India, June 19 -- The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has hardened its crackdown on foreign nationals looking to gain fraudulent citizenship by marrying US citizens. Officials believe that this scam has now transformed into a full-scale industry and endangers the internal security of the country.

Marriage green cards are considered the smoothest way to gain fast-track permanent residency in the US. In earlier years, any foreign national facing the risk of losing out on their legal status to be in the US could get a direct green card by marrying an American. After getting a marriage-based green card, three years of permanent residence in the country would grant them naturalization rights to become citizens. Alth...