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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has asked citizens to report suspected immigration fraud involving marriage, work visas, and other benefits.
business Standard reports that the body posted on social media, “Getting married just to receive immigration benefits is a crime and can lead to deportation, arrest and substantial fines.”
In a separate statement, the agency said: “Protecting the integrity of the immigration process is a priority for USCIS. One way we protect the immigration system is by making it easy for you to report immigration fraud and abuse through our online tip form. This includes fraud related to H-1B visas, H-2B visas, EB-5, asylum, marriage and other immigration benefits.”
USCIS defines marriage fraud as a situation where a person marries a foreign national purely to help them secure a green card or legal status in the US. Penalties fir this can include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Deportation is also a possible consequence.
The USCIS has created an online form that allows the public to submit anonymous tips about suspected immigration fraud.
Canada’s immigration authority, IRCC, also issued a similar caution on February 12, 2025. According to the agency, “it can lead to serious legal repercussions. “
Jessica Vaughan, a director at the Centre for Immigration Studies, listed a series of measures that US authorities could adopt:
1. Congress should direct and fund agencies to conduct fraud assessments for all visa categories.
2. All immigration-related departments should report to Congress on fraud patterns and enforcement.
3. Marriage-based petitions should not be approved without in-person interviews.
4. Both sponsor and applicant should be at least 18 years old and financially independent.
5. Local officials issuing marriage certificates should be trained on fraud indicators.
6. DHS should set up a dedicated marriage fraud program and tip line.
7. USCIS should help US citizens and legal residents who believe they’ve been tricked into fraudulent marriages
