[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Marriage fraud is something that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) examines during immigration interviews with foreign nationals who marry United States citizens and seek a green card.  So-called "sham marriages" are attempts to secure a green card to the United States by paying a U.S. citizen to marry an immigrant seeking residence and are illegal. USCIS attempts to be vigilant to weed out potential marriage fraud from the immigration system. The New York Times yesterday published several questions that could be used in a potential green card interview for immigrants seeking a marriage visa. The questions read like they could have been cribbed from The Newlywed Game, a popular TV game show from the 1960s. During an immigration interview, spouses could be separated and asked the same questions to see if their answers match up.  Some of the questions asked in a green card interview could include some simple origin questions:

• How did you meet each other?
• Tell us about your proposal.
• Where did you buy the rings?
• Who attended your wedding?

If immigration officers suspect possible marriage fraud, they may ask tougher questions, something like:

• What color sheets are on your bed at home?
• When was the last time you went out to eat dinner?
• Tell us about your spouse's family.
• How did you celebrate your spouse's last birthday?

Immigration agents may also interview neighbors and investigate into your living situation if any answers raise suspicions. One important way to successfully prepare for an immigration interview is to hire an experienced immigration attorney.  The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth has been helping immigrants to the United States seek legal permanent residence for more than 34 years.  Call us today at 888-517-9888 for a free consultation with an immigration expert.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This week saw a lot of important immigration news stories. Immigration in the Trump era is changing in many ways. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth closely monitors all changes and all possible changes to immigration law to best serve our clients. For a free immigration consultation, call 888-517-9888. Here are a few of the recent stories we are monitoring.

Immigrants Could be Denied Residency for Common Tax Deductions

According to a draft proposal of new immigration guidelines, immigration caseworkers would have to consider popular tax breaks as a factor in the determination of whether an immigrant is a 'public charge'. Under current guidelines, immigrants receiving cash welfare payments are considered a public charge. Under the new guidelines, the earned-income tax credit, healthcare subsidies, and non-cash public benefits would also be factors. This change is seen as a pretense to reduce legal immigration. See the full news story.

Temporary Status for Liberians to End

Liberians in the United States have been under a temporary protective immigration status called Deferred Enforced Departure since a 1999 civil war. In ending the program, the Trump administration has noted that Liberia is currently not at war and has concluded reconstruction. The decision to end the program is reminiscent of the ending of temporary protective status for Salvadorans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans. See the full news story.

Pregnant Women No Longer Automatically Released from Immigration Detention

Under a policy guideline enacted during the Obama administration, pregnant women were usually released from federal custody. The Trump administration has rescinded that policy, drawing strong reactions from immigrants rights organizations. It is unknown exactly what affect this new policy decision will have on the detention of pregnant women. See the full news story.

Orange County Joins Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Sanctuary Law

The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to join the Trump administration lawsuit against the California sanctuary state law. See the full news story.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Numerous provisions affecting immigration have made it in to Congress' 1.3 trillion spending bill, but the most glaring omission is the lack of any new laws protecting recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.  Dreamers, immigrants who entered the country illegally when they were children, have been passed around as a political football in recent months.  The Trump administration ended the DACA program, which allowed many dreamers to live and work in the country legally, last September.  Recent court cases have kept the program alive. While the bill has not yet been passed, and anything is possible, here are some immigration proposals that are currently in the bill.

• Increased funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allowing for an additional 328 CBP officers
• Requirement for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reduce the number of beds in detention centers
• $1.6 billion for border wall funding, with limitations on how that money can be spent
• An increase of $1.34 billion for the Census Bureau

What's not in the bill?

• Protections for DACA recipients
• $25 billion for border wall funding
• Funding to increase the number of ICE detention beds
• Penalties against so-called "sanctuary cities"

The deadline for the spending bill to be passed before a government shutdown is this Friday.  The House of Representatives has passed the bill which now moves to the Senate. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth carefully monitors all legislation pertaining to immigration.  Staying up to date on possible changes to immigration law can help us better serve our clients.  If you or a loved one needs help from an immigration attorney, contact us today at 888-517-9888 to receive a free immigration consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]