Are there any special rules for a child to be considered a derivative spouse on a family petition?

Yes, there are special rules for a child to be considered a derivative spouse on a family petition in Massachusetts. The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act defines a derivative spouse as an unmarried child under 21 years of age of a principal alien who is included in the principal’s family-based petition. Massachusetts law does not recognize a foreign marriage when one or both parties are under the age of 18. As such, a child under 18 cannot be considered a derivative spouse. However, a child between the ages of 18 and 21 can be included with a family petition if the child was married and the marriage was valid under the laws of the country in which it was celebrated. In addition, the child must be the biological son or daughter of the principal alien and must be unmarried, regardless of whether or not the child has been adopted by the principal alien. If the child is already married, then he or she can no longer be classified as a derivative spouse and must apply for an immigrant visa separately. In sum, a child in Massachusetts must meet certain conditions to be considered a derivative spouse on a family petition, including being unmarried and under the age of 21, and having a valid marriage under the laws of the country in which it was celebrated.

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Existen reglas especiales relacionadas con los menores para ser considerados como un cónyuge derivado en una petición de familia en el estado de Massachusetts. Para ser considerado como un cónyuge derivado, tanto el menor como el cónyuge principal deben cumplir con los requisitos de inmigración estadounidense. El menor debe demostrar que su matrimonio con el cónyuge principal fue celebrado legalmente según la ley del estado de Massachusetts y también de acuerdo a las leyes de inmigración de Estados Unidos. El menor también debe ser menor de 21 años, tener la misma dirección que su cónyuge principal, y debe haber entrado legalmente a Estados Unidos. Además, el menor debe ser el hijo biológico o adoptivo del cónyuge principal, y el matrimonio debe haber sido creado antes de que el menor cumpliera los 16 años de edad. Si el menor cumple con estos requisitos y ha sido reconocido como un cónyuge derivado, él o ella tendrá el mismo estatus que el cónyuge principal y será elegible para obtener una tarjeta verde.

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