Is it illegal to marry an illegal immigrant for money? If so, what are the repercussions?

Marrying an immigrant for money solely so he can try to get a "Green Card" is participating in the very serious offense of marriage fraud. Not only would such conduct be wrong to do for multiple reasons, but it also could subject both the immigrant and the U.S. citizen to significant sanctions. [Note: Consistent with policy, this communication is intended as general information and not as specific legal advice, and this communication does not create an attorney-client relationship.] David N. Soloway Frazier, Soloway & Poorak, P.C. 1800 Century Place, Suite 100 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 www.fspklaw.com (404)320-7000 (877)232-5352 [email protected]

Good Afternoon, Do not even consider getting into any marriage fraud situation. Marriage fraud is an extremely serious offense which in part has potential criminal consequences equating to up to 5 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines. You can do additional research by looking at the following regulation, 8 U.S.C. 1325(c). Again, this is not something you should even consider getting involved in. Hendrik Pretorius, Esq. www.los-angeles-immigration.com

Marrying for the sole purpose of immigration is a Federal Crime punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1001. Paying and getting paid to marry a foreigner in this matter is not a dowry, its criminal. In general, the USCIS has fraud profiles, but adjudicators are now better trained to uncover these situations. Questionable cases that are put on hold. Suspect couples are split up and questioned separately. Ultimately, the USCIS can bring someone to the attention of the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. The marriage visa process can take years. This is often a two or three step process that can take more than three years. You must prove to the satisfaction of the examiners that you are in love. You need more than just documentation. The process can disrupt your life and may result in jail time. Lawful permanent resident status can be taken away years later. Sometimes, the fraud applicant and handler will blame you. They may claim that you turned them in. With aggravation and consequences like those, it is not worth getting involved in that sort of dog and pony show. If the foreign applicant is proven to have committed marriage fraud, then they can be permanently barred from immigration as a matter of law. That means that even if they eventually marry their true love, they should still be prevented from immigrating to the U.S. on the second or even third attempt. The fact that they have U.S. Children may mean nothing. They can also be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings and sent back to their home country. Unfortunately, some people may be too impatient to lawfully immigrate. U.S. Citizens must avoid them! Otherwise, they put themselves in harms way! Imagine for a second if the immigration consultant or handler who pays you wants you to marry, again. Otherwise, they threaten to turn you into to the Federal Government. Is it really worth it? The above is general information not meant to be legal advice. I recommend that you speak with a experienced and reputable immigration and visa attorney.