCIS says, "Ok! But is that civil union business you got there considered marriage?" and Missouri responds "What we have here are civil unions, not marriages." As it is, Missouri does not officially recognize civil unions under Missouri Marriage Statutes. Then what my condescending friend?

[pushbrk 12,901]

Just now, rhumphres01 said:

Unless the state changes all marriages to civil unions. Imagine USCIS says, "Hey Missouri! Is this person considered married?" and Missouri responds "Hey USCIS! These people are considered to have a civil union!". Then USCIS says, "Ok! But is that civil union business you got there considered marriage?" and Missouri responds "What we have here are civil unions, not marriages." As it is, Missouri does not officially recognize civil unions under Missouri Marriage Statutes. Then what my condescending friend?

I would suggest your hypothetical is not going to happen.  If it does, ask again.  If you disagree with what the State plans to do, object as strongly as you wish.  I object, and I would say so, but I'm not living in MO.  Obvious solution is to marry across the state line.

 

Edited February 17, 2020 by pushbrk

[JFH 12,190]

Then don’t support it. The state makes money from marriage license fees. Take your money and your betrothed elsewhere that will perform a proper marriage ceremony. Job done.