- Tthere are channels of immigration through which an alien can be sponsored by a friend for permanent residency. There are only three categories of sponsors, who must have U.S. citizenship or standing: family member, employer or fiancé(e). Unless you intend to marry your friend once she enters the country or hire her through your accredited business, there is no legal way for you to sponsor her.
- All laws and regulations concerning immigration, permanent residency and citizenship are governed at the federal level. Therefore, there is no distinction between immigration laws and penalties in the state of Florida and the rest of the United States.
- If a U.S. citizen knowingly commits fraud or aids an immigrant in committing fraud through false claims on applications and documents, he/she is considered in breach of federal law. Penalties for falsifying documents, such as claiming a marriage relationship when there isn't one or falsifying a familial relationship, can result in penalties ranging from fines up to $250,000 to imprisonment of up to five years and property confiscation. Legal permanent residents, green card holders, are sponsored through a formal petition that must be completed and submitted by the sponsoring U.S. citizen. If the sponsoring citizen willfully signs the petition as truthful (when it is false), he commits a criminal offense.
- The risks and penalties that can befall an immigrant for committing immigration fraud are severe. Along with fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to five years in an immigrant detention center, an immigrant risks banishment from the U.S. for a set period or for life.
Legality
National Law
Penalty for Fraud
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