Have you seen situations where the marriage was done in Pakistan, nikkah papers registered in the courts in Pakistan, and then the couple moves to America (usually the GIRL moves to America), and then the marriage is not registered in this country? And then what are the repercussions of that? How does that affect a situation where a divorce would occur, if all your papers are in another country, and the US government doesn’t know that you’re a married couple? They must know you’re married, right, otherwise, how would you file for the green card for the lady?
Re: Location of Nikkah papers/marriage license
I got married in India and have an Indian marriage certificate. We've not registered our marriage in the US. The certificate though is in the local Indian language along with translated English text. It also has a photo each of husband and me.
Also my passport contains my husnabds name under "spouse" and vice versa, so maybe that is proof enough?
In any case, no one has ever asked us to register our marriage in the US.
Re: Location of Nikkah papers/marriage license
Well, if 1 spouse is signing legal documents (ie. varius USCIS forms) declaring the marriage.....obviously he/she is admitting to the U.S govt. that they have gotten married. Proving that they're legally married shouldn't be an issue in the event of a divorce. After all, the US Citizen is applying for a visa for his/her SPOUSE!
And if the couple lives in a state the recognizes common law marriage....this isn't even an issue if they meet all the other requirements.
Re: Location of Nikkah papers/marriage license
You should always get legal documentation for your marriage in all jurisdictions where you live. Specifically if you are a woman, because US laws are far more protective of women rights than Pakistani laws.
Get the nikkah in Pakistan. Register the marriage in the US. Standard practice.