Comments
I don't have a problem with this in principle—I think immigration restrictions in the US are unjustly restrictive. But I think there are many problems in practice. For example:
- There are legal penalties for immigration marriage fraud, including 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
- Many EAs advise following the math when trying to improve welfare but caution against breaking any widely held social/moral/legal norms. Lying about the purpose of your marriage would certainly count as one of those norms.
- While there might not be substantial monetary costs to marrying someone, there are social costs:
- Without substantial time getting to know the immigrant you're marrying, you might not be familiar with their personality—they might be abusive or mentally unwell.
- You won't be able to marry someone else who's more fitting for you romantically.
- People who know you might disapprove of your dishonesty.
You say that this "plainly pencils out as optimal," but you don't provide the penciling. I think a full accounting of this decision would show that's it's probably unwise.
Wait, I heard that one before...