Chicago Immigration Attorney
204 (c) Marriage Fraud
When an individual in the United States marries a foreign national to help them cross the international border or for money, both parties may be accused of committing marriage fraud for immigration purposes. These situations typically require the services of an immigration lawyer who can defend against the charges in court to help individuals avoid penalties and to help support the marriage. Below, our Chicago immigration lawyer explains further.
What is Marriage Fraud?
Foreign nationals may arrange a marriage with a United States citizen in order to legally enter the country. These arrangements usually provide the foreign national with an immediate fiancé visa that allows them to permanently live and work in the country. However, when a marriage is not legitimate, the authorities can charge one or both individuals with marriage fraud.
Marriage fraud is the act of getting married or intending to marry with the intent of deceiving authorities to apply for a visa and enter the country. Marriage fraud can also involve falsifying marriage documents and setting up a fraudulent living arrangement. When a couple is accused of marriage fraud, an investigation may be conducted, during which the couple may have to prove the marriage is legitimate.
How Common is Marriage Fraud?
Unfortunately, marriage fraud is much more common than many people think. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), more than one-third of all fiancé visa applications are invalid. For this reason, the agency closely scrutinizes all applications and individuals who enter into a marriage with a foreign national. If the USCIS finds that the marriage is not valid, it can result in harsh penalties, including deportation.
Penalties Associated with Marriage Fraud
When the USCIS finds that a marriage, or pending marriage, is not legitimate, there are serious penalties for both parties. The fines for marriage fraud can be as high as $250,000. The foreign national may also be deported if they have already entered the country, and they will lose any immigration status they currently have. If convicted, the foreign national is usually banned from acquiring citizenship for their lifetime. If the marriage has already occurred, it is usually annulled.
The American citizen will also face penalties for being involved in fraudulent acts. Both parties should speak to an immigration lawyer who can defend against the accusations and prove the legitimacy of the marriage. A lawyer can also prove to the judge or jury panel that the two parties both meet the eligibility requirements.
Our Immigration Lawyer in Chicago Can Prove Your Case
Entering the country to marry is a very exciting time. You are about to embark on a new life in a new country and with the person you love. Unfortunately, accusations of marriage fraud can make life very difficult. At Sverdloff Law Group, our Chicago immigration lawyer can defend against these charges and prove your case so your future is protected and you can enter the country. Call us now or contact us online to request a consultation and learn more.
Julia Sverdloff, Esq.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is the founder and owner of Sverdloff Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. Our firm speaks Ukranian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Spanish.
Every Dream Should Be Realized.
Let Us Help You Accomplish Yours.
Testimonials
Words From Our
Clients
Reviews from our clients from around the world.
Very knowledgeable attorney. I had the chance to work with many attorneys last ten years. Julia was most knowledgeable and helpful. She got the job done right. Thank you. Read More
Mirrakhim
Julia's help was invaluable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, straightforward, fast, and empathetic. She was able to solve a green card issue I had been dealing with for 5,5 years in 4 months and helped me with the naturalization process as well. She prepared me thoroughly for the interview, and… Read More
Veronique
A wonderful team amazing people you feel they are the real professionals who can give you the best for your case , never let you down in communication through the phone or the E-mail. Julia and Scot are the perfect lawyers for my case , Becca was amazing, knowledgeable, and… Read More
Murad S.
Great experience, I recommend to anyone that's dealing with USCIS. USCIS is a shame itself, and doing things on my own was not the right path, after 3 years waiting we finally got a NOID, that's when we start to work with Sverdloff law group. Sverdloff Law Group, P.C know… Read More
Tuane A.
I highly recommend this law firm, as Julia and her team are top-notch professionals who are always available to communicate and answer any questions. If you are in need of a competent and capable lawyer, I would highly recommend this law firm for their expertise and dedication to their clients. Read More
Raymond D.
Excellent attorney. I am an attorney myself in NYC, but i refer all clients out of state. Everyone been giving extremely positive feed back. Read More
Inara K.
Julia, Addilene and team made very simple and straightforward what could otherwise been a lot of work and research on my own. If you are in need of assistance with the complexities of immigration, it is well worth partnering with Sverdloff Law Group! Read More
Rebecca S.
Julia is a superb immigration attorney. She is highly intelligent, works hard, and genuinely cares about each and every client. She is also an excellent communicator. Whenever someone contacts me who needs assistance with an immigration matter in Chicago or its vicinity, I urge them to contact Julia, as I… Read More
Chuck H.
Thank you for helping me through this difficult trial, and for ensuring the best possible outcome on my behalf. I am so grateful to your wonderful service. Read More
Mohamed
Julia was very helpful in consulting me for my needs. I would recommend her to my friends and family. Read More
Anonymous Client
Words cannot express the immense gratitude I have for this law group. From the start Julia responded immediately with a face time consultation where she explained everything and answered all our questions. We immediately retained her (discount was given for paying full fee upfront). Papers were filed on our behalf… Read More
Bridge
I would like to share to the community that Sverdloff Law Group was absolutely the best experience i have ever witnessed. Julia, the attorney, was a person hard to describe. She is such a professional with a huge heart and if there is anybody out there that knows anything and… Read More
Marko K.
Great service and professional attitude. All my emails and concerns were answered in a timely manner. Read More
Petru
I've had several attorneys in my life for various needs and there was one that really made a difference to my life's trajectory, but you are absolutely the best attorney l've ever hired. I never expected the process to be this simple and that it would all happen this fast.… Read More
Client
I contracted Sverdloff Law to help me with my green-card application. They were always present and supportive through the process, responding almost immediately to any communication. They also helped me with some emergency travel that came up, getting me through that application process as well. Had my green card in… Read More
Drew
If you don't want the hassle of confusing and overwhelming paperwork, as well as guidance on what and how to go through the complex process of Visa applications, I can't recommend Julia and her team enough. Julia helped me and my fiancé with a K-1 Visa Application, and the process… Read More
Craig I.
We hired Julia's firm for my Adjustment of Status and subsequently my Naturalization application. Julia (and Addilene) were always professional, responsive and helpful throughout the whole process. One can tell that Julia cares a lot about her work and we highly recommend her for any immigration related matter! Read More
Vansish B.
CALL US TODAY
CHICAGO OFFICE
NORTHBROOK OFFICE
707 Skokie Blvd, Suite 6
Northbrook, IL 60062
(By Appointment Only)
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy | Accessibility Notice | NUVEW
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.