Additional Resources
Summary of The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA)
This short document provides a brief overview of IMBRA and then outlines the obligations IMBRA imposed on international marriage brokers as well as the changes IMBRA required in the government’s processing of fiancé(e)/spouse visa applications. It also provides section references to IMBRA provisions. Download PDF
Frequently Asked Questions: The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA)
This document provides more extensive discussion of key questions and answers related to IMBRA, and goes into greater depth about the extent and nature of the problem of abuse in marriages resulting from IMB introductions. Download PDF
Questions
If you have questions please email policy@tahirih.org, or, sign up to receive updates on Advocating for Justice.
Illustrative Cases of Women and Their Children Exploited and Abused Through the International Marriage Broker Industry
This short document provides case stories that help demonstrate the need for greater protections for women using the services of international marriage broker agencies, and represents only a small sample of the many tragic cases that have been brought to Tahirih’s attention over the course of our Campaign. Download PDF
Examples of the “Commoditization” of Women by International Marriage Brokers (IMBs)
This short document lists pages and quotes from international marriage broker websites that expose how the industry’s business practices tend to establish a male client vs. female commodity dynamic, and how the industry’s marketing practices tend to hype gender, ethnic, and cultural stereotypes, even promoting foreign women as more subservient or as an overall better investment than their American counterparts. Download PDF
Advisory for International Marriage Brokers About the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act
Some IMBs have raised questions regarding IMBRA’s requirements and parameters. In an effort to clarify IMBRA and IMB obligations, Tahirih prepared an Advisory that summarizes IMBRA’s key elements, addresses “Frequently Asked Questions,” provides practical tips to facilitate compliance, and includes background notes about IMBRA. Download PDF
Joint Comments Filed by the Tahirih Justice Center and Legal Momentum’s Immigrant Women Program in Response to the Draft Information Pamphlet Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) required DHS, in consultation with the Departments of State and Justice, and nongovernmental organizations with specialized expertise, to develop a pamphlet about the K visa and other marriage-based immigration process, the legal rights and resources available to immigrant victims of crime, and other crucial information. In July 2008, DHS published for public comment a draft pamphlet. Tahirih and Legal Momentum filed detailed comments in response, including draft proposed alternative pamphlet language. Download PDF
