Marriage to U.S. citizen on a tourist visa: What you risk when applying for a green card

By Elizabeth M. Klarin and Eileen M. Martin ( September 16, 2025, 11:21 AM EDT) -- There are two ways to complete the journey to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Some people apply from within the U.S. and others complete the process at an embassy or consulate abroad. There are timing issues, travel issues, working issues and living arrangements that impact the decision about how this process should be finished....