Key Takeaways
• Aakash Prakash Makwana pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft for a fake marriage green card scheme.
• USCIS tightened 2025 marriage-based green card rules with new form editions and stricter fraud checks.
• Co-conspirators Kalee Ann Huff and Joseph Sanchez also pleaded guilty, facing sentencing in 2025.
Aakash Prakash Makwana, a 29-year-old Indian citizen, recently pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft after U.S. agencies uncovered his marriage fraud scheme in West Virginia. This case, which unfolded over several years, highlights the growing efforts by U.S. authorities to stop marriage fraud and protect the integrity of the immigration system. The story of Makwana’s actions, the legal consequences he now faces, and the broader changes in marriage-based green card procedures offer important lessons for anyone involved in the U.S. immigration process.
How the Marriage Fraud Scheme Unfolded

Makwana first entered the United States 🇺🇸 on November 23, 2019, using a J-1 nonimmigrant visa. This type of visa allows people to work and gain experience in fields like hospitality and culinary services. His visa was valid for only one year, expiring on November 24, 2020. Instead of returning to India 🇮🇳 or seeking a legal way to stay, Makwana remained in the United States without permission.
About nine months after his visa expired, in August 2021, Makwana began working with others to arrange a fake marriage with a U.S. citizen. The goal was simple: to get a green card through a marriage that was not real. According to court documents, the plan included several steps:
- Paying $10,000 (about ₹8.32 lakh) to a U.S. citizen, Kalee Ann Huff, to marry him on September 3, 2021
- Faking a lease agreement in White Sulphur Springs to make it look like they lived together as a married couple
- Adding Huff’s name to utility bills and bank accounts to create fake evidence of a real relationship
- Committing identity theft by using the name and signature of a property manager on the fake lease without permission
When these efforts failed to secure his immigration status, Makwana tried another approach. He filed a Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), claiming he was a victim of domestic violence and emotional abuse by his U.S. citizen spouse. He later admitted in court that these claims were false and were made only to extend his stay in the United States and improve his chances of getting a green card.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
The legal fallout from this marriage fraud scheme has been swift and serious. On May 28, 2025, Makwana pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. He now faces several possible penalties:
- Jail time: He could be sentenced to prison when he appears in court on September 26, 2025
- Monetary fines: The court may order him to pay fines for his crimes
- Removal from the United States: After serving any sentence, he could be deported and barred from returning
Makwana was not the only person involved. Kalee Ann Huff, the U.S. citizen who agreed to the fake marriage, pleaded guilty to marriage fraud and perjury on February 20, 2025. Her sentencing is set for June 12, 2025. Huff’s brother-in-law, Joseph Sanchez, also admitted to taking part in the conspiracy and will be sentenced on May 30, 2025.
These outcomes show that U.S. agencies take marriage fraud very seriously and will prosecute not only the foreign national but also any U.S. citizens or others who help carry out the scheme.
What Is Marriage Fraud and Why Does It Matter?
Marriage fraud happens when someone enters into a marriage only to get immigration benefits, not because they have a real relationship. U.S. immigration law requires that marriages used to apply for a green card must be “bona fide,” meaning they are real and not just for immigration purposes.
Marriage fraud can take many forms, including:
- Paying someone to marry you so you can get a green card
- Faking documents to show you live together when you do not
- Making up stories about abuse or hardship to get special immigration protections
U.S. agencies, including USCIS and Homeland Security Investigations, work together to find and stop these schemes. They look for “red flags” such as:
- Marriages that happen soon after a visa overstay
- Large payments made to the U.S. citizen spouse
- Fake or inconsistent documents showing the couple lives together
- Claims of abuse that cannot be supported by real evidence
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Makwana’s are becoming more common as U.S. authorities increase their focus on marriage fraud and use new tools to detect it.
How U.S. Agencies Are Responding
The Makwana case is just one example of how U.S. agencies are stepping up their efforts to stop marriage fraud. In 2025, USCIS made several changes to the marriage-based green card process to make it harder for people to cheat the system.
New Form Editions and Stricter Rules
USCIS now requires applicants to use the latest versions of key forms. For example:
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Only the 01/20/25 edition is accepted as of April 3, 2025
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): Only the 01/20/25 edition is accepted as of May 1, 2025
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The 04/01/24 edition is still valid, but now includes clear warnings about marriage fraud
All pages of each form must match the same edition date. If you submit forms with mixed or outdated pages, your application could be rejected.
Increased Fraud Detection
USCIS and other agencies are using more interviews, background checks, and document reviews to spot fake marriages. They may:
- Visit the couple’s home to see if they really live together
- Check bank accounts, utility bills, and other records for signs of a real relationship
- Interview both spouses separately to see if their stories match
If they find evidence of marriage fraud, they can deny the application, start removal proceedings, and refer the case for criminal prosecution.
Official Warnings and Public Statements
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston said the Makwana case “reflects another unacceptable attempt to undermine our nation’s immigration laws.” She stressed that her office is committed to enforcing these laws to protect public safety and national security.
Homeland Security Investigations and USCIS both played key roles in uncovering the scheme and bringing charges against those involved.
What This Means for Immigration Applicants
The Makwana case sends a clear message: marriage fraud is a serious crime with severe consequences. If you are caught, you could face:
- Federal criminal charges: Including identity theft, fraud, and perjury
- Prison time and fines: Courts can order jail sentences and large financial penalties
- Removal from the United States: You may be deported and banned from returning
- Permanent bars to immigration benefits: Even if you try to apply again in the future, you may be blocked for life
For people who are applying for a marriage-based green card honestly, this case is a reminder to:
- Keep your immigration status valid: Do not overstay your visa or break the law
- Provide real, honest documents: Only submit evidence that is true and accurate
- Follow all USCIS rules and use the correct forms: Make sure you are using the latest versions and fill them out completely
- Never make false claims: Lying about abuse or hardship is a crime and will hurt your case
If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is wise to seek help from a trusted immigration attorney or use official resources like the USCIS Green Card Through Marriage page.
The Broader Impact: Why U.S. Agencies Are Cracking Down
Marriage fraud does not just affect the people involved in the scheme. It can also:
- Undermine trust in the immigration system: When people cheat, it makes it harder for honest applicants to get approved
- Delay processing for real couples: More fraud means more checks and longer wait times for everyone
- Put national security at risk: Fraudulent marriages can be used to hide other crimes or threats
That is why U.S. agencies are investing more resources in finding and stopping marriage fraud. They are using better technology, sharing information between agencies, and training officers to spot warning signs.
Real-Life Examples: How Marriage Fraud Schemes Are Detected
Makwana’s case is not unique. U.S. agencies see many types of marriage fraud, including:
- “Mail-order” marriages: Where people pay a company to find a spouse just for immigration purposes
- “Green card for hire” scams: Where U.S. citizens are offered money to marry someone they barely know
- Fake cohabitation: Couples who do not live together but create fake leases and bills to look like they do
In Makwana’s case, the use of a fake lease and the payment of $10,000 were major red flags. When USCIS reviewed his application and supporting documents, they noticed inconsistencies and began an investigation. The involvement of multiple people, including Huff and Sanchez, made the scheme more complex but also easier to uncover as more people were questioned.
What Happens After a Marriage Fraud Conviction?
If someone is convicted of marriage fraud, the consequences can last a lifetime. In addition to jail time and fines, the person will almost always be removed from the United States. They may also be permanently barred from returning, even if they later marry a U.S. citizen for real.
For U.S. citizens who take part in these schemes, the penalties are also severe. They can face jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. In some cases, they may lose certain rights or benefits.
How to Avoid Problems: Tips for Honest Applicants
If you are planning to apply for a marriage-based green card, here are some simple steps to help you avoid trouble:
- Be honest: Never lie or exaggerate on your application or in interviews
- Keep good records: Save documents that show your real relationship, like photos, joint bills, and travel records
- Respond quickly to USCIS requests: If they ask for more information, provide it as soon as possible
- Use official forms and instructions: Always check the USCIS website for the latest forms and guidance
- Ask for help if needed: If you are confused or worried, talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
As U.S. agencies continue to focus on stopping marriage fraud, applicants can expect:
- More interviews and home visits: Officers may want to see where you live and ask more questions
- Longer processing times: Extra checks mean it may take longer to get a decision
- Stricter evidence requirements: You may need to provide more proof of your relationship
While these changes may make the process harder for some, they are designed to protect the system and make sure that only real, honest marriages are approved.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
The case of Aakash Prakash Makwana is a clear warning to anyone thinking about using marriage fraud to get a green card. U.S. agencies are watching closely, and the risks are simply not worth it. For honest couples, the best approach is to follow the rules, keep good records, and be ready to answer questions about your relationship.
If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, make sure you:
- Use the correct, up-to-date forms
- Provide real, honest evidence of your relationship
- Never pay or accept money for a marriage just to get immigration benefits
For more information about marriage-based green cards and how to apply, visit the USCIS Green Card Through Marriage page.
By staying informed and following the law, you can avoid the serious consequences of marriage fraud and build a future in the United States 🇺🇸 the right way.
Learn Today
Aggravated Identity Theft → A serious crime using another person’s identity during illegal acts, with harsher legal penalties.
Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, used for obtaining a green card.
Marriage Fraud → Entering marriage solely for immigration benefits without a genuine marital relationship.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration applications and enforcement.
Form I-360 → Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant allowing certain special immigration claims.
This Article in a Nutshell
Aakash Prakash Makwana admitted to marriage fraud involving a $10,000 payment and fake documents in West Virginia. U.S. authorities intensified fraud detection, updating forms in 2025. Convictions include identity theft, prison risks, and deportation, underscoring strict enforcement to protect immigration system integrity and deter fraudulent green card schemes.
— By VisaVerge.com