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Ultimatum After 1 Year

4.6K views 34 replies 24 participants last post by  prettygirlpa  
#1 ·
Greetings all,

I'm here seeking opinions on my situation.

I was recently given an ultimatum by my girlfriend of 1 year (13 months to be exact but it was an on-and-off again relationship).

I began dating her knowing that she was an international student living in the US on a student visa. Immediately after we began dating, her aunt (who lives here in the US) proposed the idea of having a green card marriage. If the relationship were to fail, I would be offered a lump sum of cash. I immediately said no as I value the sanctity of marriage and will only marry for love.

We both agreed to continue dating to see where the relationship goes. When we started dating, I was also overwhelmed due to caring for my mom during her cancer treatment. The GF wanted to help since she wasn't working. She wanted to come over everyday. When she came to my mom's house to "help," all she did was keep my mom company. My mom remained fairly independent during treatment and did some cooking herself. I did all the cleaning and heavy work. The GF mostly watched movies and accompanied my mom on her daily walks.

Arguments began around 1.5 months into the relationship. It began one night when the GF complained about being tired and stressed for coming to my mom's house everyday to help (keep in mind she wasn't working or doing anything else at this time). To show the GF that I cared and appreciate the help, I told to her to stay home and get some rest and come back when she felt better. This was not what the GF wanted to hear. She interpreted my words as me not wanting to spend time with her. She actually wanted me to beg for her to stay. All I wanted was for her to get rest and feel better, but I was told I'm inconsiderate and inappreciative of her help. Work and taking care of my mom was stressful enough so I decided to call it quits.

After a 2-month split, we reconciled at got back together. By this time she had a job. Things were ok for 3 months until the pressure came on again about marriage for her green card. I explained that pressure will breed resentment and I was not ready considering our rocky and short relationship (around 4.5 months of actual dating by this time). She allegedly understood my explanation but was apparently under pressure from her mother back home to get her documents.

Since then, we've had arguments almost every week about the littlest of things. For example, she was shopping for decorations for her workplace in which she would be reimbursed. At the point of sale, she realized she forgot her money in her car and asked me to pay. Not carrying cash, I refused informing her that it was for HER workplace and that SHE would get reimbursed, not me. This did not sit well with her and resulted in another breakup. We reconciled again.

In another instance, I brought up the idea of a prenuptial agreement (family assets). She was offended by this (which I can understand) and called the relationship off again. These are just examples off the top of my head, but we have been on and off too many times. All reconciliations involved me begging for her back.

Here we are now, I was given an ultimatum to marry her for the green card so she can stay in the US where we can "continue to date." Otherwise she will leave. She said she loves me and has no intentions of divorcing and wants to spend her life with me. She said marriage will resolve our problems since she will not have pressure due to her immigration status. Although I love her, I'm not ready for marriage due to or rocky relationship and her constant threats to break up. When I expressed my concerns, she said the break ups were a test to see if I loved her and because she was tired. If I don't marry her, she will leave and marry someone else.

All she has to do is go back to school in order to legally stay in the US. But her younger brother is in the process of coming over as well. She also wants to bring her mother over.

I truly love her and don't want to lose her. She's not perfect but neither am I. I understand that she has a brighter future here than in her home country, but rushing into marriage is not the solution. I'm really lost. What would you do?
 
#16 ·
Running is too slow. Let me elaborate...

First of all if she's here on a student visa is she actually going to school? Making progress? Staying current with the myriad of forms USCIS requires (been there done that got the green card btw). If she's overstayed her visa already or working without an EAD she could have far bigger issues.

Second, where is she from? The constant green card bickering makes me suspect Eastern / Central European or Western Asia :D. Slight chance for China or Southeast Asia. I have my reasons for asking... I'm European - hey how do you spell Lichtenstein ?) that fact may be a good indication as to whether she's a green card hunter or not.

Third, getting past the marriage interview is not easy those days... Take a look here: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/fiance-marriage-visa-book/chapter13-20.html (my wife would fail a lot of those and we've been married three decades :rofl: ). I've seen couples bring in 2 inch thick wedding albums to interviews.

Fourth, her behavior is way out of line. Even if she was born and raised in my imaginary hometown of Paducah her behavior would raise more red flags than a May 1st parade. It's hard to diagnose PD's remotely so ask her to do a few couples counseling sessions. If you're the Rasputin type like me just tell her your church requires them.
 
#5 ·
This really reeks of something!!! I would tread very carefully here - the prenup is just a basic precaution you need to take. Think in terms (down the line) of diverted funds etc.

How sure are you that she is really "in love" with you. Believe me I have seen this play out many, many, many times before. I have got to ask where your gf is originally from - as you well might know certain countries are (in)famous for this kind of behaviour from their girls. The girl comes across - has a "green card" marriage - once secure, mothers, siblings, cousins and even close friends are helped across - funds are diverted and often, infidelity down the line is rife. I do not mean to rain on your parade, just sharing what I know.
 
#6 ·
So wrong so many ways...You are right to be cautious. Don't marry her. If you're having sex (well yeah, of course) don't leave birth control up to her. You'll end up with an anchor baby.

I'd extricate myself as quickly as possible and with as much kindness and understanding as possible, but with absolute resolve.

This isn't a match made in heaven. It'll lead you to the other place...where it's hot, and you get poked with pitch forks a lot and those are the good days.
 
#9 ·
In another instance, I brought up the idea of a prenuptial agreement (family assets). She was offended by this (which I can understand) and called the relationship off again. These are just examples off the top of my head, but we have been on and off too many times. All reconciliations involved me begging for her back.

Here we are now, I was given an ultimatum to marry her for the green card so she can stay in the US where we can "continue to date." Otherwise she will leave.
Let me get this straight. You have know her for only 1 year, she breaks up with you "on and off too many times", all reconciliations involved you "begging for her back", she will not sign a prenuptial agreement, and she is demanding that you marry her immediately? Are you kidding me, why do you even need to post to this site to ask for advice on what to do? Date her maybe, marry her now, no way.

When you said you understood why she was offended by a prenuptial agreement, I knew right then that you are not thinking clearly. If you are foolish enough to marry her now before you are ready, and before she has proven to you the ability to not dump you at a drop of a hat, not only should you demand a strong prenuptial agreement, but she should be very be OK with it since you would only be marrying her at this time to help her out and not because you were ready. Under these circumstances, if she is not very OK with a strong prenuptial agreement, then you know she intends to take you to the cleaners in the eventual divorce. She cannot have it both ways. Either she gives you the normal amount of years needed for you to marry her, where she could show you by her actions over time that a strong prenuptial agreement may not be needed, or she rushes the marriage and signs a strong prenuptial agreement.
 
#10 ·
Stop begging her back. She wants to get married, if you don't that's perfectly ok but you keep her from finding someone that wants to marry her. It's a crappy thing do to.....you know you don't want what your partner wants and have no intention of going along with it but refuse to let them go. Leave her alone so you can both find someone compatible.
 
#11 ·
He needs to get real legal advice if he's crazy enough to consider marrying her. I'm not a U.S. citizen, but my understanding is that he would likely have to sponsor her. A pre-nup would be overridden by that sponsorship. And if there's kids involved, he'd still be liable for child support, even if he managed to keep spousal support under control, as the needs of the children would be prioritized over a pre-nup as well.

I am not a lawyer, though...

C
 
#12 ·
I don't get the problem here. Just let her go; you don't want to marry her and for very good reasons, but you want what you want on your terms so you keep trying to hold onto her. Just call it a day, it's not fair to her either.
 
#15 ·
You have only known her for 13 months. That is not long enough to know a person before getting married.

The first 18-24 months of dating is the honeymoon period. It's when you don't see a person clearly for who they are. What is see is through rose colored glasses.

If what you have described is through rose colored glasses, the reality is far worse.

You do know that what they are proposing is illegal, right? To marry a person to get them a green card is illegal.. especially when there is a promise of money exchange. You could go to prison for doing this.

She and her family are bad news. They are using you. Please do not go through with this marriage.
 
#19 ·
Don't marry anyone with an ultimatum, especially one relating to the green card. You have big issues and differences. In addition, you should ask yourself whether you can live with her tribe or not. Her mother would be living with you for a lifetime. In addition, you'll be liable for 7 years each of committed sponsorship liabilities. These include monetary support, living arrangements, and medical liabilities.

Don't string her along. End your relationship.
 
#21 ·
I began dating her knowing that she was an international student living in the US on a student visa. Immediately after we began dating, her aunt (who lives here in the US) proposed the idea of having a green card marriage. If the relationship were to fail, I would be offered a lump sum of cash. ... Arguments began around 1.5 months into the relationship. It began one night when the GF complained about being tired and stressed for coming to my mom's house everyday to help (keep in mind she wasn't working or doing anything else at this time). ... After a 2-month split, we reconciled at got back together. By this time she had a job. Things were ok for 3 months until the pressure came on again about marriage for her green card. ... Since then, we've had arguments almost every week about the littlest of things. ... I was given an ultimatum to marry her for the green card so she can stay in the US where we can "continue to date." Otherwise she will leave. She said she loves me and has no intentions of divorcing and wants to spend her life with me. She said marriage will resolve our problems since she will not have pressure due to her immigration status. Although I love her, I'm not ready for marriage due to or rocky relationship and her constant threats to break up. When I expressed my concerns, she said the break ups were a test to see if I loved her and because she was tired. ... All she has to do is go back to school in order to legally stay in the US. But her younger brother is in the process of coming over as well. She also wants to bring her mother over.
There's nothing to be lost about; read the parts I bolded in what you wrote. All she wants is a green card and her family with her. As the other posters have said/implied, you are a means to an end. As for the breakups, her explanation is bogus. She's feeling the heat from Mama about getting a green card, and it's affecting her badly. A stable relationship doesn't need testing from EITHER side.

I know you love her, but it's time to let her go. You don't deserve these mind games and this jerking around. And you certainly don't want to go to prison for marrying someone just so they can get a green card. Find a woman who will love you for you — not just your citizenship.
 
#24 ·
Stop having sex. It's good birth control. The real advantage with no sex is you think with the calculating mind and you are going to have instant relief. Do not be a white knight. If you do not know what that is Google it.
 
#26 ·
I have done the white knight thing and it literally almost killed me off from the stress. As for a green knight, a fellow where I used to work did that and in two years he was divorced.
 
#28 ·
OP, your girlfriend does not respect you. I am sorry you find yourself here, but there is no basis to continue a relationship. Ask yourself honestly, what is love if it means being forced to respond to pressure and manipulation?
 
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#29 ·
Considering OP has not returned we can only theorize the message was received loud and clear...

In general that's why I'm not a fan of marriage with extended families not present and accounted for and huge cultural gaps. Been there... Etc.
 
#31 ·
Greetings all,

I have since told her "no." She ended the relationship and said "goodbye." After a series of insults, she now wants to "compromise."

She is trying to take advantage of my compassionate nature (as others have said, manipulation). She says I am abandoning her because she doesn't have anyone here in the U.S. Yet, she's living with an aunt (free of charge). For whatever reason, she doesn't consider this aunt family.

Although I feel really bad for her, I have to stick to my decision.

Edited to add:

Thanks to all for chiming in. Not sure why my multi replies are not posting.
 
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