Deportation proceedings began today for a Columbus-area immigration lawyer and her ex-husband, both of whom had pleaded guilty to marriage fraud.

Lilian Asante, 38, and Kwadwo Asante, 40, both natives of Ghana, admitted in September that they had married U.S. citizens in an effort to become permanent residents. In fact, the Asantes lived together as husband and wife in Blacklick.

U.S. District Court Judge Gregory L. Frost sentenced the Asantes today to two years on probation based on their lack of criminal history, among other factors. But the sentence allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to begin processing them for deportation.

The Asantes chose a "stipulated order of removal" after the sentencing, in effect agreeing to deportation, according to Khaalid Walls, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.