Marriage Fraud and U.S. Immigration
Even the most honest, loving binational couple in the world needs to worry about the possibility that, when it comes time to apply for a visa or green card base on that marriage, the U.S. immigration authorities will believe it's a sham -- just a fraud to get the noncitizen a coveted U.S. green card. Although the people who have entered into real marriages should be successful in the end, the fact that many true frauds have been perpetrated in the past means that, at the very least, their burden of providing convincing documentation and answering a multitude of questions will be higher than for many other types of green card or visa applications.
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What Happens at an Immigration Marriage Fraud Interview
If USCIS has serious doubts about whether your marriage is a real one, it will summon you and/or your spouse for a fraud interview.
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What Is Marriage Fraud Under U.S. Immigration Law?
If you are considering a fake, or sham, marriage as a means of getting U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card), you probably already know that what you are planning is illegal.
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Penalties for Committing Immigration Marriage Fraud
The law pretty much speaks for itself on what happens to immigrants who commit marriage fraud. You can face prison, a fine or both:
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Red Flags That Make USCIS Suspect Marriage Fraud
A behind-the-scenes look at what factors the immigration authorities believe to be fraud indicators.
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Marriage-Based Immigration Cases: Will the Authorities Visit Your House?
Bed checks do happen.
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When Proxy or Skype Marriages Are Valid for Green Card Purposes
Proxy marriages won't avoid the need for travel to be with each other before applying for U.S. residence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Fraud and U.S. Immigration
The effects of committing immigration marriage fraud can go far beyond denial of a green card (U.S. lawful permanent residence).
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Getting a Marriage-Based Green Card After a Past Fraudulent Marriage
There are ways to combat a past USCIS finding of marriage fraud in order to go forward with a fresh application for U.S. residence.
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How to Appeal USCIS Green Card Denial Due to Alleged Marriage Fraud
If your green card application was denied because the U.S. government determined that your marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is or was fraudulent, you have certain appeal rights.
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After committing marriage fraud, can I get a U.S. green card some other way than marriage?
How past marriage frauds complicate any future U.S. immigration plans.
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Is my U.S. marriage really a "fraud" if I didn't divorce my first wife?
A marriage must be legally valid to support an application for a U.S. green card.
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Will USCIS Look at My Online Social Networking Postings?
Let's just say that if you're applying for a marriage-based green card and your Facebook status says "single," you've got trouble.
More Legal Topics
- Application Process for a Green Card Based on Marriage
- Conditional Residence Period for New Marriages
- FAQs About Marriage-Based Visas
- Green Card Procedures for Spouses From Specific Countries
- Green Cards for Widowed Spouses of U.S. Citizens
- K-1 Fiance Visas
- VAWA Protection for Abused Spouses and Children
- Application Process for a Green Card Based on Marriage
- Conditional Residence Period for New Marriages
- FAQs About Marriage-Based Visas
- Green Card Procedures for Spouses From Specific Countries
- Green Cards for Widowed Spouses of U.S. Citizens
- K-1 Fiance Visas
- VAWA Protection for Abused Spouses and Children
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