Advice on marrying a foreigner for citizenship

[DirtyDiggs]

Heres the situation. I have a female friend in my graduate program who is from Taiwan. She is in a few of my work groups and I've learned she is having trouble getting hired in the U.S. because of Visa issues. We have a sizable amount of foreign students, so I overhear a decent amoung of these conversations. A couple of months ago I heard her joke that maybe match.com was her best bet. Classes end in May and she would have to leave the U.S. within 15-30 days of that time.

Its not like she would be returning to a desperate situaion by any means, but I know she strongly wants to remain in the States. Among the more typical reasons of opportunity, I get the feeling her parents are pretty repressive with her even at 26.

I've debated offering to get a legal marriage for her to stay in the States. My family isn't particularly religious and I would seriously doubt they would be offended. Financially and career wise, she is much more advanced than me. I wouldn't be risking any financial ruin. I wouldn't be looking to gain anything by it, either. After a few years, I assume she would become more integral to a company and they would likely sponsor her for a visa after our "divorce." I'm not seriously dating anyone and would be a few years away from being set career-wise even if I want to "actually" get married.

While she is attractive, I don't have any romantic connection to her. The cultural differences just seem too big. I don't have an alterier motives here.(Though if a few "honeymoon" nights were offered in the package I wouldn't object) Just trying to help a nice person out in something that doesn't seem to affect me a great deal.( Not that I've taken it lightly)


I'm posting this to see if I'm missing any major pitfalls of offering this to her. I wouldn't want to suggest it unless I was 100% ready to go through with it. While I guess I'd be screwed if I hit the lottery, or she developed a massive gambling problem,( I assume there would be some way to keep finances seperate) the likely course of things don't really seem too problematic. Anyone have any experiences with this sort of thing. Any hidden threats?Future girlfriends flipping out? Not being able to get jobs because it putting you on a government watch list? etc. Thanks

Ciff notes: Thinking of marrying a friend so she can stay in the U.S. No real family, financial or emotional risk on my part. Anything unforseen I should worry about?