IMBRA Disclosure Statement

What is the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA)?

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a United States federal law enacted in 2005 to regulate international marriage brokers and protect foreign nationals from potential domestic violence and abuse. IMBRA is designed to ensure transparency and safety in international matchmaking by requiring background checks and disclosure of certain information.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), IMBRA applies specifically to organizations that operate as "international marriage brokers" - entities that charge fees to provide matchmaking services between US citizens or residents and foreign nationals for the purpose of marriage.

Who Does IMBRA Apply To?

IMBRA specifically regulates entities classified as "international marriage brokers" (IMBs). According to the law, an international marriage broker is an organization that:

• Charges fees to US citizens or residents for matchmaking services
• Uses personal information provided by foreign nationals to facilitate matches
• Provides contact information or facilitates communication between US clients and foreign nationals for the purpose of marriage or long-term relationships
• Operates as a primary business model centered on international matchmaking

IMBRA requirements for international marriage brokers include:

• Collecting criminal background information from US clients
• Providing this background information to foreign nationals before contact information is exchanged
• Obtaining written consent from foreign nationals before releasing their contact information
• Providing foreign nationals with information about their legal rights and resources for domestic violence assistance
• Limiting the number of fiancé(e) visa petitions a US citizen can file over time

East Pointers is NOT an International Marriage Broker

East Pointers operates exclusively as an educational and informational platform that provides:

• Reviews and comparisons of third-party international dating platforms
• Cultural information about dating Balkan and Eastern European women
• Safety guidance and best practices for international online dating
• Affiliate links to external dating services where users may register independently

We do NOT:

• Collect, store, or process personal information from foreign nationals for matchmaking purposes
• Facilitate direct communication between US citizens and foreign nationals
• Provide contact information or arrange introductions between users
• Charge fees for matchmaking services or introductions
• Operate a database of foreign nationals seeking US partners
• Act as an intermediary in relationship formation

Our revenue model is based solely on affiliate commissions when visitors choose to register on third-party dating platforms through our referral links. We provide information to help you make informed decisions, but we do not broker relationships or guarantee introductions.

How IMBRA May Affect Your Use of Third-Party Dating Platforms

While East Pointers itself is not subject to IMBRA regulations, some of the third-party dating platforms we review may be classified as international marriage brokers and therefore must comply with IMBRA requirements.

What This Means for You as a US Citizen:

If you register on a dating platform that operates as an international marriage broker under IMBRA, that platform may be required to:

• Collect background information: Request details about your criminal history, marital history, and other personal background information as required by federal law
• Conduct background checks: Search public records databases to verify the information you provide and identify any disqualifying criminal convictions
• Provide disclosure to foreign nationals: Share your background information with any foreign national before allowing direct contact information exchange
• Limit communication: Restrict your ability to exchange personal contact information until IMBRA requirements are satisfied
• Monitor fiancé(e) visa history: Track how many K-1 fiancé(e) visa petitions you have filed in the past, as IMBRA limits repeat petitions

Your Rights Under IMBRA:

As a US citizen using international dating platforms, you have the right to:

• Understand how your personal information will be used and disclosed
• Know whether a platform is classified as an international marriage broker under IMBRA
• Refuse to provide information if you do not wish to use services subject to IMBRA
• Choose alternative platforms or methods of meeting international partners that do not fall under IMBRA regulations

Your Responsibilities and Safety Recommendations

Whether or not IMBRA applies to the platform you use, you bear personal responsibility for your safety and the safety of any foreign nationals you interact with online. East Pointers strongly recommends the following best practices:

Transparency and Honesty

• Provide accurate information about your background, intentions, and relationship history
• Be honest about your marital status, criminal history, and any restraining orders
• Disclose any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health concerns that could affect a relationship
• Do not misrepresent your financial situation, employment, or living circumstances

Respect and Cultural Sensitivity

• Approach cross-cultural relationships with patience, respect, and genuine interest in your partner's culture
• Recognize that Balkan and Eastern European women have their own agency, goals, and expectations - they are not commodities
• Avoid stereotypes about foreign women being "easy to get" if you are financially stable; most Slavic women are employed and highly educated, seeking partners, not sponsors
• Understand that cultural value differences regarding gender roles and family structures require open communication and compromise

Safety Precautions

• Protect your personal information and financial details until trust is established
• Never send money to someone you have not met in person, regardless of the reason given
• Use video chat to verify identity before planning in-person meetings
• Meet in public places in the foreign national's home country first, showing respect and allowing them to feel comfortable in familiar surroundings
• Report suspicious profiles or scam attempts to platform support teams immediately
• Research visa requirements, immigration processes, and legal obligations before making commitments

Realistic Expectations

According to relationship research, up to 56% of international couples experience conflicts caused by unrealistic expectations regarding marriage, adaptation to new living conditions, and miscommunication. Additionally, around 60% of international couples face severe communication problems due to language barriers, though 70% pursue relationships regardless.

To navigate these challenges:

• Take time to build genuine emotional connections before making major commitments
• Invest in language learning and cultural education
• Discuss expectations about gender roles, family structures, career priorities, and financial management
• Seek pre-marital counseling or relationship coaching with cross-cultural expertise
• Accept that you will not have all the answers as a foreigner navigating a new culture

Official US Government Resources

For authoritative information about IMBRA, fiancé(e) visas, and your rights and responsibilities as a US citizen pursuing international relationships, consult these official government resources:

If you suspect a dating platform is violating IMBRA regulations or if you have been a victim of fraud or abuse, you can file complaints with:

• USCIS: For IMBRA compliance violations
• FTC: For consumer fraud and deceptive business practices
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): For online fraud and cybercrime
• Local law enforcement: For threats, harassment, or criminal activity

Questions About This Disclosure?

If you have questions about this IMBRA disclosure statement or how East Pointers operates as an informational resource, please visit our Contact page or email us at [email protected].

For questions about IMBRA compliance on specific third-party dating platforms, please contact those platforms directly through their customer support channels.

For legal advice regarding immigration, international marriage, or IMBRA compliance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

Summary

East Pointers is committed to transparency and ethical practices in providing information about international dating platforms. We encourage all users to approach cross-cultural relationships with respect, patience, and realistic expectations while prioritizing safety for all parties involved.