EXCLUSIVELY FOR U.S. CITIZENS
Protecting Americans from Immigration Fraud
America’s premier immigration law firm for U.S. citizens deceived in marriage, falsely accused, or exploited under Form I-864.
AS FEATURED IN
Welcome to Codias Law
![Professional portrait of attorney [NAME] wearing a tan suit and standing against a light background.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/632bb16d04c8a81b75286924/5e023c34-d361-450d-b298-f3226efd7ed7/about-cody-brown.jpeg)
“You are not alone. If you or someone you love is a victim of immigration fraud, finding an attorney who will listen—let alone help—can feel impossible. We have your back.”
Cody M. Brown, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney
Our Clientele
We practice federal immigration law, serving clients nationwide.
PRACTICE AREA 1
Marriage Fraud Victims
For citizens worried their spouse married them for immigration purposes. We evaluate the evidence, validate the fraud, and help you navigate your legal options.
PRACTICE AREA 2
Falsely Accused
For citizens falsely accused by foreign nationals seeking VAWA, I-751 waivers, or U visas. We explain the motives, assess the evidence, and help mount a defense.
PRACTICE AREA 3
I-864 Abuse Victims
For citizens facing I-864 liability, we withdraw sponsorship when allowed, assess your liability, prepare legal briefs, and minimize your risk.
PRACTICE AREA 4
Green Card Sponsors
For citizens seeking to end their green-card sponsorship, we assess your options and help withdraw or terminate your sponsorship safely and effectively.
Why Codias Law?
We only serve U.S. citizens.
Unlike traditional immigration attorneys, we do not represent foreign nationals. This ensures our duty of loyalty is undivided and our strategies are shaped solely by the interests of U.S. citizens.
We focus exclusively on fraud.
Unlike general immigration firms, our practice is devoted exclusively to fraud, giving us deep insights into the schemes and procedures that most often harm U.S. citizens.
We are licensed attorneys.
Only attorneys can issue legal opinions about fraud. Consultants are barred from preparing or filing immigration documents under 8 C.F.R. §§ 1.2, 292.1, putting victims at risk.
We set national precedents.
We don't just practice law—we shape it. From securing landmark BIA decisions to testifying before Congress, we pioneer the legal challenges necessary to hold the system accountable.
We provide concierge service.
Our clients deserve concierge-level service that we deliver with consistency and care. That is why we limit our caseload so every client receives personal, discreet, and responsive attention.
We use best-in-class tools.
Unlike consultants or most firms, we conduct real investigations using best-in-class resources — from private investigative databases to attorney-only research platforms and forensic data partners.
Client Experiences
Review by “Nicole”
North Carolina (2025)
Read how we helped Nicole secure a final order of removal of a foreign spouse who committed marriage fraud and forged a joint I-751 petition, thereby eliminating her I-864 liability.
Review by “Paul”
California (2024)
Read why Paul called Codias Law “the single best legal investment I made” after exposing false accusations and achieving lasting closure.
Review by “Katie”
California (2023)
Read how we helped Katie successfully leverage an annulment to stop the Green Card process in its tracks—laying the groundwork for BIA appellate strategies.
We Are a Different Kind of Law Firm
We don’t just practice law—we actively shape it and fight back against a system that forgot who it serves.
LANDMARK PRECEDENT
Secured a Historic BIA Fraud Decision
Codias Law helped a client secure a landmark BIA precedent decision, Matter of Zihao JIN (BIA 2026), forcing DHS to investigate post-approval marriage fraud—proving an I-130 approval is not a shield against accountability.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Developed a Citizen Protection Framework
In January 2026, the Daily Mail featured Codias Law’s groundbreaking Direct Harm to U.S. Citizens (DHC) policy framework, spotlighting how U.S. citizens are routinely harmed by foreign nationals without any meaningful recognition in immigration decision-making.
CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT
Exposed Fraud on the National Stage
In June 2025, Managing Attorney Cody M. Brown testified before Congress, presenting never-before-seen data exposing systemic immigration-fraud failures. His analysis continues to influence congressional oversight and federal policy discussions.
VICTIM ADVOCACY
Led Advocacy Campaigns for Fraud Victims
Codias Law led a national petition to the BIA, backed by over 140 victims, urging the creation of procedures for U.S. citizens to challenge fraudulently approved marriage-based petitions. Our proposed reforms give citizens a voice in a system that has long ignored them.
-
Immigration fraud has no single universal definition and may carry both administrative and criminal consequences under multiple federal statutes.
In general, immigration fraud refers to knowingly misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in connection with an immigration proceeding.
-
Marriage fraud can take many forms, including one-sided fraud, collusive fraud, and fraud involving VAWA or I-751 filings.
In general, marriage fraud most commonly refers to entering into, attempting, or conspiring to enter a marriage to evade U.S. immigration laws. See INA 204(c) and 8 U.S.C. § 1325(c).
-
When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a foreign national for permanent residence, they are often required to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
Form I-864 is a legally binding contract with the federal government, enforceable in both federal and state court. By signing the I-864, the sponsor agrees to maintain the sponsored immigrant at no less than 125% of the federal poverty guidelines and to reimburse agencies for any means-tested public benefits received by the sponsored immigrant.
These obligations continue after separation or divorce and generally terminate only upon specific statutory events, such as naturalization, sufficient qualifying work history, or removal.
-
Yes. An annulment issued by a state court can have significant immigration consequences for a foreign national. Unlike divorce, which treats a marriage as valid but terminated, an annulment treats the marriage as void from its inception due to a fundamental legal defect.
Under longstanding immigration precedent, annulments based on immigration marriage fraud may undermine eligibility under both the place-of-celebration rule and the bona fide marriage requirement. As a result, an annulment can jeopardize immigration status, trigger removal proceedings, and constitute a terminating event for obligations under Form I-864.
-
No. Codias Law represents U.S. citizens exclusively. Different legal frameworks apply to citizens and foreign nationals, and our practice is focused on enforcing the rights, protections, and remedies available to citizens victimized by foreign nationals.
