Marriage to an Illegal Immigrant

[uscitizen]

My daughter went to Eureka Springs last weekend and married an illegal alien from Mexico. He has no status at all - he crossed the border without inspection, etc. Is this considered a legal marriage?

[aaron]

From what you have stated, yes. You don't need to be a citizen to marry.

[uscitizen]

Does this help as far as him becoming legal? What steps should he take?

[aaron]

It doesn't help him get status or citizenship. There's no easy path for him. If he wishes, he can discuss his limited options with an immigration lawyer.

[uscitizen]

Aaron - I just read your reply to "angel" on Aug 11, 2005 and I'm a little confused.

The question was: "Can an illegal Mexican get married in the U.S.?

Your reply: "Yes, but it will not convey lawful status."

I was hoping you could expand a little on the answer.

Since my daughter (a U.S. citizen) married an illegal immigrant from Mexico - is this considered a legal marriage just as if two U.S. citizens were married?

Thank you for your time and patience in helping me understand.

[aaron]

What do you need clarified? You can marry. It doesn't convey status.

[concernedparents]

We are in the same situation. I also was confused. It sounds like you are allowed to get married but it just isn't considered legal!!!! Why would you be allowed to get married if it isn't legal? So....would someone in this situation have to get a divorce to get out of the marriage?

[Jamila]

Marriage to a person no matter of their status is permitted. You can go and get married to anybody and it is your choice and in the eyes of law that person is your husband/wife.
But being married to you, means to the US citizen does not give that person automatic rights to become legal here. The fact is that he crossed the border and it is like sneaking into someone's house, makes his situation very difficult. If the person entered the country legally, then got married-even if by the time of marriage he or she was out of status and illegall, would make the whole different case. You can be married to a person from Rome if you want, but that does not mean That Roman citizen has any rights as so ever in THIS country.

[ladyforreform]

This is not true in the stae of Tennessee you can not get married unless both parties have a social security number., but 2 illegals can get married and all legal.

[ladyforreform]

Are you supposed to be giving advice its soundslike your saying your saying you * up just let it go its not going to happen