Chicago brothers sentenced in sham marriage scheme

Two Chicago brothers have been sentenced to federal prison for arranging sham marriages to enable foreign nationals to illegally become U.S. citizens.

The sentences followed an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security investigators.

A federal judge in Chicago on Wednesday sentenced the 55-year-old twin brothers, Manny and Marc Aguja. Manny Aguja is a former private immigration attorney in Chicago. He was sentenced to 24 months and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

Marc Aguja worked at his brother's law office. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day and also must pay a $10,000 fine. The brothers both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally barred Manny Aguja from practicing immigration law.