Sham marriage facts for kids

A sham marriage is when two people get married, but not because they love each other or want to build a family. Instead, they get married for a special reason or to trick others. It's like pretending to be married to get something they want.

In many countries, having a sham marriage is against the law. This is because it can be used to cheat the rules, especially those about who can live in a country.

What is a Sham Marriage?

A sham marriage is different from a real marriage. In a real marriage, people promise to be together and share their lives. In a sham marriage, the people involved don't plan to live as a married couple. They might just sign papers or have a small ceremony to make it look real.

Why Do People Have Sham Marriages?

One of the main reasons people have sham marriages is to gain immigration rights. This means one person wants to live in a new country, and marrying someone who is already a citizen can make it easier. For example, if someone wants to move to the United States or the United Kingdom, marrying a citizen might help them get permission to stay and work there.

How Does Immigration Work?

When someone moves to a new country, it's called immigration. Countries have rules about who can come and live there. Often, it's easier for a person to get permission to live in a country if they are married to a citizen of that country. A sham marriage tries to use this rule unfairly.

Is a Sham Marriage Against the Law?

Yes, in many places, a sham marriage is against the law. Governments see it as a serious problem because it tricks the system. It can make it harder for real immigrants to get their papers, and it can also be used for other illegal activities. People who are part of a sham marriage can face big problems if they are caught.

Images for kids

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  Officers from the UK Border Agency lead away the would-be bride in an operation to prevent a suspected sham marriage.

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  A US green card