The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States recently uncovered a nationwide marriage fraud ring involving four American citizens who assisted and coordinated sham marriages to help foreigners obtain green cards and other immigration benefits. Legal proceedings indicated that immigration agencies are intensifying their scrutiny of cases involving marriage for adjustment of status.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a press conference last Friday (25th) and publicly announced the “Operation Bargain Brides” on their official website earlier this week (28th). The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also issued related statements. The four American citizens were arrested in March, with over 120 illegal immigrants involved in the scheme.
Three years ago, a joint investigation involving USCIS, ICE, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DS), and the Maryland State Prosecutor’s Office was launched. The investigation uncovered that three female residents of New York City, Ella Zuran, Tatiana Sigal, and Alexandra Tkach, assisted and coordinated sham marriages by preparing fraudulent immigration forms and providing fake health condition certifications related to immigration benefits applications. They charged each foreign individual fees ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, with an estimated total illegal profit of around $4 million.
Shawnta Hopper, a resident of New Jersey, was also indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly orchestrating sham marriages involving multiple American citizens in locations like Baltimore to profit from them, receiving rewards herself.
The four individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit visa and marriage fraud. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison; however, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Last Thursday (24th), the ICE Maryland division, with assistance from USCIS and DS, administratively arrested 10 foreign individuals involved in the scheme, who were also stripped of their immigration benefits. The arrest operation is still ongoing.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated that the involved ring lured American citizens to marry foreigners with money. Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, these fraudsters were handcuffed and taken away. He emphasized, “Buying a spouse will not make you a citizen.”
Federal Prosecutor Kelly O. Hayes of Maryland stated that greed drove the defendants to fabricate illegal marriage schemes, undermining the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. She said, “This prosecution sends a clear message that U.S. prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue those attempting to exploit the U.S. immigration system through fraud and hold them accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Baltimore emphasized during the press conference that marriage fraud is not a victimless crime. “It damages the fairness of our immigration system, misappropriates critical resources, and erodes public trust in the legitimate and good-faith procedures followed by countless individuals.”
To prevent individuals from using marriage to fraudulently obtain status, USCIS has quietly tightened the marriage green card process this year, with some changes appearing on marriage application forms. On the I-130 form for family-based immigration applications, the agency encourages the public to report suspicious immigration benefit fraud and abuse, including marriage fraud.
On March 20th, USCIS posted on X, warning that “marrying solely for immigration benefits is a criminal act and may result in deportation, arrest, and hefty fines.”
Some immigration lawyers have reported to U.S. media that they have seen immigration officials conducting longer and more rigorous interviews for marriage-based interviews and status adjustment applications, requiring applicants to provide more evidence to prove the genuineness of the marriage.
If U.S. immigration officers suspect the authenticity of a marriage relationship, they typically schedule a second interview that is longer and more stressful, known as a Stokes Interview, which can last for several hours. They ask more personalized details, such as how the couple met, the first date, the date for trash collection at home, and how household bills are paid.
If marriage fraud is discovered, the participants may face penalties including up to five years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and deportation.