Proof of Love: Immigration through marriage in the United States

Author

Cai Pigliucci, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 12-13-2021

Grading Professor

Jennifer Altman

Subject Concentration

International

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Abstract

Capstone Abstract: Cai Pigliucci

Proof of Love: Immigration through Marriage in the United States

In 2019, more than 300,000 couples applied for a green card through marriage for their non-American partner. Everyone who’s been through the process knows the agony of waiting. It is bureaucratic, expensive and seemingly endless.

The stakes are high -- you have to prove a bona fide (good faith) marriage, or your application could be rejected and you may not be able to live in the United States with your spouse. Essentially you have to prove your love is real. The fear is not for a refusal of the physical green card – it is for life as you know to be turned upside down with just one decision: Approved or Not Approved.

While immigration often dominates headlines, politicized by politicians and pundits alike, spousal immigration is rarely the focus of the discussion. But it accounts for nearly 30% of all immigration in the U.S.

Instead, coverage of marriage through immigration spotlights fraudulent marriages, like in the popular romantic comedy film “The Proposal,” or in very real reports of mass marriage fraud schemes, like this one in 2019, where 100 people were charged. There is no available data on the likelihood of fraudulent marriages, though the punishment for the felony offense is clearly laid out by ICE/USCIS with fines up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison.

Stories of couples just hoping they can prove to the government that their love is real go untold, their pain known only to the couple themselves and their family and friends.I wouldn’t know about this process if I weren’t going through it myself. My husband, Diego Areas Munhoz, and I are currently applying for his green card.

I decided to tell my story, and the stories of five other couples in similar circumstances because I hope it can contribute to a change in the narrative around legal immigration and give voice to those whose experience is rarely reflected.

https://cailunapigliucci.squarespace.com/proofoflove

Recommended Citation

Pigliucci, Cai, "Proof of Love: Immigration through marriage in the United States" (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/525