Can You Get Deported for Marriage Fraud?
Yes, you can be deported for marriage fraud. If immigration authorities determine that a marriage was entered into solely to obtain immigration benefits—such as a green card or visa—without the intention of building a genuine marital relationship, it is considered fraud under U.S. immigration law.
Marriage fraud carries serious consequences, including:
- Removal (Deportation): The foreign national involved may be placed in removal proceedings and deported from the United States.
- Permanent Immigration Bar: Under Section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, individuals found to have committed marriage fraud can be permanently barred from receiving future immigration benefits.
- Criminal Penalties: Both spouses can face fines of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison, depending on the severity of the case and whether other criminal charges apply (e.g., conspiracy, perjury).
- Loss of Status: If the individual has already obtained permanent residency based on the fraudulent marriage, that status can be revoked.
Marriage fraud investigations are taken seriously by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If there is evidence of fraud, authorities may investigate interviews, shared finances, living arrangements, and more.
Anyone accused of marriage fraud should seek advice from an experienced immigration attorney immediately, as both legal status and future immigration opportunities are at serious risk.
