US shares a list of non-recognised marriages for immigration, including polygamous and proxy unions. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesHow USCIS assesses marriage validityAs a general principle, USCIS follows what is referred to as the place-of-celebration rule. What this means for foreign nationalsFor Ghanaians and other foreign nationals seeking to join a US citizen spouse through marriage-based immigration, understanding these exclusions is critical before filing any petition. US puts 50 countries on visa bond listEarlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the US had permanently adopted a visa bond scheme that targets travellers from 50 countries, including Nigeria and 29 other African nations. The bond amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000, and paying it does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.