Why Must U.S. Immigration Prove Real Marriages?

The U.S. immigration system cares whether a marriage is “sincere” or “real” because marriage-based immigration benefits are only intended for genuine relationships, not for those entered into solely to gain immigration status. Here's why this matters:

1. Preventing Immigration Fraud

• Marriage fraud (i.e., entering a fake marriage for a green card) is a federal crime.

• The government wants to ensure people aren’t misusing the immigration system by pretending to be married when there is no real marital relationship.

2. Eligibility for Benefits

• U.S. law grants significant immigration benefits through marriage, including permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

• To qualify, the couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, not a sham created just for immigration purposes.

3. National Security and Rule of Law

• Ensuring marriage is real supports the integrity of the legal system and prevents abuse.

• Fraudulent marriages can also pose security risks if people use them to enter the country under false pretenses.

4. Taxpayer Protection

• Immigration fraud can lead to public benefits being used by individuals who obtained status illegally, affecting U.S. taxpayers.

How It's Verified:

• USCIS evaluates the couple’s history, shared life, communication, finances, and even interviews them to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage.

• If found to be fraudulent, the applicant may be denied a green card, deported, and banned from reentry.

Summary:

The U.S. cares about the sincerity of a marriage in immigration cases to uphold the law, protect national interests, and maintain the fairness and integrity of the immigration system.