Asked over 1 year ago - Randallstown, MD
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My friend is a US citizen, and married (for money) an alien. My friend never received any money from the spouse.
The first interview did not go well, the spouse of my friend did not answer basic questions (Such as the name of my friend's mother(!))
So today they went on a fraud interview. My friend cracked on the interview and told the interviewer that marriage was for real but it was done for money to get a green card, and also signed that statement along with withdrawal request. So my friend's spouse informed my friend of intention of immediately leaving the country (as in the same day).
So the question is: is my friend or can my friend still get in any legal trouble or be charged with fraud or anything else after this? Thank you!
Possibly. The fact is your friend sign and dated a Petition (I-130) stating that all information was true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge. Also, your friend attended the first interview and made false representations to the USCIS agent.
It is advisable that your friend retain an experienced criminal defense attorney before any further communication with any Federal Authority.
Your friend can be charged with marriage fraud. Normally, in my area of Florida, if the government intends to charge a person with fraud they will do so at the interview. Normally, if a person confesses the government does not press charges against that person.
If your friend is contacted and asked to appear at the USCIS or ICE office in the future, I suggest she retain an immigration attorney experienced in such situations to go with her.
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