Trump Administration Cracks Down on Marriage Fraud for Green Cards
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a new move to curb illegal immigration, the Trump administration is targeting individuals who marry American citizens for the sole purpose of obtaining a Green Card. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a stern warning that such actions can be considered a federal crime, with serious legal consequences.
According to the USCIS, any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage to bypass immigration laws could face a prison sentence of up to five years, as per Section 1325(c) of the Marriage Fraud Law. This law has been put in place to prevent "green card marriages" – marriages where foreign nationals marry American citizens solely to secure permanent residency.
The Trump administration's move aims to clamp down on what it sees as a loophole in the immigration system. In many cases, foreign nationals have entered into marriages with US citizens, only to divorce shortly after obtaining citizenship or a Green Card. The USCIS now warns that those involved in such fraudulent activities could face hefty fines, potentially amounting to millions of dollars, and risk deportation.
In addition to this crackdown, the USCIS is urging the public to report any suspected instances of marriage fraud. The agency's efforts are focused on ensuring that immigration laws are strictly followed, with any violations potentially leading to the cancellation of visas and the deportation of offenders.
The US administration also issued a warning on social media, stating that visa screening continues even after a visa is issued. The message clarified that the USCIS regularly monitors visa holders to ensure compliance with all US laws and immigration regulations. If violations are discovered, the department will take action, including canceling visas and pursuing deportation procedures.
This latest move has sparked concern among immigrants, especially those who have entered the US through marriage. The government’s aggressive stance on enforcement indicates a significant shift in policy, intensifying scrutiny on marriage-based immigration and raising the stakes for foreign nationals seeking US residency.
