Marriage Fraud & National Security

[Gary Bala]

For those who may not have heard, the State Department
and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
recently completed a 19 month investigation in Seattle, WA
of a marriage fraud ring.

According to the indictment, the ring procured fake
engagements and marriages, and secured fiancee
and spousal visas.

State Dept. and their investigative arm, Bureau of
Diplomatic Security (BDS), is now more sensitive than
ever to how marriage fraud can denigrate the integrity
of our immigration and visa system, and even implicate
national security.

FOR MORE:
1.STATE DEPT.
http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/rm/39620.htm

2. ICE
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsreleases/articles/marriagefraud120804.htm

Regards.

[Pete E]

... in response to Marriage Fraud & National Security , posted by Gary Bala on Dec 24, 2004

Gary,
Those perpetrating true fraud need to get nailed,as in Jail time.It makes it tougher for the guys who are serious about it.
But,when you have the advantages of living in the US,people will be creative.

Pete

[Payton]

... in response to Marriage Fraud & National Security , posted by Gary Bala on Dec 24, 2004

Does this mean it is going to be impossible to go down to Colombia and find the girl of my dreams?  I am taking this year to get all my stuff lined up so that everything is very easy going when she gets here.  Oh yeah can I ask one peice of information.  A friend of mine told me that if you have a certain amount of Cash equity you dont have to provide previous tax statements?  Is that true and what is the amount?

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Marriage Fraud & National Securi..., posted by Payton on Dec 26, 2004

Visa/marriage fraud results in more scrutiny by the government, but won’t effect your ability to find the girl of your dreams.

If you filed income taxes, you must provide copies of your returns when applying for a visa or adjustment of status later. If you did not file a return, you must justify why you were not legally required to file. The primary means of proving your financial responsibility and your ability to support your immigrant spouse will be a sufficient steady income, preferably from full-time employment. Having substantial cash assets will help, but steady income is most important.

For a fiancée or K-visa, you will need at least enough income to meet the current poverty guidelines for your family size, which is currently 12,490 for a family of 2 in most cases. To qualify for an immigrant spouse visa or adjustment of status, you will need to meet 125% of the poverty level, currently 15,612. If you are a little short of those figures, you may be able to use cash assets to make up the difference on a 5:1 basis.

Ray