Latest news with #AakashPrakashMakwana
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Time of India
Tougher checks for marriage-based Green Cards: US issues fresh guidelines to detect fraud- All you need to about the new policy
Representative image The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), introduced a significant update to its Policy Manual, specifically targeting marriage fraud in family-based immigrant visa petitions. The critical update to its Policy Manual titled 'Family-Based Immigrants', released August 1, is designed to ensure that only genuine relationships, particularly bona fide marriages, qualify for lawful permanent resident (green card) status in the US. This measure aims to prevent fraudulent applications and strengthen the integrity of the immigration process. The USCIS stated that thorough verification processes will be implemented to assess the authenticity of relationships submitted for immigration purposes. Why did this policy come into place? The USCIS took this firm stance in response to rising concerns that "fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non‑meritorious" immigration applications are undermining public confidence in family-based immigration and posing national security risks. USCIS explicitly stated its commitment to "robust alien screening and vetting that protects Americans from potential national security threats" and to "detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the US." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo Additionally, there have been cases involving Indian nationals caught in marriage fraud. According to a recent release by the US Attorney's Office, in May 2025, Indian national Aakash Prakash Makwana pleaded guilty to marriage fraud. He overstayed his J-1 visa, arranged a fake marriage with a US citizen, fabricated rental and utility records to feign cohabitation, and falsely claimed domestic abuse to obtain a green card. Upon being convicted of marriage fraud, an individual faces significant prison time, fines, and deportation. Enhanced screening and vetting procedures The updated policy mandates more comprehensive evidence of bona fide marriages, including photographs, financial documents, and affidavits from acquaintances. Couples may face rigorous interviews to verify the authenticity of their relationship. The USCIS will scrutinize any history of multiple applications by a US citizen for different spouses or prior applications for the same beneficiary, flagging them for detailed investigation. USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear if the beneficiary is found removable due to ineligibility or fraudulent intent. Additionally, according to an earlier report, marrying a US citizen or green card holder no longer guarantees a smooth path to a green card. Immigration interviews are now stricter, with officers demanding more proof of a genuine relationship- from photos and call logs to joint finances and shared plans. Spouses abroad face rigorous consular interviews, while those in the US may be called for 'Stokes interviews,' where couples are questioned separately. Long wait times, especially for green card holder spouses, raise additional red flags. Immigration lawyers advise treating the process like an exam: prepare thoroughly, bring evidence, and be ready for personal questions. A weak case could mean denial — or even deportation proceedings. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
NDTV
03-08-2025
- NDTV
US Tightens Green Card Rules For Married Couples
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidelines to tighten scrutiny of family-based immigrant visa petitions, especially marriage-based applications. This aims to weed out fraudulent claims and ensure only genuine relationships lead to green card approval. The updated guidance, published on August 1 in the USCIS Policy Manual under the section titled "Family Based Immigrants", is now in effect and applies to all pending and newly filed petitions. "Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States," USCIS said in its release. "We are committed to keeping Americans safe by detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States." What Has Changed? The updated guidance outlines stricter vetting and documentation procedures, including: Improved eligibility checks and adjudication processes for family-based petitions. Clear documentation requirements, such as photos, shared finances, and affidavits from friends and family to prove bona fide marriages. Mandatory in-person interviews for couples, aimed at evaluating the authenticity of the relationship. Review of prior applications, including multiple petitions filed by the same sponsor or on behalf of the same beneficiary. Closer scrutiny of immigration history, particularly for applicants already in the US on other visas (example - H-1B) seeking adjustment of status through marriage. Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTA) in removal proceedings, even if the green card petition is approved, if the applicant is found to be otherwise ineligible or removable. USCIS clarified that approval of a family-based petition does not automatically protect the beneficiary from deportation. "This guidance will improve USCIS' capacity to vet qualifying marriages and family relationships to ensure they are genuine, verifiable, and compliant with all applicable laws," the agency said. USCIS has also added tougher checks to its policy. If a US citizen sponsors a foreign spouse, such as someone from India, the couple must now submit strong evidence of a real relationship. This includes joint financial records, photos, and possibly letters from friends or family. They must also attend detailed interviews to prove they truly know each other. If USCIS finds anything suspicious, like repeated sponsorships by the same person or mismatches in immigration history, it can trigger deeper investigation or even deportation proceedings. The policy update follows several marriage fraud cases, including one involving Indian national Aakash Prakash Makwana. In May, he pleaded guilty to entering a fake marriage after overstaying his J-1 visa. He used forged documents to show cohabitation and falsely claimed domestic abuse to secure a green card.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
USCIS escalates war on marriage fraud in green card applications, updates its policy manual
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a sweeping policy offensive against marriage fraud, by issuing new guidance on August 1, that significantly tightens the screening and vetting of family-based immigrant visa petitions. This critical update to the USCIS Policy Manual, titled 'Family‑Based Immigrants,' is designed to ensure that only genuine relationships, especially bona fide marriages, can lead to lawful permanent resident (green card) status in the US. HUGE! Over 8,000 Ukrainian Casualties As Russia Captures 7 Areas In Just… | Watch The agency's forceful stance comes in response to a growing concern that ''fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non‑meritorious" applications are not only eroding public confidence in family-based immigration but also posing potential national security risks. USCIS has explicitly stated its commitment to "robust alien screening and vetting that protects Americans from potential national security threats" and to "detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the US. " There have also been cases where Indians have been caught in marriage fraud. According to a recent release by the US Attorney's Office, in May 2025, Indian national Aakash Prakash Makwana pleaded guilty to marriage fraud. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Read More Undo He overstayed his J-1 visa (exchange visitor visa), paid for a fake marriage with a US citizen, fabricated rental and utility records to feign cohabitation, and later even falsely claimed domestic abuse to obtain a green card. On being convicted of marriage fraud an individual faces significant prison time, fines, and deportation. TOI in its edition of April 14 had indicated that under the Trump administration the spouse or even the couple would be subject to in-person interviews and greater vetting, which is now updated in the policy manual. To illustrate: If an American citizen now seeks to sponsor his Indian spouse, USCIS will now demand more comprehensive evidence of bonafide marriage – photographs, financial documents and even affidavits from friends and family in certain instances. The spouse or couple will have to gear up for rigorous interviews designed to assess their genuine knowledge of one another and the credibility of their shared life. Any history of multiple applications filed by the US citizen for different spouses, or prior applications filed on behalf of the beneficiary, will be flagged for intense investigation. If the sponsored spouse is in the US (say on H-1B visa) and seeks adjustment of status to green card, by virtue of the marriage, USCIS will meticulously review his/her immigration history. Violations of visa status or past fraudulent activity could lead to denial of adjustment and initiation of removal proceedings, even if the underlying application for change of status is approved. Critically, the policy update emphasizes that the approval of a family-based immigrant visa application does not grant relief from removal. Even after an application is approved, USCIS explicitly states it may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) for removal proceedings if the beneficiary (spouse) is found to be otherwise removable due to ineligibility or malintent.
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Marrying for Green Card? Here's what USCIS warns could happen
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has hardened its crackdown on foreign nationals looking to gain fraudulent citizenship by marrying US citizens. Officials believe that this scam has now transformed into a full-scale industry and endangers the internal security of the country. Marriage green cards are considered the smoothest way to gain fast-track permanent residency in the US. In earlier years, any foreign national facing the risk of losing out on their legal status to be in the US could get a direct green card by marrying an American. After getting a marriage-based green card, three years of permanent residence in the country would grant them naturalization rights to become citizens. Although authentic marriages are permissible, the USCIS has doubled its efforts at recognizing those trying to gain illegal residence in the country through fraudulent nuptials. Marrying someone for money or immigration benefits, knowingly entering a fake marriage, and tricking someone into marriage using false pretenses all classify as instances of fraudulent marriage acts according to Herman Law Firm. USCIS has now revamped its efforts to separate what's fake from real by demanding intensive documentation and legal proof of the nuptials, starting with a marriage certificate. 'If you're out of status and apply for a marriage-based green card — or if you fall out of status while your case is pending — a denial could land you in deportation court,' said Abhisha Parikh, a US-based immigration lawyer, to Business Standard. 'This is a major shift.' The USCIS has an online portal where citizens can report their suspicions in regard to fake marriages for green card purposes. People can go as in-depth with proof while reporting a suspicion as they'd like, but the USCIS encourages them to give as many details as possible. A recent May 2025 case led to a 20-year-old Indian national, Aakash Prakash Makwana, pleading guilty to a count of entering into a fake marriage with a US citizen in exchange for money. Joint lease agreements, common bills, and bank accounts, trying to show the authenticity of the marriage, were proved to be fake in court. The risks for those engaging in marriage fraud have risen in recent years as the USCIS now prefers to refer certain cases directly to the immigration court, which increases the risk of deportation.
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Business Standard
02-06-2025
- Business Standard
Marriage fraud for green card: Indian man's plot caught by US agencies
'If you lie on your citizenship application, we will find out,' warned the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last month. It was a cautionary note that soon caught up with Aakash Prakash Makwana, a 29-year-old Indian national living unlawfully in the United States. On May 28, Makwana pleaded guilty to a plot to marry a US citizen to secure permanent residence (green card). Aakash Prakash Makwana admitted in court that he overstayed his visa, paid for a fake marriage, and later lied about being a victim of domestic abuse to stay on in the country. Makwana entered the US on November 23, 2019, on a J-1 visa, meant for short-term work in the hospitality sector. That visa expired a year later, on November 24, 2020, but he remained in the country without authorisation. By August 2021, Makwana had agreed to pay $10,000 (around Rs 8.32 lakh) to marry a US citizen and apply for a Green Card. He lived in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, working without legal status. On September 3, 2021, he married the US citizen and faked a lease to make it look like they lived together. Makwana even added the US citizen's name to his utility bills and bank accounts. He later admitted to forging the property manager's signature on the lease, an act that led to an aggravated identity theft charge. What happened next When the marriage scheme collapsed, Makwana tried to stay in the US by filing a petition with USCIS. In this petition, he claimed he was suffering domestic violence at the hands of the US citizen he married. Makwana has now admitted these claims were false and part of an effort to remain in the country longer. His sentencing is set for September 26. He could face prison time, financial penalties, and deportation. The wider crackdown USCIS said on March 20, 2025, that marriage fraud is a federal crime carrying up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. The agency wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), 'Getting married just to receive immigration benefits is a crime and can lead to deportation, arrest and substantial fines.' The agency added in another statement, 'Protecting the integrity of the immigration process is a priority for USCIS. One way we protect the immigration system is by making it easy for you to report immigration fraud and abuse through our online tip form.' What counts as marriage fraud Marrying someone for money or other benefits Faking a marriage when both people know it's not real Tricking someone into a marriage under false pretences USCIS has set up an online form where people (US citizens) can report suspected fraud. 'You do not have to tell us your name or provide contact information,' the form says. Investigators do ask for as much detail as possible, including names, addresses and any evidence that could help.
