By Amjad Qaimkhani
HOUSTON: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has intensified its crackdown on fraudulent marriages and asylum scams, warning that such practices constitute serious federal offenses. In a recent statement, USCIS urged the public to report any suspected cases of immigration fraud, as authorities seek to close illegal pathways to U.S. citizenship and permanent residency.
The agency defines sham marriages as unions entered into purely for immigration benefits, lacking genuine romantic or familial intent. Similarly, asylum fraud involves individuals making false claims of persecution in their home countries to secure protection in the U.S. Both offenses carry severe legal consequences under U.S. immigration law.
According to Section 275(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1325(c)), individuals found guilty of entering fraudulent marriages to evade immigration laws face up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. USCIS officials have reiterated that enforcement measures against such violations remain a top priority, emphasizing that those who attempt to manipulate the system will be held accountable.
The agency has called on the public to play a role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities, reinforcing its broader commitment to upholding the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
