hi INDiA Copyright 2022-2050
Marriage fraud is a serious crime that weakens our nation’s security and makes us less safe. Participating in marriage fraud can result in imprisonment of up to five years for those involved.
Marriage fraud is a threat to US national security, financial institutions and the integrity of the immigration system. Marriage fraud investigations conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have revealed massive schemes that involve complex criminal organizations.
Neither victimless nor limited in scope, the crime of marriage fraud is anything but a trivial matter. Engaging in this fraud and trading America’s security for financial gain is a felony with serious criminal penalties and consequences.
Types of Marriage Fraud: • A US citizen is paid, or asked to perform a favor, to marry:
Penalties: An individual will be charged with marriage fraud if they entered into a marriage for evading US immigration law. This felony offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and applies to both foreign nationals and US citizens who perpetrate this crime.
Those charged with marriage fraud may also be charged with visa
fraud, harboring an alien, conspiracy and making false statements;
each charge carries additional prison sentences and fine.
Further Consequences: US citizens who enter into fraudulent marriages assume huge personal liability. The foreign spouse may gain access to sensitive, personal information, including, but not limited to, bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, retirement and investment accounts, personal identity information, and family heirlooms.
Terrorists and other criminals can use marriage fraud as a vehicle
to enter the US, often due to the willingness of US citizens to participate in marriage fraud schemes. They can then hide their identity, gain unlawful employment, access government buildings, and open bank accounts and businesses to conduct further criminal activity.
Participants in marriage fraud may, knowingly or unknowingly, be aiding terrorists, foreign intelligence or other criminal organizations, and will be held accountable.