What Is Marriage Fraud?
Understanding the issue and its impact on survivors
Defining Marriage Fraud
Marriage fraud occurs when a person enters into a marriage for the primary purpose of evading immigration laws — typically to obtain a green card or other immigration benefits for the foreign-born spouse. While the legal definition focuses on fraudulent intent, the human reality is far more complex and often involves deep emotional and psychological harm.
However, marriage fraud takes many forms beyond the narrow legal definition. Many survivors experience a pattern of deception, manipulation, and abuse where the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse uses their partner's immigration status as a tool of control.
Forms of Marriage Fraud & Abuse
📋 Fraudulent Marriage for Immigration Benefits
A marriage entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card, with no genuine marital relationship. Both parties may be complicit, or the foreign-born spouse may be the victim of deception.
⚡ Immigration-Related Abuse
Even in a genuine marriage, a spouse may use immigration status as leverage — threatening to withdraw a green card petition, report the victim to ICE, or refuse to file necessary paperwork. This is a form of domestic violence recognized under VAWA.
💔 Financial Exploitation
Controlling access to finances, demanding payment for filing immigration paperwork, or taking money under the pretense of "immigration fees" that are never actually paid.
🚫 Isolation & Coercion
Preventing the foreign-born spouse from learning English, contacting family, seeking employment, or accessing community resources — all while threatening deportation if they try to leave or seek help.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Marriage Fraud or Abuse
- Your spouse refuses to file immigration paperwork after promising to do so
- Your spouse threatens to call ICE or report you if you leave or assert yourself
- Your spouse controls your documents (passport, green card, work permit)
- Your spouse prevents you from working, learning English, or contacting family
- Your spouse demands money in exchange for filing immigration paperwork
- You feel trapped because of your immigration status
- Your spouse has lied about their identity, criminal history, or other important facts
- You entered the marriage based on false promises or misrepresentations
The Impact on Survivors
The effects of marriage fraud and immigration-related abuse extend far beyond legal status. Survivors often experience:
- Psychological trauma — betrayal, anxiety, depression, and PTSD from the abuse and deception
- Social isolation — cut off from family, friends, and community support networks
- Economic hardship — inability to work legally, financial dependency on the abuser
- Fear of deportation — constant anxiety about being removed from the country
- Legal uncertainty — confusion about rights and available options
You Have Options
If you are experiencing marriage fraud or immigration-related abuse, you may have legal options regardless of your current immigration status. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain survivors to self-petition for legal status without the abuser's knowledge or involvement.
Learn About VAWA Self-Petitions →Important Disclaimer
This page provides educational information about marriage fraud and its impact. It does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney about your specific circumstances.