IMBRA Disclosure
International Marriage Broker Regulation Act
Effective Date:
This IMBRA Disclosure is provided in compliance with United States federal law to inform visitors about the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) and how it applies to international dating and marriage services. We are committed to transparency regarding our role as an informational website and the legal framework governing international marriage brokers in the United States.
What is the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act?
The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a United States federal law enacted in 2005 as part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. IMBRA was designed to protect foreign nationals, primarily women, who seek relationships with U.S. citizens or permanent residents through international marriage broker services.
IMBRA Definition
IMBRA defines an "International Marriage Broker" (IMB) as any corporation, partnership, business, or individual that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, or social referral services between U.S. citizens or permanent residents and foreign nationals by providing personal contact information or facilitating face-to-face meetings.
Key Provisions of IMBRA
The law establishes several important requirements and protections:
- Background Check Requirements: U.S. clients of marriage brokers must undergo criminal background checks before their contact information can be shared with foreign nationals.
- Information Disclosure: Foreign nationals must receive information about their legal rights in the United States, including resources for victims of domestic violence.
- Petition Limitations: The law limits the number of K-1 (fiancé) or K-3 (spouse) visa petitions a U.S. citizen can file within a specified period.
- Age Requirements: There are specific provisions regarding the minimum age of individuals who can be matched through marriage broker services.
- Consent Requirements: Foreign nationals must provide written consent before their personal information can be released to U.S. clients.
Why IMBRA Was Enacted
Congress enacted IMBRA in response to documented cases of abuse against foreign spouses who came to the United States through international marriage arrangements. The law aims to:
- Protect vulnerable individuals from potential domestic violence and exploitation.
- Ensure foreign nationals have access to information about their legal rights before entering the United States.
- Require transparency from marriage brokers about their U.S. clients' backgrounds.
- Empower foreign nationals to make informed decisions about potential relationships.
IMBRA Requirements and Our Compliance
Understanding IMBRA requirements is essential for anyone involved in international dating or considering a relationship with a foreign national. Below are the key legal requirements and how they apply to different parties.
Requirements for International Marriage Brokers
Entities that qualify as International Marriage Brokers under IMBRA must:
- Collect Background Information: Obtain and verify certain background information from U.S. clients, including criminal history, marital history, and any restraining orders.
- Provide Pamphlet to Foreign Nationals: Deliver USCIS-produced informational pamphlets to foreign nationals about their rights, immigration procedures, and domestic violence resources.
- Obtain Consent: Receive written consent from foreign nationals before releasing their contact information to U.S. clients.
- Conduct Criminal Background Searches: Search federal and state sex offender databases and use other reasonable means to verify U.S. client information.
- Maintain Records: Keep records of compliance for at least five years.
Important Compliance Notice
Asian Mail Order Brides is an informational website only. We do not operate as an International Marriage Broker as defined by IMBRA. We do not collect personal contact information, facilitate direct introductions between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, or charge fees for matchmaking services. We provide reviews, educational content, and links to third-party dating platforms that operate under their own IMBRA compliance programs.
Requirements for U.S. Citizens Using Marriage Broker Services
If you use a service that qualifies as an International Marriage Broker, you may be required to:
- Provide accurate information about your criminal history, including any convictions for violent crimes or crimes against children.
- Disclose your marital history, including the number of previous marriages and how they ended.
- Inform the broker of any temporary or permanent restraining orders issued against you.
- Undergo state and federal background checks.
- Acknowledge that your background information will be shared with potential foreign partners.
Your Rights Under IMBRA
IMBRA provides specific protections for foreign nationals seeking relationships with U.S. citizens. Understanding these rights is crucial for anyone considering an international relationship.
Key Rights for Foreign Nationals
- Right to Information: You are entitled to receive comprehensive information about your legal rights in the United States before agreeing to meet or communicate with a U.S. citizen through a marriage broker.
- Right to Know Background Information: You have the right to receive a U.S. citizen's criminal background information, including any history of domestic violence, before your contact information is shared.
- Right to Consent: Your personal contact information cannot be released without your explicit written consent.
- Right to Domestic Violence Resources: You must be provided with information about domestic violence hotlines and resources available in the United States.
Immigration Rights for Abuse Victims
Foreign nationals who experience domestic violence in the United States have several legal protections:
- VAWA Self-Petition: Victims of domestic violence may be able to self-petition for immigration status without their abuser's cooperation.
- U Visa: Victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, may be eligible for a U visa if they assist law enforcement.
- T Visa: Victims of human trafficking may be eligible for a T visa.
- Battered Spouse Waiver: Conditional residents who are victims of domestic violence may be able to remove conditions on their residency without their spouse's participation.
Rights for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens also have rights under IMBRA, including:
- The right to know that legitimate marriage brokers are required to comply with federal law.
- The right to work with services that prioritize safety and transparency.
- The right to accurate information about the visa and immigration process for bringing a foreign spouse to the United States.
Our Obligations as an Information Platform
Asian Mail Order Brides operates as an informational website providing reviews, educational content, and guidance about international dating. It is essential to understand our role and limitations.
Important Disclaimer
We are NOT a marriage broker or dating agency. Asian Mail Order Brides does not:
- Collect personal contact information from users seeking relationships.
- Facilitate direct introductions between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.
- Charge fees for matchmaking, dating, or matrimonial services.
- Maintain databases of individuals seeking international relationships.
- Guarantee any dating outcomes, matches, or marriages.
We provide independent reviews and information about third-party dating platforms. When you click links to these platforms, you leave our website and become subject to their terms, privacy policies, and IMBRA compliance programs.
What We Do Provide
Our informational services include:
- Platform Reviews: Honest, detailed reviews of international dating websites to help you make informed decisions.
- Educational Content: Information about Asian cultures, dating customs, and what to expect when pursuing international relationships.
- Legal Information: General information about immigration processes, visa requirements, and relevant laws like IMBRA (though we are not legal advisors).
- Safety Guidance: Tips for staying safe while using international dating platforms, including how to identify scams.
Third-Party Platform Responsibility
The dating platforms we review are independent businesses responsible for their own IMBRA compliance. Before using any international dating service, we recommend:
- Reviewing the platform's IMBRA disclosure and compliance statement.
- Understanding their privacy policy and how your information is used.
- Verifying their terms of service regarding background checks and information sharing.
- Confirming they provide required informational materials to foreign nationals.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs assistance with immigration issues related to an abusive relationship, the following resources are available:
Emergency and Crisis Hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- Emergency Services: Call 911 for immediate emergencies
Government Resources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): www.uscis.gov - Official information about immigration, visas, and IMBRA requirements.
- USCIS VAWA Information: Information about immigration options for abuse victims under the Violence Against Women Act.
- Department of State - Visa Information: Official K-1 fiancé visa and CR-1/IR-1 spouse visa information.
- Federal Trade Commission: Resources for reporting international dating scams and fraud.
Legal Assistance
- Legal Aid Organizations: Many communities have legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration and family law assistance.
- Immigration Attorneys: Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for complex visa and IMBRA-related questions.
- Victim Advocacy Groups: Organizations specializing in assisting immigrant victims of domestic violence.
If You Are in Danger
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is available 24/7 and can provide confidential support, safety planning, and referrals to local services. Help is available in multiple languages.
Questions About This Disclosure
If you have questions about this IMBRA Disclosure or need additional information about our website's policies, please visit our Contact page. For legal questions about IMBRA compliance or immigration matters, we recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney or contacting USCIS directly.
For information about our other policies, please review: