Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marrying a Non US Citizen

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/4/2009


Question
My fiance and i are planning our wedding, but there's one problem; i am not a U.S. citizen. i came into the U.S with my visa about 6 years ago, and from what ive heard, coming into the country doesnt make me illegal. My Fiance has been in the Marines for almost 4 years. His mom says we can't get married because of my status. she says if he marries me he'll be thrown in jail. I don't know much about the military so i cant say this is true. she even said just the fact that he knows my status can get him in trouble. i need some answers, please. can he marry me? will he be thrown in jail if he does? what will happen to him if we do get married?

i do know there's paperwork to do so i can get my citizenship but i want to make sure he's safe and he wont lose his job and go to jail because of me.

Answer
Denisse:

 It's just going to depend on your current status.  If you have an expired visa (how you got into the country to begin with) then you'll need to get it renewed.  That's really about it, believe it or not.  I'd check with an immigration attorney, they can give you better information that I can regarding your legal status in the country.

 Bottom line is, your b/f isn't going to be thrown into jail for being with you.  He can also marry you, which AUTOMATICALLY gets you citizenship.  However, I don't advise doing that option unless you have to.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.