Washington, D.C.: A 29-year-old Indian national, Aakash Prakash Makwana, residing unlawfully in Ronceverte, West Virginia, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2025, to aggravated identity theft as part of a marriage fraud scheme intended to circumvent U.S. immigration laws.
This case underscores the complexities and legal risks associated with immigration processes, particularly for the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Key Facts:
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Makwana entered the U.S. on a J-1 visa on November 23, 2019, which expired on November 24, 2020; he remained in the country unlawfully thereafter.
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In August 2021, he conspired to pay a U.S. citizen $10,000 for a fraudulent marriage to obtain a Green Card.
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Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2025; he faces a mandatory two-year prison term, up to one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and potential removal from the U.S.
Makwana's scheme involved marrying a U.S. citizen, Kalee Ann Huff, on September 3, 2021, and falsifying documents to support their purported cohabitation.
He admitted to forging a residential lease agreement by adding the property manager's name and signature without authorization.
When the marriage-based immigration petition failed, Makwana filed a Form I-360, falsely claiming to be a victim of domestic abuse to remain in the U.S.
Huff, 28, pleaded guilty to marriage fraud and perjury on February 20, 2025; her sentencing is set for June 12, 2025.
Her brother-in-law, Joseph Sanchez, 33, also pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy and will be sentenced on May 30, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston stated, "This case reflects another unacceptable attempt to undermine our nation’s immigration laws, and the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to enforce those laws to uphold public safety, national security, and the rule of law in our country."
The case highlights the legal consequences of attempting to circumvent immigration laws through fraudulent means.
It serves as a cautionary tale for individuals considering similar actions and emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal immigration processes.
Do You Know?
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Overstaying a J-1 visa without proper authorization can lead to severe legal consequences, including deportation and bans on re-entry.
Key Terms:
Aggravated Identity Theft: A federal offense involving the unauthorized use of another person's identity in connection with certain felonies, carrying a mandatory two-year prison sentence.
Form I-360: A petition used by various categories of individuals, including abused spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, to apply for immigration benefits.
Green Card: A colloquial term for the U.S. Permanent Resident Card, which allows a non-citizen to live and work permanently in the United States.