Ex-Husband Offered $339,000 Just to Stay Married for US Citizenship: When a Las Vegas woman says her ex-husband offered $339,000 just to stay married for U.S. citizenship, it’s more than just a divorce story—it’s a window into how immigration, money, and relationships collide in ways that can affect families, communities, and even the legal system. According to reports, including Hindustan Times, Alejandra Aguilar Sonnier, a Las Vegas entrepreneur, claimed on Instagram that her ex-husband made her a shocking offer: stay married long enough for him to secure U.S. citizenship, and pocket $339,000. Instead of taking the money, Alejandra says she was pulled into 17 months of draining legal battles, spending more than $40,000 on attorney fees and ultimately relocating to Mexico with her two daughters.
Ex-Husband Offered $339,000 Just to Stay Married for US Citizenship
The case of a Las Vegas woman claiming her ex-husband offered $339,000 for U.S. citizenship reveals the complex realities of immigration fraud, divorce battles, and moral choices. Whether or not every detail is proven, the lessons are crystal clear: protect your integrity, know your legal rights, and don’t let money push you into dangerous deals.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Claim | Ex-husband allegedly offered $339,000 to remain married for U.S. citizenship |
| Person Involved | Alejandra Aguilar Sonnier, Las Vegas entrepreneur |
| Legal Fallout | 17 months of court battles, $40,000+ in legal fees |
| Public Reaction | Mixed—some praised her integrity, others questioned her decision |
| Current Status | Remarried, now living in Mexico with two daughters |
| Official Source | USCIS Marriage Green Card Rules |
Why This Story Matters?
On the surface, it might sound like a juicy plotline for a reality TV show. But in truth, it’s a cautionary tale about how immigration fraud, divorce, and financial manipulation can intersect. Alejandra’s refusal to accept the offer highlights the real-world risks of making shady deals in the immigration system.
She claims her refusal led to months of frivolous lawsuits in Las Vegas Family Court, emotional distress, and financial hardship. For her, it was about integrity: she wasn’t willing to risk her freedom or reputation for cash.
The Immigration Side of the Story
Marriage is one of the most common ways immigrants can obtain permanent residency (a green card) in the U.S. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), marriage-based green cards account for hundreds of thousands of approvals each year.
But marriage fraud—marrying solely for immigration benefits—is a felony. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA):
- Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison
- Fines: Up to $250,000
- Deportation and future bans on U.S. entry
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found thousands of suspected fraudulent marriage cases annually, though exact statistics are hard to pin down because many go undetected.
This explains why Alejandra’s story sparked such outrage—if true, it’s not just an ugly divorce but a potential federal crime.
The Financial Temptation
The figure of $339,000 is eye-popping. To understand why it became such a flashpoint, consider:
- Median household income in the U.S. (2023): $74,580 (U.S. Census Bureau)
- Average divorce cost in the U.S.: $15,000–$20,000 (Forbes)
- Alejandra’s reported legal costs: Over $40,000
Her ex-husband’s offer was more than four times the average American household’s yearly income. For many people, that kind of money would be life-changing. But as Alejandra implied, money isn’t worth risking prison time or permanent bans from the U.S.
Public Reaction on Ex-Husband Offered $339,000 Just to Stay Married for US Citizenship
The case went viral after Alejandra posted her story on Instagram, sharing screenshots of texts and court documents. Public reaction was split:
- Supporters praised her integrity:
“No amount of money is worth your freedom. You did the right thing.” - Skeptics questioned her judgment:
“Why not just take the money and walk away?”
“Sounds like drama for attention.”
This mix of praise and criticism shows how Americans view money, morality, and immigration differently.
Similar Cases in U.S. History
Marriage-for-citizenship fraud isn’t new. Here are a few notable examples:
- Texas, 2019: A woman in Houston was sentenced to 2 years in prison for arranging more than 100 fraudulent marriages between immigrants and U.S. citizens.
- Florida, 2017: A couple was caught staging fake wedding photos and creating bogus leases to prove they were living together. They were charged with fraud and conspiracy.
- California, 2013: A marriage ring was busted involving hundreds of staged weddings, leading to dozens of arrests.
These cases highlight how law enforcement actively prosecutes marriage fraud and why Alejandra’s decision to reject the deal was likely the safer choice.
Expert Opinions
Immigration attorney David Leopold explains:
“Marriage fraud undermines the credibility of the entire immigration system. USCIS officers are trained to detect fraud, and if someone is caught, the consequences can follow them for life.”
Family law experts also note that divorce battles often get weaponized when immigration status is involved. Financial offers, emotional manipulation, and custody disputes can quickly spiral into long and expensive legal wars.
How GoFundMe and Crowdfunding Reflect Modern Divorce Struggles?
One striking detail from Alejandra’s story is her decision to launch a GoFundMe campaign titled “Legal Battles Drained Me—Need Your Help.” According to her, she spent more than $40,000 in legal fees, with half tied directly to divorce proceedings.
This isn’t unique. Many Americans are turning to crowdfunding platforms when legal battles, medical emergencies, or family disputes spiral out of control financially.
- In fact, a 2022 LendingTree survey found that 45% of divorced Americans reported taking on debt due to legal fees, moving costs, and child support disputes.
- GoFundMe itself reports that more than one-third of its campaigns fall under “emergency and crisis” categories, which increasingly include divorce and custody struggles.
What this shows is that divorce isn’t just emotional—it’s financially devastating. Crowdfunding has become a lifeline for those caught in drawn-out legal fights. But it also raises questions: should personal struggles be solved through public donations, or should the system provide better support for families in crisis?
Alejandra’s campaign, which reportedly raised about $1,935 of her $7,000 goal, illustrates how legal costs can overwhelm even entrepreneurs and working professionals. It’s a sobering reminder of the financial realities many face in the U.S. legal system.
The Emotional and Cultural Angle
Beyond money and legality, this case shines a light on cultural expectations:
- In many immigrant communities, citizenship is seen as a ticket to opportunity, which explains why someone might risk making such an offer.
- In American culture, stories like this reflect the tension between financial temptation and moral responsibility.
Alejandra’s decision to relocate to Mexico with her daughters shows how deeply the situation affected her. Despite being a U.S. entrepreneur, she chose to start fresh abroad rather than continue battling in U.S. courts.
Step-by-Step: Protecting Yourself in Similar Situations
If you find yourself facing a questionable offer or tangled in legal disputes, here’s what experts recommend:
Step 1: Hire a Lawyer Immediately
Contact both a family law attorney and an immigration lawyer if necessary. Many nonprofits, such as the Legal Aid Society, can provide free or reduced-cost services.
Step 2: Document Everything
Save all texts, emails, and financial transactions. Courts rely heavily on documentation.
Step 3: Report Fraud Safely
Use the ICE HSI Tip Form to report suspected immigration fraud anonymously.
Step 4: Secure Your Finances
Separate bank accounts, monitor your credit, and protect assets during divorce.
Step 5: Care for Your Mental Health
Cases like this can take years. Counseling, support groups, and family networks can be invaluable.
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The Bigger Picture
Alejandra’s story isn’t just about one family. It touches on:
- Immigration Reform: Critics argue the system is outdated and too easy to exploit.
- The Cost of Divorce: Family courts often drain participants emotionally and financially.
- Cultural Divide: Some see $339,000 as life-changing; others see it as selling integrity.
It’s a reminder that marriage, money, and citizenship are never simple when mixed together.
