Six people are accused of "selling the American dream" through a decade-long marriage fraud ring that helped immigrants obtain legal status in Massachusetts.

Federal authorities announced charges against a half-dozen people Wednesday, including the alleged ringleader.

What they're saying: U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said ringleader Jennifer Gonzalez, 43, conducted as many as 20 sham marriages for immigrants to obtain legal status in the U.S. The five other people charged in connection with the fraud ring reportedly were paid by Gonzalez to take part in the marriages.