Do they investigate green card marriages?

USCIS will investigate the marriage of those seeking marriage green cards, and investigations will typically involve interviews to help establish the authenticity of the relationship. Interviews may be conducted separately or together with both spouses present and may involve multiple interviews.

Who investigates green card marriages?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, INA Section 204(c), if a marriage takes place to evade United States immigration laws, it's a sham marriage. Marriage fraud investigations are carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

What happens if you get caught marrying someone for a green card?

The penalty for a fake marriage if discovered is five years in prison at most, a $250,000 fine, or both. The Immigration and Nationality Act 275(c) clearly spells out the immigration and criminal consequences for faking marriage for immigration purposes.

Can you get in trouble for marrying an immigrant?

Any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined not more than $250,000, or both.

Can you fake a marriage for a green card?

By Ilona Bray, J.D. If you are considering entering into a fake ("sham") marriage as a means of getting U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card), you probably already know that what you are planning is illegal. This article is not going to give you any special tips on making a fraudulent marriage look real.

Marriage Fraud (Did You Marry for a Green Card???!)

What happens if you lie to immigration about marriage?

An individual will be charged with marriage fraud if they entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration law. This felony offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and applies to both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens who perpetrate this crime.

How does the USCIS investigate?

USCIS conducts an investigation of the applicant upon his or her filing for naturalization. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks. The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Can you get deported even if you're married?

The short answer is no. Marriage alone won't stop deportation or prevent you from being deported in the future. But, marriage to a US citizen can make it easier to establish your legal status in the United States.

Can my wife get deported if we are married?

Can you be deported if you are married to an American citizen? The answer is yes, you can. About 10% of all the people who get deported from the U.S. every year are lawful permanent residents. You can actually be deported for several reasons.

What happens if you lie to immigration?

Lying to an immigration officer can have extreme consequences including permanent inadmissibility, deportability, and not being allowed to apply for U.S. citizenship. Any person seeking a benefit under U.S. immigration law—a visa, permanent residency (a "green card"), or citizenship—must submit a written application.

How do I report a sham marriage to immigration?

You can make a complaint about any of these issues to EOIR's Fraud Program by calling 1-877-388-3840 or emailing [email protected]. Specific instructions for making a complaint can be found by clicking here.

Can you be denied a green card after marriage?

The USCIS grants adjustment of status at its discretion, meaning it doesn't just grant it to anyone. In other words, a marriage certificate doesn't automatically give you a “right” to a marriage-based green card. As such, if your application is denied, you can either appeal the decision in court or reapply.

Does USCIS conduct home visits?

One of the things we've learned is that in many marriage cases, USCIS comes to visit the house. They want to make sure that the address on file is valid. That the couple has a valid lease there. That the couple is living together as spouses, that each spouse has evidence of staying there.

Does USCIS check divorce records?

Yes, you will need to provide evidence of the end of previous marriages by using either a divorce certificate or, if your marriage ended because of the death of your spouse, a death certificate.

Does USCIS know everything about you?

USCIS collects biometrics from all applicants for naturalization and sends them to the FBI. From there, the FBI searches its databases to see if you have any criminal background or are otherwise a security threat. By Richard Link, J.D.

Can I divorce my wife after getting green card?

If you already have a green card and are a permanent resident at the time of the divorce, the divorce should not change your status. However, the divorce may force you to wait longer to apply for naturalization. In this case, you would need to wait five years, rather than three.

Will your green card get Cancelled If you divorce your wife?

If you divorce and you have a permanent green card, there is typically no impact to the renewal process. When it comes time to renew your green card, you simply file Form I-90 (officially called “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card”).

Will my wife be deported if we divorce?

Generally, you don't have to worry about deportation

The good news is that you typically don't have to worry about getting deported just because your marriage ended. You could face a little bit of a higher risk level if you're still in conditional status.

Can a green card holder be deported for adultery?

With respect to adultery, cheating on one's spouse is not only personally reprehensible, but also a rare instance in which moral choices carry immigration ramifications. You certainly won't be deported for it, but you could be denied citizenship.

What happens if you marry a U.S. citizen and then divorce?

An immigrant who has been married to and living with a U.S. citizen has to wait only three years after getting a green card to apply to become a naturalized citizen. After your divorce, however, you will no longer qualify for this exception, and will have to wait the usual five years before becoming a U.S. citizen.

How long do you have to stay married to keep a green card?

After two years, you will need to file Form I-751 to remove the conditions of residence and to get a permanent green card. If you have already been married for two years when you are interviewed for your initial green card, that card will be permanent.

How does USCIS investigate marriage?

USCIS will investigate the marriage of those seeking marriage green cards, and investigations will typically involve interviews to help establish the authenticity of the relationship. Interviews may be conducted separately or together with both spouses present and may involve multiple interviews.

Does USCIS investigate?

Mission. To protect and strengthen the integrity of USCIS programs and systems, the Office of Investigations thoroughly and objectively investigates allegations of misconduct, including those with a counterintelligence concern.

What does immigration look for in a marriage?

USCIS wants proof that you and your spouse have a real relationship — that you communicate and engage in activities together. Examples of such proof include: Copies of: Travel itineraries for vacations you took together, especially to the home country of the spouse seeking a green card.

Can you go to jail for lying to immigration?

When completing a naturalization application, or any application for visa or citizenship privileges, applicants are held under the penalties of federal law.