Is it a federal offense to marry someone so they can become a US citizen?
Yes it is against the law, whether it’s federal i am not 100 percent but 98 percent. I am a Canadian who just married an American. We have hired an immigration lawyer to file all the correct forms. We also have to “prove” to the immigration board that this is not a marriage of convenience (ie just to get into the country). Submit photo’s, bank account information, wills and anything else to convince them we married for the sole purpose to be together. We also have an upcoming interview with the immigration board for them to determine if we are telling the truth. USA is really hot about the immigration issue right now and marrying someone soley for the reason to get them into the country would NOT be a good idea. Someone always has to be used as the Poster Child for example and when they find one they are going to fine them big time.
The act of a US citizen marrying an alien does not enable the alien to become a citizen, at least not right away. It does permit the alien immediately to apply for a green card. Technically, the citizen spouse files an immigrant petition (I-130) for the alien; the alien applies to adjust status to permanent resident (I-485). If the I-485 is approved, the alien gets a conditional green card. After two years, the alien can apply to have the conditions removed. After five years as a resident alient (GC holder), the alien can then apply for citizenship (naturalization). With that clarification, the short answer to your question is “NO”. Offering the benefit to spouses of US citizens in intentional, to avoid splitting up families, but the idea is that the marriage is bona fide. The longer answer is “probably”, if what you mean is whether or not it is a federal offense to enter into a sham marriage in order to obtain a green card for an alien. One source indicates that the sentencing guideli
