Understanding Federal Immigration Fraud Charges

 Posted on July 08, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Federal immigration fraud charges encompass various federal criminal activities, such as marriage fraud, identity fraud, and immigration services fraud. These offenses are believed to undermine the integrity of the United States immigration system and jeopardize the country’s national security interests. Today, we will delve deeper into these illegal practices and work to understand their implications while highlighting the consequences associated with each offense. It is also worth stressing that if you have been charged with the offense of immigration fraud, it is strongly advised that you seek criminal defense counsel as soon as you are able, as failing to do so may put you at a greater risk of being found guilty of these criminal offenses.

What is Marriage Fraud?

This offense occurs when individuals enter into a fraudulent marriage solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. For instance, this crime often occurs when someone from another country marries a U.S. citizen intending to obtain a visa. If convicted of marriage fraud, the perpetrator may receive five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

What is Identity Fraud?

This offense involves stealing or misusing someone else’s identity for immigration purposes. Perpetrators may falsify documents like passports or visas, distort personal information, or unlawfully obtain and use someone else’s identification. If convicted, the penalties associated with identity fraud are extremely severe. For example, those convicted may face 15 years in prison, which can be increased if their illegal activities are linked to drug trafficking. Furthermore, if the culprit can be linked to international terrorism efforts, the person may face 25 years in prison. Of course, since individuals often engage in identity theft while committing this type of offense, the person may also be charged with identity theft.

What is Immigration Services Fraud?

Finally, this offense refers to unauthorized individuals or entities offering fraudulent immigration assistance, often targeting vulnerable immigrants seeking legal advice. Scammers may deceive individuals by posing as attorneys, notaries, or immigration consultants, making false promises of obtaining visas, work permits, or citizenship. For example, someone committing immigration services fraud may promise to move someone to the front of the line for a work permit. In that case, the individual making these fraudulent promises will likely face federal fraud charges.

Contact a Chicago Federal Immigration Fraud Lawyer

If you are facing these heavyweight charges, you need an attorney willing to do whatever it takes to advocate for your rights and well-being. For well-respected legal assistance, contact the skilled Chicago, IL, federal immigration fraud attorney with Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney. Call 312-629-0669 for a free consultation.

Source - https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/scams-against-immigrants