Investigation into Ilhan Omar's Immigration Status
Dec, 16 2025
Omar, who immigrated to the U.S. from Somalia in 1995 and became a naturalized citizen in 2000, has publicly dismissed the allegations as unfounded. In 2009, she legally married Ahmed Elmi, a British citizen, while also maintaining a religious marriage with Ahmed Hirsi, with whom she has children. Omar and Elmi separated in 2011, and their legal divorce was finalized in 2017. In 2020, she married political consultant Tim Mynett.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, has stated that if the allegations are true, Omar could face criminal charges under multiple statutes, including federal marriage fraud, which carries severe penalties. Additionally, Cruz mentioned potential violations of Minnesota's incest laws and tax fraud if joint tax returns were filed improperly. The ongoing scrutiny reflects broader concerns regarding immigration practices and the implications of alleged fraud within the context of U.S. immigration policy.