Marriage fraud
resources for victims.
Free resources to support U.S. citizens who suspect they may be a victim of immigration marriage fraud. You are not alone.
If something feels wrong.
If your relationship feels “off,” you may not be imagining it. The 10 Stages of Marriage Fraud™ maps the arc of these relationships — from grooming and rushed marriage to financial extraction and strategic abandonment. Read it alongside your own story. A single sign rarely proves anything; the pattern often does.
They are deceived, abandoned, and betrayed not only by the foreign nationals who defraud them, but by an unfeeling and unresponsive bureaucracy that routinely prioritizes the wants and wishes of foreign nationals over the rights and interests of U.S. citizens.
Testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, June 25, 2025
Frequently asked.
01. How do I know if it's marriage fraud or a bad marriage?
The key difference is intent. A bad marriage usually begins with a genuine desire to build a life together, even if it later fails. In marriage fraud, the relationship is often transactional from the start, with sudden changes in behavior tied to legal milestones rather than shared life goals.
02. Is it too late to withdraw my sponsorship?
That depends on where you are in the immigration process. In some situations, action may still be possible even after filings have occurred. Because timing is critical, rely only on a qualified, licensed attorney for this answer.
03. Can I get in trouble if my spouse committed fraud?
No. The Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) were specifically created to protect victims of fraud. Congress recognized that innocent spouses are often manipulated, not complicit. If you entered the marriage in good faith, you are the victim of a crime, not a perpetrator.
04. Do I have to financially support my spouse forever?
This is a complex area of law that you must discuss with a licensed attorney. Theoretically, the I-864 Affidavit of Support can make sponsors financially responsible for direct support payments to the spouse and reimbursement to the government for public benefits indefinitely.
The Hotline
When you are ready.
A 24/7 automated line. Anonymous. No intake, no operator, no cost.
Call 1-888-88-MARRIAGE