Indian Citizen in West Virginia Pleads Guilty to Marriage Fraud

Key Takeaways

• Aakash Makwana pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft in a 2025 West Virginia marriage fraud case.
• The scheme began in August 2021 with a sham marriage to obtain a Green Card illegally.
• West Virginia is increasing immigration enforcement via cooperation with federal authorities and the 287(g) program.

On May 14, 2025, Aakash Prakash Makwana, a 29-year-old citizen of India, pleaded guilty in a federal court in West Virginia to aggravated identity theft as part of a marriage fraud scheme. This case, unfolding in Ronceverte, West Virginia, highlights the growing focus on marriage fraud and illegal immigration in the United States 🇺🇸, especially as both state and federal authorities ramp up enforcement. The story of Makwana, along with his co-conspirators, offers a clear look at how immigration fraud cases are handled, the legal risks involved, and the broader policy changes shaping these outcomes.

What Happened: The Marriage Fraud Scheme

Who:
Aakash Prakash Makwana, a citizen of India unlawfully residing in West Virginia, along with Kalee Ann Huff (a U.S. citizen) and Joseph Sanchez (Huff’s brother-in-law).

What:
Makwana pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft after conspiring to commit marriage fraud. The scheme was designed to help him evade U.S. immigration laws and obtain lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card.

When:
– The conspiracy began in August 2021.
– The fraudulent marriage took place on September 3, 2021.
– Makwana pleaded guilty on May 14, 2025.
– Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2025.

Where:
The events took place in White Sulphur Springs and Ronceverte, West Virginia.

Why:
Makwana’s J-1 nonimmigrant visa expired in November 2020. Instead of leaving the United States 🇺🇸, he sought to stay by entering into a sham marriage with a U.S. citizen for $10,000.

How:
Makwana and his co-conspirators created fake documents, including a lease agreement, utility bills, and bank accounts, to make the marriage look real. He also forged the property manager’s name on the lease, which led to the aggravated identity theft charge.

Timeline of Events

To better understand the case, here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Makwana entered the United States 🇺🇸 on a J-1 visa on November 23, 2019.
   • The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs.
   • His visa expired on November 24, 2020, but he did not leave the country.
2. In August 2021, Makwana agreed to pay $10,000 to marry a U.S. citizen.
   • The purpose was to obtain a Green Card through marriage, which is a common path to lawful permanent residency.
3. The fraudulent marriage took place on September 3, 2021, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

4. Makwana and Huff created fake documents to support their Green Card application.

   • These included a falsified lease, utility bills, and joint bank accounts to make it appear they lived together as a married couple.
5. Makwana forged the property manager’s name and signature on the lease agreement.
   • This act led to the aggravated identity theft charge.
6. The couple attended a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview in Pittsburgh in March 2023.
   • The application for permanent residency was denied.
7. After the marriage fraud scheme failed, Makwana filed a Form I-360, falsely claiming domestic violence.
   • Form I-360 is used to petition for certain special immigrant categories, including abused spouses of U.S. citizens.
   • This was an attempt to remain in the United States 🇺🇸 by claiming protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
8. A federal investigation led to charges of aggravated identity theft and marriage fraud.
   • Makwana, Huff, and Sanchez all pleaded guilty.
   • Sentencing for Makwana is set for September 26, 2025; Huff’s is June 12, 2025; Sanchez’s is May 30, 2025.

Legal and Policy Background

What Is Marriage Fraud?

Marriage fraud occurs when someone enters into a marriage for the sole purpose of evading immigration laws. Under U.S. law, this is a federal crime. The main laws used to prosecute marriage fraud include:

• 8 U.S.C. § 1325(c): Makes it a crime to enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1546: Covers fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents.

Aggravated identity theft, as charged in this case, involves using someone else’s identity (like forging a signature) in connection with another crime, such as immigration fraud.

Why Is This Case Important?

This case is significant for several reasons:

• It shows the risks of trying to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 through fraudulent means.
• It highlights the increased enforcement of immigration laws in West Virginia, a state now working closely with federal authorities.
• It demonstrates the use of harsh penalties, including aggravated identity theft, to deter document fraud.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, federal prosecutors and immigration officials see marriage fraud as a serious threat to the integrity of the immigration system. They argue that strict enforcement is needed to protect public resources and maintain trust in the legal immigration process.

West Virginia’s New Approach to Immigration Enforcement

State and Federal Cooperation

West Virginia has recently taken steps to increase its role in immigration enforcement:

• Governor Patrick Morrisey signed executive orders to speed up deportations and require all state and local law enforcement to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities.
• The state has signed a letter of intent to join the federal 287(g) program.
  • This program allows state and local law enforcement officers to act as immigration agents after receiving training from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • It means state correctional officers can transport criminal aliens into federal custody without direct ICE supervision, making deportations faster.

For more information about the 287(g) program and how it works, visit the ICE 287(g) Program page.

National Policy Shifts

Since January 2025, President Trump’s administration has issued new executive orders that:

• Prioritize mass deportation of undocumented immigrants
• Increase vetting and background checks for visa applicants
• Enforce stricter penalties for immigration violations

These changes are being put into practice in West Virginia, which expects quick approval for participation in both the 287(g) and Warrant Service Officer Programs.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Immigrants

• Anyone in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status faces a higher risk of arrest and deportation, especially in states like West Virginia that are increasing cooperation with ICE.
• Those considering marriage as a path to a Green Card must understand that fraudulent marriages carry serious criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, and removal from the country.
• Filing false claims, such as pretending to be a victim of domestic violence, can lead to additional charges and harsher sentences.

For U.S. Citizens

• U.S. citizens who participate in marriage fraud can face criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines.
• The case of Kalee Ann Huff, who pleaded guilty to marriage fraud and perjury, shows that authorities are willing to prosecute citizens who help others break immigration laws.

For Employers and Communities

• Employers must be careful to follow all immigration laws when hiring workers.
• Communities may see more immigration-related arrests and deportations as state and local police take on a bigger role in enforcement.
• Immigrant communities may feel increased fear and uncertainty due to aggressive enforcement and the risk of collateral arrests.

For Legal and Immigration Professionals

• Lawyers and advocates must stay updated on changing policies and enforcement trends.
• There is a growing need for accurate legal advice, especially as penalties for document fraud and false claims become more severe.

The Human Side: Real-Life Consequences

The story of Aakash Prakash Makwana is not just about legal violations; it’s also about the real-life impact on individuals and families. Makwana, who came to the United States 🇺🇸 on a J-1 visa, likely hoped for a better future. When his visa expired, he faced the difficult choice of returning home or finding another way to stay. The decision to enter into a sham marriage, pay $10,000, and create fake documents led to criminal charges and the likelihood of deportation.

For Kalee Ann Huff and Joseph Sanchez, the consequences are also severe. Both face jail time and fines, and their criminal records will affect their lives for years to come.

Expert Perspectives

Federal prosecutors, like Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage, stress that marriage fraud undermines the immigration system and must be punished. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and USCIS in uncovering the scheme.

Governor Morrisey and other state officials argue that strict enforcement is necessary to protect public resources and deter illegal immigration. They believe programs like 287(g) give states the tools they need to help federal authorities.

On the other hand, immigration advocates warn that aggressive enforcement can have negative effects on immigrant communities. They worry about due process rights and the risk of innocent people being caught up in enforcement actions.

Legal experts point out that using aggravated identity theft charges in immigration cases is a newer trend. This approach brings harsher penalties and reflects a broader move toward tough enforcement.

Historical Context: Marriage Fraud and Enforcement Trends

Marriage fraud has been a federal crime for decades, but enforcement has increased in recent years. Under administrations that prioritize immigration control, such as President Trump’s, penalties have become tougher and more cases are prosecuted.

The 287(g) program, which allows state and local police to act as immigration agents, has been controversial. Supporters say it helps remove criminals from the country, while critics argue it can lead to racial profiling and harm community trust.

What Happens Next?

• Makwana’s sentencing is set for September 26, 2025.
• Huff’s sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2025.
• Sanchez will be sentenced on May 30, 2025.

All three face jail time, fines, and, in Makwana’s case, likely deportation from the United States 🇺🇸.

West Virginia’s participation in the 287(g) program is expected to increase immigration-related arrests and deportations. Nationally, immigration policy remains in flux, with ongoing legal challenges to recent executive orders and possible further changes ahead.

Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• Marriage fraud is a serious crime with severe penalties for both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
• Creating or using fake documents, or making false claims to immigration authorities, can lead to additional charges like aggravated identity theft.
• States like West Virginia are increasing their role in immigration enforcement, making it riskier for those without legal status to remain.
• Anyone facing immigration issues should seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney and avoid shortcuts that could lead to criminal charges.

Where to Find More Information

• For updates on this case and others, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
• For official news on immigration enforcement and policy, check the USCIS Newsroom.
• For details on West Virginia’s immigration policies, see the West Virginia Governor’s Office website.
• To report immigration fraud or learn about enforcement actions, contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Summary Table: Key Dates and Actions

Final Thoughts

The case of Aakash Prakash Makwana is a clear example of how marriage fraud and related immigration crimes are being prosecuted in the United States 🇺🇸 today. With West Virginia and other states stepping up enforcement, and federal policies shifting toward stricter controls, anyone considering illegal ways to stay in the country faces serious risks. The best path forward is always to follow the law, seek legal help when needed, and avoid shortcuts that can lead to life-changing consequences.

For those interested in learning more about immigration forms, such as Form I-360, or about the 287(g) program, official government websites provide the most reliable and up-to-date information.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that as enforcement increases, both immigrants and U.S. citizens must be more careful than ever to follow immigration laws and avoid actions that could result in criminal charges or deportation.

Learn Today

Marriage Fraud → Entering marriage solely to evade immigration laws and gain legal residency unlawfully.
Aggravated Identity Theft → Using someone else’s identity fraudulently during another crime, like forging signatures in this case.
J-1 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for work-and-study exchange programs allowing temporary U.S. entry.
287(g) Program → A federal program enabling local law enforcement to act as immigration agents after ICE training.
Form I-360 → A USCIS petition for special immigrant categories, including abused spouses seeking protection and residency.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, Aakash Makwana admitted to marriage fraud involving fake documents to stay in West Virginia illegally. The case highlights intensified state and federal collaboration to enforce immigration laws and penalize identity theft, signaling tougher consequences for immigration fraud in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com