Till Fraud Do Us Part: An Analysis of Marriage Fraud Investigations
Abstract
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for adjudicating immigration benefits, with the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) serving as its investigative arm. However, the pursuit of criminal investigations depends on the discretion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This thesis identifies procedural and structural challenges within immigration investigations, particularly in the context of marriage-based inquiries. Applying the Leavitt's Diamond framework, this thesis evaluates FDNSs jurisdiction, functions, personnel, and technology and advances several recommendations, including reprioritizing fraud in the immigration system and establishing a dedicated law enforcement agency within USCIS. This research helps to delineate areas for improved identification and deterrence of immigration fraud within a nuanced and comprehensive framework.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224863
Entities
People
- Charles A. Ali
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School