What kind of trouble can a person get in if they marry an alien for money just so he citizenship?
Marrying a foreign national (alien) solely for the purpose of obtaining a 'Green Card' or any other immigration benefit is prohibited and can have severe consequences. This illegal act is commonly known as 'marriage fraud' and is strictly monitored by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Some of the potential troubles and consequences that a person may face if involved in marriage fraud include:
1. Investigation and Deportation: The USCIS can investigate any marriage that raises suspicions of fraud. If it's determined that the marriage was entered into for immigration benefits rather than a genuine relationship, the foreign spouse may be subject to deportation and banned from ever re-entering the U.S.
2. Criminal Prosecution: Marriage fraud can be prosecuted as a federal crime. Both spouses may face charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, perjury, or other related offenses. Convictions can result in significant fines, imprisonment, and potential criminal records.
3. Denial of Future Immigration Benefits: The individual who participated in marriage fraud may be permanently barred from obtaining any future immigration benefits, including naturalization (U.S. citizenship), adjustment of status, or sponsoring any relatives for immigration.
4. Revocation of Lawful Permanent Residency: If a person involved in marriage fraud acquired a 'Green Card' through the fraudulent union, it may be subject to revocation by the USCIS. This can lead to loss of legal permanent resident status and potential deportation.
5. Financial and Personal Impact: Apart from legal repercussions, marriage fraud can have significant financial and emotional consequences. Deportation can result in the separation of families, disruption of personal and professional lives, and financial loss due to legal fees and any investments made in the process of obtaining immigration benefits.
6. Criminal Record and Difficulty Traveling: A conviction for marriage fraud creates a permanent criminal record. This record can affect future job prospects, housing opportunities, and even the ability to travel to certain countries.
It is essential to understand that immigration fraud can have life-altering implications. Intentionally entering into a fraudulent marriage for immigration benefits is a serious offense that can result in severe legal, financial, and personal consequences for all parties involved. Honesty and adherence to immigration laws are crucial to avoid these repercussions.