A friend is in a dilema: Marry gf or not

[chiefJerry]

I have two friends (Leo and Michelle) that are in a bit of a pickle. They have been dating for over a year now. I introduced my best friend Leo to Michelle about 2 years ago. They eventually started dating and then moved in with each other.
While dating and getting to know each other, Michelle eventually, informed Leo that she was an illegal. She came here on a visitor’s visa and ended up over staying because she fell in love. Eventually, that relationship dissolved. She had many opportunities to marry someone for citizenship, but chose not to. She didn't want the person she was with, to think she was using him for citizenship.
During her 8 yrs here, she has tried to figure out a way on her own, to get her papers fixed; but has been unsuccessful and she does not qualify for asylum. At any rate, Leo knows about her situation and he has been fine with it.
Recently, Michelle and another friend took a road trip that turned out to be a series of unfortunate events that ended her up in I.C.E. (Her valid Philippine passport was confiscated). She was eventually released, but now has an Alien number and has to report to a deportation officer in California, where she and Leo both live.
The dilemma is that they really do love each other, but have been told by I.C.E. that in order to save her from being deported, Leo should marry her or file for a Fiancé visa. No big deal right? Leo and Michelle have briefly discussed marriage in the past; but discussed it as a future option; when Leo finishes up his schooling, in 4 yrs. They are both feeling the pressure. Michelle does not want to go back home to the Philippines, nor does Leo want her to be deported either. However, both of them are not quite ready to get married either. They have BOTH said that getting married in less than two years is too soon for both of them. But Leo doesn’t want her to get deported, because what if “She’s the one?!” What if she is his forever girl?
Michelle has informed him that their marriage will be under scrutiny by I.N.S. and doesn’t want to put him through all the inconveniences that it will cause him; it may even interrupt his education process. She informed him that if the I.N.S. believed their relationship was a sham, he could face very strict penalties, such as Federal prison time and fines.
Me and a few other friends have all said to them both, “Big Deal!” just tie the knot. I.N.S. will know how much you two love each other and that will be that. But she, of all people, has said that even though they are in a relationship together and live together, I.N.S. will question the reason why they got married. If she has a hearing, immigration is going to ask them why they got married and in all honesty, getting married at THIS particular time, is to prevent her from being deported and from that, she thinks that they will both be charged with marriage fraud. Even though, they are in a healthy, loving relationship. She does not want Leo’s life to be destroyed because he thinks she may be his “forever girl” and married her, so that he could have more time to figure that out. And yet, she has said that she is not ready to go back to the P.I. either.

Any thoughts or advice?

[admin]

Sure, take a risk, marry her, but just make sure he SAVES EVERYTHING that could be used as EVIDENCE to help PROTECT HIMSELF in case his RISK turns in to SHIT.