Archive · 11 Jan 2026
US Warns Against Marriage Fraud for Green Cards
The US government is warning people not to get married just to get a green card.
Marrying only for immigration benefits is against the law and can lead to serious consequences like being sent back to your home country, big fines, or even jail time.
There are specific rules and steps for people who want to come to the US through marriage.
If you get a special visa called a K-1 visa, you have to get married within 90 days.
If you don't, you might have to leave the country.
If you stay married for less than 2 years, you get temporary status and have to prove your marriage is real.
If you stay married for more than 2 years, you get permanent status and don't have to rely on your spouse for immigration benefits.
US authorities warn against marrying solely for immigration benefits, which is a crime.
Marriage-based immigration involves multiple steps for legal status and citizenship.
K-1 visa requires marriage within 90 days of entry; failure to comply can lead to deportation.
Marriage fraud can result in deportation, fines up to $250,000, and imprisonment.
Conditional residence is granted for marriages under 2 years, requiring proof of good faith.
- Who
- US authorities and green card immigrants
- What
- Warning against marriage fraud for immigration benefits
- When
- Ongoing under Trump’s administration
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To prevent illegal immigration and fraudulent green card acquisition
- Process
- Marriage-based immigration involves multiple steps for legal status and citizenship.
- K-1 Visa
- Fiancée visa requires marriage within 90 days of entry.
- Penalties
- Marriage fraud can result in deportation, fines up to $250,000, and imprisonment.
- Conditional Residence
- Marriages under 2 years receive conditional residence, requiring proof of good faith.
- Permanent Residence
- Marriages over 2 years grant permanent residence without dependency on spouse.