U.S. tightens rules for international marriage agencies

The Trump administration has introduced new regulations to combat the exploitation of immigrants and fraud within international marriage agencies. These agencies, often referred to as International Marriage Brokers (IMBs), facilitate dating, matchmaking, and intermediation services connecting U.S. citizens or permanent residents with foreign nationals.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) published the new rule in the Federal Register, strengthening the enforcement procedures of the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA). This law is designed to protect foreign fiancés and spouses of U.S. citizens from potential abuse and domestic violence.

The updated rule targets IMBs that fail to provide required information to foreign nationals or improperly disclose prohibited information. The DOJ stated the rule is necessary to deter fraudulent marriages and the exploitation of immigrants recruited by IMBs. IMBs are legally required to provide foreign nationals with information about their prospective partners, including criminal records and past marriages, in the foreigner's native language.

Additionally, IMBs must inform foreigners about their legal rights and available resources, and obtain written consent. The IMBRA also prohibits these agencies from sharing contact information, photographs, or certain background details of individuals under eighteen. The primary change in the new regulation is the establishment of a formal procedure for investigating, adjudicating, and penalizing alleged IMBRA violations, including fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for non-compliant companies.