If a US citizen marries a non-US citizen for money to establish residency what kind of penalties can the non-citizen face?

Answer 1

Answer Jail time, probation, fines, or all three. 18 USC 1015 states: Whoever knowingly makes any false statement under oath, in any case, proceeding, or matter relating to, or under, or by virtue of any law of the United States relating to naturalization, citizenship, or registry of aliens.... Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Subsection (f) does not apply to an alien if each natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization), the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age of 16, and the alien reasonably believed at the time of making the false statement or claim that he or she was a citizen of the United States.

However, it is not necessary to make a false claim to marry a non-citizen and help them qualify for a green card. If you are careful and not too cooperative with those in government, you tend to fare better. Do not make a false statement intentionally and the non-citizen you marry can legally qualify for a green card. Many people marry for different reasons and the reason you state, if any, can be both honest and help your spouse to qualify for a green card. There is no reason to lie to accomplish the goal you state but you must consider how to field certain questions that may be asked, as any married couple in such a situation should. In addition, see the video on you tube Don't Talk to the Police with James Duane, a law professor.

Answer 2

Jail for the citizen, deportation for the illegal alien.

Answer 3

Fines and deportation.