Fabiola Carisimo, a realtor at Avanti Way in Brickell, has found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. What began as an attempt to exploit the U.S. immigration system unraveled into one of the most blatant—and clumsy—cases of marriage immigration fraud in Florida history.
This case isn’t just about one individual’s actions but serves as a cautionary tale about the legal and ethical boundaries of marriage-based immigration benefits. It’s also about a prominent Miami judge that refuses to allow Carisimo to make a mockery of her court and the US immigration system.
The Scam That Exposed Fabiola Carisimo
In the summer of 2023, Fabiola Carisimo, an Argentine immigrant, orchestrated a marriage with U.S. citizen Julimir Marrero. On paper, it seemed like a legitimate union, but cracks began to show almost immediately. The pair separated within two weeks, with Marrero never moving into their shared residence.
Date of Marriage: July 24, 2023
Date of Separation: August 8, 2023
Allegations surfaced that Carisimo paid Marrero $20,000 for the sham marriage.
When Marrero reportedly asked for more money, Carisimo retaliated by accusing him of domestic abuse without ever filing a police report, a common tactic used in fraudulent marriage cases to leverage immigration laws like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
This move backfired spectacularly. Evidence revealed glaring inconsistencies, prompting legal scrutiny.
Judge Abby Cynamon Takes a Stand
In a decision on October 28, 2024, Miami Judge Abby Cynamon, once again, refused to grant Carisimo a divorce. This ruling emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system. It also highlighted how such scams erode trust and divert attention from those genuinely in need.
- August 18, 2024
Judge Abby Cynamon dismissed the case - September 19,2024
Carisimo files a motion to set aside
and vacate the order of dismissal - September 25, 2024
CARISIMO FILES AN EMERGENCY MOTION
TO VACATE THE DISMISSAL - October 28, 2024
Judge Abby Cynamon denied the motion to vacate the dismissal and directed the clerk to reclose the case
Fabiola Carisimo’s Attorney
Wait, It Gets Better
Fabiola was playing games with the Court. She claimed to be doing a “diligent search’ to locate Julimer. Her immigration attorney, Robert Sheldon, Esq, sent out letters to the Army Worldwide Locator, Division of Motorist Services, and a letter to the Postal Service.
A Closer Look at the Red Flags in Fabiola Carisimo’s Case
An Eight-Year Relationship Back Home
Adding to the intrigue, sources revealed that Fabiola had been in an eight-year relationship with a boyfriend in Argentina. This long-term partner not only supported her financially but supposedly even purchased a house for her mother. However, the romance appears to have unraveled in recent months for unknown reasons. Despite the breakup, her mother reportedly hasn’t received the keys to the promised house, leaving questions about the boyfriend’s role in her life—and whether this failed relationship pushed Fabiola toward desperate measures.
Julimir Marrero’s Troubled Past
Julimir Marrero, the other half of this sham marriage, brings his own baggage to the table. Two years prior to his involvement with Fabiola, Marrero faced accusations of stalking and dating violence involving another woman. This troubling pattern of behavior paints a picture of someone accustomed to manipulative and questionable actions, potentially explaining his willingness to participate in this fraudulent arrangement. His history raises significant questions about the motives and dynamics between him and Fabiola.
A Relationship Built on Contradictions
One of the most glaring inconsistencies in the case revolves around how little Fabiola and Julimir seem to know about each other. Even basic details about Marrero’s physical appearance don’t match. In an unrelated case years ago, Marrero’s height was documented as 6 feet, yet Fabiola described him as 5’8″. The disparity suggests a lack of familiarity that’s hard to ignore.
The question remains: has Fabiola even met the man she claimed to marry?
Potential Legal Consequences for Fabiola Carisimo
If prosecuted and convicted, Fabiola Carisimo could potentially face severe penalties, including:
| Crime | Penalties | Relevant Laws & Statutes |
|---|---|---|
| Engaging in Marriage Fraud | Up to 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine, permanent ban on immigration benefits | 8 U.S. Code § 1325(c) – Marriage Fraud Amendments Act of 1986 |
| Submitting False Documents in Court | Up to 5 years per offense, $250,000 federal fine, $5,000 state fine, loss of legal credibility | 18 U.S. Code § 1001 – Fraudulent Statements and Representations |
| Exploiting VAWA (False Abuse Claims) | Deportation, charges for misuse of federal protections | Federal Immigration Protections Misuse – No specific statute cited |
| Conspiracy to Commit Immigration Fraud | Up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine, and enhanced penalties if tied to federal fraud | 18 U.S. Code § 371 – Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud the United States |
| Obstruction of Justice | Up to 20 years in prison for interfering with court proceedings or investigations | 18 U.S. Code § 1503 – Obstruction of Justice |
| False Testimony Under Oath | Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine, and disqualification from legal benefits | 18 U.S. Code § 1621 – Perjury Under Oath |
Lessons from the Fabiola Carisimo Case
Carisimo’s story is a reminder of the risks and repercussions of attempting to cheat the system. It underscores the importance of:
- Conducting thorough investigations into immigration cases.
- Reporting suspected fraud to the USCIS tip form or the US Customs Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) Tip Form
- Protecting the integrity of laws meant to support genuine applicants.
The Broader Issue: Marriage Visa Fraud in Miami
Marriage visa fraud is a growing problem in Miami, where diverse immigrant communities make it a hotspot for such schemes. Fraudsters often exploit well-intentioned laws like VAWA, which aim to protect victims of domestic violence, to bypass immigration regulations.
Statistics from the Department of Homeland Security indicate a sharp rise in marriage visa fraud cases, with Miami ranking among the top cities for these offenses.
Protecting the Immigration Process
The USCIS works tirelessly to prevent fraud while ensuring legitimate applicants receive the benefits they deserve. Tips from the public play a vital role in maintaining the fairness and integrity of the system. Individuals can report suspected fraud anonymously on the USCIS website.
Immigration Enforcement: Broader Implications of the Carisimo Case
The Fabiola Carisimo case serves as a lens into larger issues within the U.S. immigration system. While her alleged $20,000 marriage scheme grabbed headlines, it also reflects a broader shift toward more aggressive enforcement of immigration laws. In recent years, denaturalization efforts have gained momentum, with officials targeting naturalized citizens and green card holders suspected of misrepresentation during their application process.
These measures are part of a larger push to protect the integrity of the immigration system, but they’ve sparked heated debates. Proponents argue that such investigations are vital to deterring fraud and maintaining fairness, while critics warn of potential overreach and unintended consequences for those who may have inadvertently violated complex procedural rules.
Carisimo’s case underscores the delicate balance between upholding justice and exercising judicial discretion. Miami Judge Abby Cynamon’s ruling, which effectively granted Carisimo an “extended honeymoon,” highlights the challenges courts face in addressing legal loopholes without undermining public confidence in the system.
As immigration enforcement evolves, cases like this will likely continue to shape the conversation. For residents of Miami and beyond, it’s a stark reminder of how these policies impact individuals and communities—and why vigilance is needed to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
Fabiola Carisimo’s actions have made headlines not just for their audacity but also for their impact on the immigration system as a whole. Her story is a wake-up call about the legal, ethical, and personal costs of fraud.
By shedding light on cases like these, we can work toward a more transparent, just, and effective immigration process.