What Constitutes Immigration Fraud?

The process of applying for a US work visa or change in immigration status may appear confusing to many and especially those who know little or no English. If they think this is confusing, wait until they have to pay taxes and they will truly be confused! Unfortunately and moreover, these people are targeted by fraudulent businesses who promise a fast and smooth solution to their immigration problems in exchange for a tidy sum.

Unauthorized immigration consultants are abundant and most of them are looking to make a quick buck by making promises that are next to impossible and in the process ripping people off their precious hard earned money. Immoral coyotes (human smugglers which immigration lawyers despise) do this all the time which is another reason America needs to build a wall or large fence along the southern border, more than it already is, but let’s not digress too much.

If you commit immigration fraud America could be closed to you and you could face some legal punishment as well. That is not the way to go! You need an immigration lawyer and sound advice. Your answer is right here: http://immigration.usattorneys.com/. This website crosses borders and does not need a license or green card to do so.  

The fallout is unnecessary delays and often rejection of forms due to errors. Migrants also can face punitive action for misrepresentation of facts and charged with immigration fraud that might have been advocated by these agents. They might be removed from immigration lists and fined for no fault of their own. However, you won’t face such a predicament if you consult an immigration lawyer.

What is the most common types of immigration fraud?

Private businesses offering visa services: Often businesses offer premium services like visa guarantees and other assurances such as a green card or work documents. The fees they charge are much higher as compared to the US government and most often the documents are not even prepared by a licensed legal professional.

Often times they may convince you that your application gets top priority at the USCIS. This is just another false promise. Even though the USCIS has the authority to expedite some applications due to processing regulations, agents have no power to fast track the process. It is prudent to consult an immigration attorney if you face such as problem.

Privately run websites: If you search online you will find plenty of websites offering forms in exchange for fees along with detailed instructions of filing petitions. Remember to download forms from the USCIS you are not required to pay anything. All you need is to visit the official USCIS website for information and forms that are provided free of cost.

Visa lottery claims: There are some countries from where hardly any people immigrate to the US. To encourage people to immigrate to the US, financially bankrupt America offers visas for selected skilled individuals through a lottery process. These visas are known as diversity visas. If an agent claims that he will ensure your selection through the DV quota then he/she is lying. This is why it is important to engage an immigration lawyers to handle your immigration issues.

Notarios publicos: Notarios Publicos are individuals authorized to authenticate signatures provided on legal documents. They are commissioned by the Secretary of State with these special powers. However, they might not have a legal degree or expertise to deal with immigration matters. Often, these individuals offer immigration services as a side business. Such services are definitely illegal.

Steps to avoid immigration fraud:

• Download forms from the USCIS page and fill them out according to the instructions.
• Do not sign unfilled out forms.
• You must submit filing fees through a money order, bank checks, and credit cards.
• Keep receipts that you received in lieu of cash from agents.
• Keep copies of all the documents submitted.
• Check with the bar association to learn whether your immigration lawyer is eligible to practice law in the state.
• If you have engaged a non-attorney then ensure that the person have received accreditation from the Board of Immigration Appeals of the Department of Justice. 

In case you suspect fraud report it to Federal Trade Commission. Remove the agent from your payroll, cancel all checks, destroy their business cards after telling them not to contact you anymore, and call up a genuine immigration lawyer.