Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Relationship Month: Marrying for Money

Thank you to one of my readers, Horker P. Slappy, for sending me this story about relationships. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did...

A few years ago, I worked at a place where all of my immediate coworkers were originally from Mexico. They had all lived in the US for several years, and I think they were legal. (Not entirely sure.) One day, just a couple of weeks after the dating relationship I had been in ended, one of my coworkers approached me with an interesting set-up idea. He had a friend who was hoping for a green card. This friend would pay me $2000 to marry him, in name only he assured me, so that he could get legal status in the US. All I would have to do is show up at the JOP, take this guy's name for a year, and take the money and go my way. After the year was up, I would be free to divorce the guy or annul the marriage, and I would get good samaritan bonus points for helping a fellow in need. Tempting, but no. I politely declined, although my coworker tried for several days to convince me. I just never felt like that would be a good idea.

And, I agree, Horker. I agree. When I was a missionary in Houston, I had a similar experience. I don't think I was offered $2,000, though. Now I feel like a one cow wife.

In all seriousness, it was also explained to me that if you're going to get citizenship, you have to be able to prove that you are still together for seven years, or something. And I heard it's easier if you procreate together. Maybe. I could be remembering wrong. And, I'm guessing that a green card is different.

Reminder: If you have something to say, say it in the comments, or you can e-mail me at cardinesblog atsign blogspot dot com.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"...or something. And I heard it's easier if you procreate together."

Maybe it's because I started my day watching bjork videos, but that line totally cracks me up. And the "or something."

Have you seen the movie Green Card?

Jill said...

The offer would have to be substantially larger than two grand for me to even consider it for a moment.

Cardine said...

CW - No, I've never seen "Green Card," but I remember when it came out. Maybe I should rent it?

Jill - Yes, I would think that it would have to be substantially larger especially since you're married!

banana said...

Yikes!!
Just say "No".
Walk slowly away.
Don't make eye contact.

Anonymous said...

If I recall correctly, these same coworkers kept trying to set up Horker P. Slappy with another coworker.

Also, I think situations like the $2000 for a sham marriage are big reasons why legitimate marriages from across the border are so difficult to obtain.

tearese said...

I used to work with a girl from India. Her family was trying to get Naturalized citizenship (is that what its called?) The last time she had visited India, she had gotten married (an arranged marriage, but she seemed happy about it.)But she had to come back here with her family to keep working on her citizenship. She was hoping to visit her hubby for a month some time, but I don't know what the final plan was...would he get to move here once she was a citizen? Anyway, I guess they were racking up a pretty big phone bill every night.