Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal prosecutors say 43 people have been indicted for their roles in an alleged marriage fraud scheme.
Prosecutors say the operation involved recruitment of U.S. citizens to enter into fraudulent marriages with Chinese nationals so the Chinese could get visas and other immigration benefits.
Twenty of the 43 defendants were arrested Thursday and Friday and have made their first appearances in federal court in Minneapolis.
The U.S. attorney’s office says two men who allegedly arranged the fraudulent marriages have already pleaded guilty.
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The indictment unsealed Friday says the U.S. citizens were paid $25,000, minus their travel expenses to and from China.
