Indian National Pleads Guilty to Marriage Fraud and Identity Theft in U.S. Immigration Scheme

A 29-year-old Indian national, Aakash Prakash Makwana, has admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent marriage with a U.S. citizen in an attempt to bypass American immigration laws. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Makwana pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft as part of a broader immigration fraud scheme.

Makwana initially entered the United States on a J-1 nonimmigrant visa on November 23, 2019. Aware that his visa was valid for only one year, he remained in the country illegally after it expired on November 24, 2020.

In August 2021, Makwana conspired with others to pay $10,000 to a U.S. citizen in exchange for a sham marriage that would allow him to apply for permanent residency—a Green Card. At the time, he was unlawfully residing in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and working without legal authorization.

The fraudulent marriage took place on September 3, 2021. To make the relationship appear legitimate, Makwana fabricated a residential lease to show that he and his spouse lived together. He also added the U.S. citizen’s name to his bank accounts and utility bills. As part of his plea, Makwana admitted to forging the property manager’s name and signature on the lease without permission—an act that led to his aggravated identity theft charge.

When the fake marriage failed to secure him legal status, Makwana filed a Form I-360 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), falsely claiming he was a victim of domestic abuse by his spouse. This petition was intended to allow him to remain in the U.S. while the claim was processed and improve his chances of obtaining permanent residency.

Makwana is scheduled for sentencing on September 26, 2025. He faces potential prison time, financial penalties, and deportation following completion of his sentence.

Marriage fraud is a federal crime that undermines the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. It typically involves a foreign national and a U.S. citizen entering into a relationship solely for the purpose of evading immigration laws—not to build a genuine life together.

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