Marriage Fraud Scheme Exposed
Is there a wave of Chinese and American citizens pretending to wed just to manipulate the U.S. immigration system? That’s what the Department of Justice claims, and they’ve made some serious allegations.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice revealed that they have dismantled one of the largest marriage fraud operations in U.S. history. Over 1,000 fake marriages were orchestrated to help foreign nationals, mainly from China, secure green cards—it’s been happening for a decade.
“Those willing to deceive in order to acquire legal immigration status are a direct threat to our nation’s security,” stated officials from the Justice Department.
The scheme allegedly took place from at least 2016 until July 2026, mostly operating from New York City, with marriages arranged throughout the United States and even as far as China.
The Justice Department identified three key roles that kept this operation thriving: intermediaries who connected foreign clients with American partners, recruiters who sought out U.S. citizens, and assistants who handled the paperwork. Involvement extended to legal professionals, tax preparers, and insurance agents, effectively creating a comprehensive fraud ecosystem.
According to reports, intermediaries charged foreigners as much as $100,000, while Americans received as much as $30,000, split into installments. Additionally, recruiters earned fees of around $5,000 for each referral. These activities allegedly generated tens of millions in revenue.
The couples involved often met for the first time right before applying for a marriage license, staging ceremonies and photo shoots to seem genuine.
To support their claims, participants are said to have created fabricated documents, including staged photos, joint bank and utility accounts, as well as false tax returns and insurance policies. They were reportedly coached on how to present false information on green card applications and mislead immigration officials during interviews.
Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that some couples even signed prenuptial agreements that stripped them of marital rights. Reportedly, these documents stated that “both parties shall live independently and not interfere with each other.”
The eleven defendants named by the Department of Justice include individuals from various backgrounds, aged between 26 and 72, hailing from nearly every borough of New York City, along with Westchester County. They were all arrested and have received sentences totaling 15 years—five years for marriage and immigration fraud conspiracy and another ten for encouraging illegal immigration.
This crackdown coincides with recent executive orders targeting maternity tourism, as authorities say they are tackling broader issues related to immigration abuse.
The head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asserted that individuals willing to lie and cheat for immigration status represent a significant threat to national security.
Currently, government officials are deliberating on whether to revoke green cards that were previously issued through this fraudulent network.
Earlier this year, a separate case involving allegations of fake marriages tied to U.S. military personnel surfaced in Florida, where eleven people faced charges for allegedly paying a Navy sailor to marry a Chinese national.
