If you are immigrating to the United States as a spouse of a US citizen, then you will be issued a conditional Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, that is valid for up to 2 years. This gives you the status of a permanent resident on a conditional basis. You will be required to apply again after 2 years to remove said conditions from your permanent residence if you want to continue to live in the US.
As your conditional permanent residence nears its expiry date, you are likely to have a plan on how you wish to follow through with it by gathering the required documents and evidence to continue your residency. However, lacking the required documentation can lead to denial of your application and may even result in the authorities doubting the validity of your relationship. If the immigration authorities doubt that your marriage was a ploy to gain immigration benefits, it can result in serious consequences.
What Happens If Your Marriage is Suspected of Being Fraudulent by the Immigration Authorities?
The authorities at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will assess your application for the removal of conditional status and take 1 of 3 courses of action. They may accept your petition or request a consular interview with you and your spouse or they will summon you for a fraud interview.
You may likely have to go through a fraud interview if the USCIS official doubts your marriage due to a lack of proof of relationship. This interview can be a terrifying experience and is advised not to be attended without legal counsel.
During the interview, you and your spouse will be separated and asked questions about the relationship. It is much like the police trying to extract information from someone suspected of a crime.
They might even use intimidation tactics or convince you to admit your misrepresentation of your relationship. They might threaten you with deportation orders to make you confess.
