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Reasons Why ICE Might Investigate your Marriage for Fraud
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Individuals who are married to American citizens can begin the naturalization process sooner than individuals who are not. Because of this, the prospect of marrying an American citizen in order to begin and complete this process can be very attractive to individuals seeking US citizenship. But doing so is also an illegal act known as marriage fraud.
Sometimes, facts about a marriage can raise “red flags” with the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that leads to an investigation of alleged marriage fraud. If your marriage is under investigation, work with an experienced immigration lawyer to demonstrate that you are not simply married to circumvent US immigration laws. Below are a few red flags that could lead to a marriage fraud investigation.
You Have No Common Language
If a couple does not appear to have a common language, it can appear that they do not have a strong relationship, which can raise suspicions about the validity of their marriage. Of course, your common language might not be apparent or one or both of you might be learning each other’s language, which you could have to demonstrate during an investigation of your marriage.
You and your Spouse Have Different Addresses
When a married couple resides at two different addresses, the legitimacy of their marriage can be suspect.
Multiple Past Marriages
This issue can be especially concerning if one or more of your past marriages also involved an immigrant who later became a citizen.
A Timeline that Raises Suspicions
Few couples discuss marriage before they have spent at least a few months, but generally at least a year, together. When a couple marries soon after meeting, it can raise red flags. Marrying soon after one or both partners finalize a divorce can also be suspect, as can a marriage just before an individual’s non-immigrant visa expires.
There is a Significant Socioeconomic Gap Between you and your Spouse
This could be a significant difference in social class, career level, or educational attainment. When there is a clear difference in economic power in a relationship, ICE may suspect that the marriage occurred for financial gain.
Penalties for Marriage Fraud
Marriage fraud is a felony. Individuals who are found guilty of this offense, whether they are US citizens or foreign nationals, face the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $250,000; and
- Up to five years in prison.
Individuals may also be charged with visa fraud, conspiracy, and harboring an alien.
Work with an Experienced Chicago Immigration Lawyer
If your marriage was flagged as potentially being fraudulent, you need to work with an experienced immigration lawyer to demonstrate that you and your spouse are not committing immigration fraud. To learn more, contact our team of immigration lawyers at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today to set up your initial consultation in our office.
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We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
The attorney is an excellent person and very professional. I am very grateful to the entire team—they are attentive to everything, and I consider her the best in all of the U.S. Thank you once again for everything.
Mr. Burton helped my mother with her case. He was always polite, clear, and always answered my questions in a professional and diligent manner. Our case ran smoothly, and we never ran into any issues. I also want to greatly thank the paralegal that also managed my case, Stephanie Nunez, she was always willing and very helpful with my mother, a genuinely good person. I will forever recommend Justin and…
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