{"id":352778,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-marriage-fraud.html"},"modified":"2026-03-31T11:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T16:28:00","slug":"what-is-marriage-fraud","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-marriage-fraud.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Marriage Fraud?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Marriage Fraud?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Marriage fraud<\/span> is a federal crime<\/span> where someone enters a marriage solely to obtain immigration benefits<\/span>. This illegal practice, also called a “sham marriage<\/span>,” occurs when parties marry not for a genuine relationship but rather to sidestep immigration laws<\/span>. Marriage fraud<\/span> carries severe penalties including up to five years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and deportation<\/span> for the non-citizen<\/span> spouse.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You’ve probably heard expressions like “marrying for a visa” or “green card<\/span> marriage.” What does that mean? Foreign nationals<\/span><\/a> might believe that marrying a United States citizen will get them a green card<\/span> (Permanent Resident<\/span> Card). According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA<\/span>), that isn’t necessarily the case.<\/p>\n

If the government discovers that you married someone only so they could get their green card<\/span>, you can face harsh criminal penalties<\/span>. The person you married will face deportation<\/span><\/a> and criminal charges.<\/p>\n

This article explains what marriage fraud<\/span> is and how the federal government monitors marriages between U.S. citizens<\/span> and immigrants. It also discusses potential “red flags” of a fake marriage<\/span> that may catch the attention of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/span><\/a> agent.<\/p>\n

Marriage fraud<\/span> is a federal crime<\/span> and carries severe penalties. If you’re considering marrying someone for citizenship, be aware that doing so comes with a substantial amount of risk.<\/p>\n

Concerned about your immigration status<\/span> or your spouse’s status? Consider contacting an immigration attorney<\/a> right away. They can help you navigate U.S. immigration law<\/span> to find the best solution.<\/p>\n

How Marriage Fraud<\/span> Happens<\/h2>\n

Marriage fraud<\/span>, sometimes called a “sham” marriage, is a union a person enters solely to obtain an immigration visa. Typically, a non-citizen<\/span> marries a U.S. citizen<\/span> to secure immigration benefits<\/span><\/a>. They may pretend to be in love with the person or make it clear upfront that they want to enter a sham marriage<\/span>. It depends on the situation and the intent of both parties.<\/p>\n

The parties may meet the requirements for a legal marriage<\/a>, including medical tests, a marriage license, and a wedding ceremony. However, they don’t intend to enter a bona fide marriage<\/span> and live as a married couple.<\/p>\n

Usually, a non-citizen<\/span> pays a U.S. citizen<\/span> to marry them so they can become a lawful <\/span>permanent resident<\/span>. Some resort to this option after failing to gain a legal immigration status<\/span><\/a> through the immigration system<\/span>, which doesn’t always work quickly or fairly. When people become desperate, they may opt for trying this illegal path to citizenship<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Types of Marriage Fraud<\/span><\/h3>\n

Marriage fraud<\/span> comes in many forms. The penalties for a sham marriage<\/span> are the same regardless of the reasons behind it.<\/p>\n

The USCIS<\/span> has identified the following types of marriage fraud<\/span><\/a>:<\/p>\n