Immigrating to the United States is the hope of many people. When someone enters the country by marrying a U.S. citizen with no intention of building an authentic marriage, a serious crime is committed. Our Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Grand Prairie marriage fraud lawyer can help if you or your spouse are being charged with this illegal action.
Our law firm will explain the appropriate law and the repercussions of breaking it. Your case and the maintenance of your family are important to our team, and we will not stop fighting until we obtain the best possible outcome for you, your spouse, and your family.
Know What Constitutes Marriage Fraud
Immigration marriage fraud might seem like a victimless crime, but the U.S. government does not see it that way. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) guidelines define a fraudulent marriage as one in which the citizen-spouse receives any form of remuneration in exchange for helping a non-citizen achieve legal status as a U.S. citizen by getting married.
Your marriage could also be deemed invalid if it fails and you and your spouse stay married simply to fulfill the state’s minimum requirement for the length of a valid marriage.
Possible Penalties For Marriage Fraud
If your marriage is found to be fraudulent, you could face stiff punishment and hefty fines. According to DOJ guidelines, penalties for marriage fraud can include the following:
- 5 years of imprisonment
- $250,000 in fines
Our client-focused legal team never stops fighting for you. Read more about the service and support our clients receive and read the reviews they share with others on our client testimonials page.
Understand How An Authentic Marriage Is Defined
The law does not provide a formula that identifies an authentic marriage. Neither does it explain the factors that define a legitimate versus fraudulent one. Rather, it uses certain hallmarks to measure marriage.
These can include:
- Spouses having a shared belief system
- Spouses having a shared language
- Spouses residing together in harmony
- Spouses who share sexual intimacy
- Spouses who have shared interests
- Spouses who build families
ICE requirements that substantiate your marriage include extensive and comprehensive interviews, scrutinization of your courtship and marriage license, and a careful review of the foreign spouse’s application forms and other documents.
Proof That Your Marriage Is Lawful
In some cases, our law firm can help you take presumptive action to prove the validity of your marriage and avoid allegations of impropriety. To lessen the possibility of having the nature of your marriage called into question, you and your spouse can take the following actions:
- Document your relationship and marriage
- Complete and submit all required immigration forms
- Ensure all forms are accurate when submitted
Taking these steps and avoiding potentially harmful inaccuracies when interviewed by immigration authorities can go a long way in preventing allegations of marriage fraud. Our law firm can help you meet these requirements.
Possible Defenses Against Marriage Fraud
Facing deportation can be stressful and overwhelming. If marriage fraud is the reason you are facing this possibility, we can help you build a strong defense against this accusation.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidelines, possible actions that can cause you to face these charges include:
- A U.S. citizen marries a foreigner for compensation or to repay a favor
- A mail-order marriage that is knowingly fraudulent on your part
- A marriage via a Visa lottery
- A marriage your foreign spouse knew was fraudulent
You do not have to fight back against these potentially damaging charges without legal support and guidance. Our marriage fraud lawyer representing couples in Grand Prairie and our entire Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg team will help you prove your marriage is valid and was entered into with good intentions.
Evidence That Supports The Validity Of Your Marriage
Proving your marriage is valid and that you and your spouse are committed to building a life together requires substantive evidence. When our Grand Prairie marriage fraud lawyer handles your case, we collect the following evidence on your behalf:
- Proof that you and your spouse have and will share a home
- Photos and videos of your relationship, engagement, and marriage
- Photos and videos of your family time, including vacations and home life
- Proof of your family’s combined income and employment history
- Statements from family and friends on the state of your marriage
- Birth and adoption certificates for your children and any stepchildren
- School, medical, and work records that list emergency contact details
Evidence of the strength of your marriage will be submitted to the proper authorities for examination and review. They will use your evidence collection to determine the status of your marriage and to clear your good name and your spouse’s. Once your marriage is deemed authentic, you and your spouse will have peace of mind.
What To Do If You Discover Your Marriage Was Fraudulent
It can be easier than you might think to unwittingly enter a fraudulent marriage. It can also have serious consequences for you and your spouse. If you come to the realization that your marriage is or could be erroneous, consult our law firm as soon as possible. Learning that your marriage is not what you intended or hoped for can be painful and discouraging.
We will help you prove your actions were not intentional and that you believed your marriage was valid and legal when it took place. Our legal team can also help you inform the proper governmental authorities of your concerns about your spouse and file for divorce.
Begin Working With Our Grand Prairie Marriage Fraud Attorney
Knowingly entering a fraudulent marriage to help someone gain U.S. citizenship is a serious crime that can lead to deportation and other unfavorable legal consequences. If you are facing this charge in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, our marriage fraud lawyer can help you build a credible defense and prove your marriage is not a sham.
Find out how hard we fight for you by contacting our Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg case review team today.
