Empowering Victims of Marriage Fraud
Get free, practical tools to prevent, detect, and respond to immigration marriage fraud. You are not alone.
Victim Resources
Whether you are preparing to sponsor a spouse, suspicious of your partner, or ready to take action—we have resources for you.
Prevent
Protect your future by putting safeguards in place before immigration filings create irreversible legal and financial risk.
Respond
Access trusted and vetted legal, mental health, and financial professionals to help you exit safely and defend yourself.
Referrals
Get access to our vetted network of licensed and endorsed professionals offering holistic support on your road to recovery.
What is Marriage Fraud?
Marriage fraud occurs when a marriage is used as a pretext to bypass immigration laws and obtain federal benefits.
TYPE 1
One-Sided Fraud
A foreign national deceives a U.S. citizen into marriage to secure a Green Card, with no intention of establishing a genuine relationship.
TYPE 2
Two-Sided Fraud
Both parties knowingly enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws, often in exchange for payment or other benefits.
TYPE 3
VAWA Fraud
A foreign spouse who does not yet have a green card falsely claims abuse to get immigration benefits without their spouse’s participation.
TYPE 4
I-751 Fraud
A conditional permanent resident falsely accuses their spouse of abuse to remove conditions on their residency without their spouse’s participation.
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Protection starts before irreversible decisions are made. Independent legal guidance focused on your interests, combined with honest feedback from trusted friends and family, is often the strongest defense. Marriage fraud thrives on isolation; clarity and outside perspective are powerful safeguards. Explore the Safeguards on our Prevent page.
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The key difference is intent. A bad marriage usually begins with a genuine desire to build a life together, even if it later fails. In marriage fraud, the relationship is often transactional from the start, with sudden changes in behavior tied to legal milestones rather than shared life goals.
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That depends on where you are in the immigration process. In some situations, action may still be possible even after filings have occurred. Warning: Because timing is critical, rely only on a qualified, licensed attorney for this answer. "Victim consultants" often give incorrect advice that can jeopardize your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You deserve support from professionals whose sole responsibility is protecting you. That includes licensed attorneys to defend your rights, mental health professionals to help you process the trauma, and financial or tax professionals to untangle the economic fallout. The right help has no conflict of interest and prioritizes your safety and stability. Find trusted professionals on our Referrals page.
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No. The Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) were specifically created to protect victims of fraud. Congress recognized that innocent spouses are often manipulated, not complicit. If you entered the marriage in good faith, you are the victim of a crime, not a perpetrator, and federal penalties are reserved for those who knowingly conspire to evade the law.
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This is a complex area of law that you must discuss with a licensed attorney. Theoretically, the I-864 Affidavit of Support can make sponsors financially responsible for direct support payments to the spouse and reimbursement to the government for public benefits indefinitely. Common beliefs that liability automatically ends after 10 years or upon divorce are often misconceptions. Do not rely on internet rumors; get professional legal counsel to evaluate your specific exposure.