Aakash Prakash Makwana, a 29-year-old Indian citizen, has pleaded guilty to marriage fraud and identity theft in an attempt to remain in the United States illegally.
He originally came to the US in 2019 on a J-1 visa to work in hotel hospitality, which was valid for only one year.
After his visa expired in 2020, Makwana continued to live in the US without legal status.
In 2021, Makwana married a US citizen, Kalee Ann Huff, for $10,000 with the goal of obtaining a Green Card.
To support their fake marriage, he falsified a lease agreement to show they lived together and added Huff’s name to his bank accounts and utility bills.
He also admitted to committing identity theft by forging the property manager’s name and signature on the lease document.
When the marriage fraud was discovered, Makwana filed a petition claiming he was a victim of domestic violence by his US citizen spouse.
However, he has now admitted that these claims were false and made only to delay his deportation and continue living in the US.
Huff and her brother-in-law Joseph Sanchez, who assisted in the conspiracy, have also pleaded guilty.
The US Justice Department condemned the scheme as an unacceptable attempt to undermine immigration laws.
Makwana faces serious legal consequences for his actions, including potential prison time and deportation.
