Last month the U.S. sentenced a (once) rising Mexican actress to 30 days of prison for committing Immigration Marriage Fraud. The sentence highlights the real consequences that face those individuals who seek to gain entrance into the United States through a sham marriage. Facing five years of prison for their crimes, the couple both took plea agreements. Both are reported to have thought they would avoid jail time by taking a plea agreement – however the Judge ordered them both to serve 30 days of jail time.
Worse yet, the actress is currently in immigration proceedings, and will likely be removed from the country.
The United States zealously examines all individuals seeking immigration benefits based upon their marriage to a United States Citizen. Unfortunately, sometimes they are overzealous in their suspicion of immigration fraud and couples in good faith relationships get caught up in an immigration spider web. Simply telling an immigration official that you have a good faith relationship is not enough.
If you are a couple who seek to gain immigration benefits in the United States, please contact a K-1 Visa attorney or K-3 Visa attorney to ensure you receive the immigration benefits you are entitled to receive.