USCIS Implements Stricter Measures Against Marriage Fraud in Immigration
On August 1, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unveiled sweeping updates to its policy manual aimed at drastically curbing marriage fraud in family-based immigrant visa petitions. The new guidance, published under the ‘Family-Based Immigrants’ section, reinforces USCIS’s commitment to approving only genuine marriages that qualify for permanent resident status (green cards).
Context Behind the Policy Update
Marriage fraud—where individuals enter into sham marriages to unlawfully obtain immigration benefits—has long been a challenge undermining the integrity of family-based immigration. USCIS officials have expressed concerns about the erosion of public trust and national security risks stemming from fraudulent filings.
In their official statement, USCIS emphasized a more robust alien screening and vetting process designed to identify and remove individuals with potentially harmful intent from the U.S. This aligns with broader national security priorities, especially in an era of heightened scrutiny over immigration pathways.
Notable Cases Spotlighting Risks
Recent enforcement actions illustrate the seriousness of marriage fraud, particularly involving Indian nationals. For example, in May 2025, Aakash Prakash Makwana, an Indian national, pleaded guilty to deceiving the immigration system by orchestrating a fake marriage with a U.S. citizen, fabricating evidence of cohabitation, and even falsely claiming domestic abuse to secure a green card. Convictions in such cases carry severe penalties including prison time, hefty fines, and deportation.
What Has Changed for Applicants?
Building on policies introduced during the Trump administration—such as mandatory in-person interviews for spouses—USCIS’s newly updated manual outlines a higher bar for proving marital bona fides. Key changes include:
- Demand for comprehensive documentary evidence including photographs, joint financial records, and affidavits from family or friends to corroborate the relationship.
- Heightened interview scrutiny focusing on the couple’s personal knowledge, daily interactions, and shared life commitments.
- Flagging of applicants with histories of multiple petitions for different spouses or prior applications by the same petitioner for heightened investigation.
- Increased attention to immigration history for beneficiaries adjusting status within the U.S., especially visa violations or previous fraudulent activity.
Legal and Practical Implications
Importantly, the new USCIS policy underscores that green card approval does not guarantee immunity from removal proceedings. If, at any point, the beneficiary is suspected to be removable due to ineligibility or malicious intent, USCIS retains the authority to issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) and initiate deportation processes.
This hardline stance should serve as a warning to those considering fraudulent schemes and as reassurance to taxpayers and communities that family-based immigration is being safeguarded against abuse.
Expert Insight: Broader Impact on Immigrant Communities
The updated USCIS policy manual represents more than just regulatory tightening; it signals a shift towards deepening trust in the legal immigration framework while balancing humanitarian values with national security. However, it raises critical questions about the potential challenges genuine couples might face in providing extensive evidence, especially immigrants from countries like India, where cultural and linguistic barriers may complicate the process.
From a policy analysis perspective, this approach aligns with the U.S. government’s increasing push for integrity and security in immigration systems, yet policymakers must also ensure that increased scrutiny does not inadvertently burden legitimate applicants or create onerous bureaucratic hurdles.
Conclusion
USCIS’s proactive campaign against marriage fraud illustrates the agency’s resolve to protect both the integrity of U.S. immigration and national security interests. While these changes strengthen enforcement, a nuanced understanding of their impact on immigrant families remains crucial as this evolving landscape unfolds.
About the Author:
Lubna Kably is a senior editor specializing in immigration and tax policy analysis. With deep expertise in U.S. and global visa regimes, she demystifies complex legal developments for immigrant communities, students, and professionals navigating cross-border transitions.
Editor's Note
The intensified USCIS scrutiny on marriage petitions raises vital questions: How can genuine couples navigate heightened evidentiary demands? What safeguards exist to protect applicants from unnecessary hardship? And how does this affect broader immigration policy debates centered around security and family unity? As the landscape shifts, staying informed and consulting experts is more important than ever.
