When I see international marriage in the news, the headlines are always gruesome: it’s either immigration fraud, domestic abuse, or murder. Of course, there are legal safeguards in place to protect you and your partner, but they might turn into hurdles, especially if you aren’t prepared for them. So, let’s talk about the potential dangers of marrying a foreigner.
What Happens When You Marry an Immigrant?
Ideally, you live happily ever after. But that’s the best-case scenario. If you do everything right, you can enjoy your marital bliss.
In the worst-case scenario, your marriage will come under scrutiny by authorities. Both you and your spouse might get accused of marriage fraud. You can be convicted of a crime, and your partner may be deported with a long-term re-entry ban.
Unfortunately, in the last few months, the likelihood of the second scenario has dramatically increased, as the US authorities started paying special attention to immigrants, including those who have been in the country legally for decades. Of course, that’s no reason not to marry the woman of your dreams, but you must be extra careful with your paperwork. Getting professional legal help is also a good idea.
Dangers of Marrying a Foreigner
If you’re considering an international marriage, you’ve already faced all the challenges. In fact, you’ve probably learned to deal with most of them if your relationship survived long enough to get to this stage. So, let’s focus on the legal risks of marrying a foreigner in the US and the EU.
Dangers of Marrying a Foreigner in the USA
In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to worry about these scenarios, but I’m a firm believer in the old “forewarned is forearmed” adage:
- Prison sentence and fine for committing immigration fraud. If the US authorities discover you’ve helped a foreigner gain permanent resident status under false pretences, you’ll be in big trouble. Recently, a couple got 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for marriage fraud.
- Deportation and reentry ban. If your spouse is found guilty of fraud without your knowledge, she may be deported and banned from entering the US again for several years (or permanently).
- Forced separation. Even if you’re genuinely in love and have done everything right, the US authorities may find fault with your foreign spouse. She may be arrested and sent to a holding facility or even deported to a third country without due process.
I’m not trying to convince you to give up the idea of marrying your foreign bride; I just want you to be prepared to stand up for yourself and your partner and protect your rights.
Dangers of Marrying a Foreigner in Europe
European immigration laws and regulations are generally more humane, although local authorities in every country frown upon sham marriages. Still, they are most interested in organized groups orchestrating sham marriages on a large scale, like the group arrested in Cyprus or the one in Germany.
On a personal level, you could face separation from your partner if her visa is revoked, and she gets deported on suspicion of immigration fraud. If you’re found knowingly participating in marriage fraud, you will likely face criminal charges. Otherwise, you should be perfectly safe marrying a foreigner in Europe.
How to Protect Yourself When Marrying a Foreigner
You can’t protect yourself from every trouble that might come your way when you marry a foreigner. That said, you can eliminate 90% of potential issues if you:
- Document your relationship. Everything from your text chain screenshots to wedding and honeymoon photos can help prove your relationship is real and not a scam meant to secure your spouse’s green card.
- Deal with legal status issues. If your spouse has overstayed her visa or entered the US illegally, getting married won’t magically resolve her legal issues. You may need to consult an immigration attorney for assistance.
- Prepare for your green card hearing. To prove your relationship is not a fraud, you’ll have to answer some questions. Most are pretty standard, like the hobbies you share, food allergies, etc. Others can be quite domestic and throw you off, like the color of your toothbrushes or the location of spare toilet paper storage.
- Work out a prenup. It’s totally unromantic, but necessary to protect your assets in case your marriage falls apart. You’ll want to have ironclad conditions to avoid dealing with the intricacies of international property laws.
This might all seem a tad paranoid, but remember: marrying a foreigner is nothing like marrying your high school sweetheart. There’s a lot to consider and account for to keep your relationship going, to get it recognized, and to keep both of you safe. Research and preparation are key, and it’s never too late (or too early) to ask for professional help.
Pros and Cons of Marrying Someone from Another Country
So, is it even worth getting married to someone from another country when you face so many pitfalls?
Not only do you face some serious legal risks, but you also open yourself up to heartbreak. And that’s before we even get into cultural differences, language barriers, and social stigma. Even if you’re genuinely in love, facing constant suspicions and ridicule from your coworkers and loved ones slowly erodes your relationship. By the way, unrealistic expectations and financial issues are just as common in international relationships as they are in local couples.
Are there any upsides? There must be, or thousands of international couples wouldn’t get married every year!
Benefits of Marrying an Immigrant
Here are the most common sentiments I’ve seen online and heard from people married to immigrants:
- “She’s so much different from all my previous partners.”
- “It’s tough, but every day is an adventure, and I love learning so much about another culture.”
- “Our kids will be beautiful, and they’ll grow in a loving and tolerant household.”
- “We have fun exploring the local ethnic communities together.”
Ultimately, every relationship is unique, and its success will depend on how well you fit together and your willingness to compromise. I know it’s a cliché, but communication is key to a healthy relationship, and doubly so for mixed marriages, so keep talking!
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, I haven’t turned you off the idea of marrying a foreigner. Fortunately, most international marriages are perfectly safe, both legally and personally. Most couples find mixed marriages stronger and happier, among other things. So take this little foray into potential dangers as a warning and use it as a checklist to protect yourself from potential issues down the line.
Explore more insights from Dorie Barton in her latest blog posts:
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