I was listening to NPR on the way home tonight, and the topic of discussion was gay marriage and civil unions. An interesting point was brought up - what if civil unions were legal, and given the federal rights (there are apparently 1000) heterosexual married people get? For example, immigration. If a non-citizen marries a US citizen, than the foreigner gets a fiance visa right away, that's as good as a green card. And after two years, they get a green card. What a scam that would be. A guy with another guy roommate could just say they're married and milk the system. I could totally capitalize on my situation right now wih my roommate Dennis, in exchange for a discounted rent perhaps. Not like I'm trying to immigrate here or anything. Just saying.
Hey, in Canada is there gay-common law? Now, according to the rules of common law, I could have said I was married to Tree, or Al, or John during university because we all lived together for 4 years, give or take 4 months. If I was an immigrant, that's a big score. Unless during the immigration hearing they ask you to prove you're a married couple by kissing, or some kind of evidentiary shag. Then it would be tougher to pull off. But I think it's against the rules for them to ask that.
Posted by G at April 15, 2004 07:39 PM | TrackBackThey changed the laws here a couple of years ago that all common-law marriages (regardless of gender) are recognized. They specify that it has to be a conjugal relationship, so I guess you do have to be able to prove it if Revenue Canada ever comes knocking on the door.
But then again, gay marriage is legal in Canada now too...didn't you hear? ;)
Posted by: lesley at April 16, 2004 05:18 AMDuh.... I know that. I was speaking in teh American context. I didn't know about the common law thing though. How do you prove to the feds it's conjugal?
Posted by: G at April 16, 2004 05:26 AMHaven't you seen Green Card? If you try to pull a scam like that, you'll wind up falling in love.
Posted by: Vivek at April 17, 2004 07:40 AMNot with a guy... I hope.
Posted by: G at April 17, 2004 07:59 AMBetter a guy than Andie MacDowell. Yikes!
Posted by: Vivek at April 18, 2004 04:38 PM