Marriage Fraud At A Glance

In an effort to reduce the amount of marriage fraud committed, the United States government stepped in to create acts and laws to help enforce codes against marriage fraud. One act that was passed was the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986. The Immigration Act of 1990 was also created and helped to change the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 so that harsher penalties could be instilled upon criminals.

These penalties include: up to five years in prison, up to $250,000.00 in fines, and most likely deportation. Criminal marriage fraud acts of bigamy/polygamy will most likely include jail time, probation, or fines. Other cases of marriage fraud that may not qualify as being criminal cases can still be taken to civil court and a suit may be filed.