Washington: US federal authorities have charged 11 people over an alleged decade-long immigration fraud operation that arranged more than 1,000 sham marriages between US citizens and foreign nationals, primarily Chinese citizens, to help applicants obtain lawful permanent residency.
According to prosecutors, the scheme operated across several US states from around 2016 to 2026 and generated tens of millions of dollars by exploiting the marriage-based immigration system. Authorities described the case as one of the largest marriage-fraud prosecutions in US history.
Investigators allege that foreign nationals seeking green cards were charged as much as $100,000 to participate in the fraudulent arrangements. Meanwhile, US citizens recruited to enter the sham marriages could receive payments of up to $30,000.
The operation allegedly went far beyond simply arranging fake weddings. Prosecutors say members of the network helped prepare fraudulent immigration applications and created evidence designed to convince immigration officials that the marriages were genuine.
In some cases, fake couples allegedly staged wedding ceremonies and posed for photographs together at restaurants or other locations. The participants were also reportedly coached on how to present their relationships during immigration interviews.
The indictment alleges that the network included recruiters, assistants, attorneys, tax preparers and people who acted as marriage officiants. The organisers reportedly recruited both foreign nationals seeking immigration benefits and US citizens willing to participate in the arrangements.
Scheme operated across multiple states
Although the operation was primarily based in New York, authorities say its activities extended to several other states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.
Investigators also allege that the network used various methods to make the fraudulent marriages appear legitimate, including fabricated financial records and other supporting documents.
The scale of the alleged operation has attracted particular attention. Prosecutors believe more than 1,000 sham marriages were arranged over roughly a decade, making the case significantly larger than an isolated immigration-fraud operation.
Authorities step up immigration enforcement
The charges come as the Trump administration continues to tighten scrutiny of the US immigration system and pursue cases involving alleged abuse of legal immigration pathways.
US Attorney General Todd Blanche said fraudulent immigration schemes undermine the government’s ability to determine who should legally be allowed to remain in the country. Officials argue that organised operations of this scale can exploit weaknesses in the immigration system while generating substantial illegal profits.
The defendants face federal charges related to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and immigration document fraud, as well as allegations involving unlawful residence of foreign nationals.
The case is now moving through the US federal court system, where the defendants will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Authorities have emphasised that the charges are accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation nevertheless highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding marriage-based immigration in the United States. While legitimate marriages can provide a lawful pathway for spouses to obtain permanent residency, deliberately entering a marriage solely to secure immigration benefits is illegal.
For US authorities, the latest case sends a strong warning that organised attempts to manipulate the green-card system through fraudulent marriages could result in serious federal prosecution.
