Immigration Fraud Prosecutions Are on the Upswing
Applying for a visa or immigration benefit is a challenging process. There is always a risk you will be denied. But there is another, more serious risk: that you will commit fraud in the process. USCIS has increased its immigration fraud detection, even searching through applicants’ social media profiles to ensure that information contained in an application is accurate.
Recent prosecutions show that the U.S. government is stepping up fraud enforcement. Work with an experienced, detailed immigration lawyer at The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan when applying for a visa or immigration benefit. We can ensure all materials submitted comply with the law.
Defendants Plead Guilty in H-1B Fraud
The Department of Justice recently obtained guilty pleas from two individuals who committed conspiracy to commit visa fraud. One defendant operated a visa servicing company which submitted petitions for H1-B specialty occupation worker visas. The other defendant was actually employed by a university.
The defendants conspired to submit fraudulent visa petitions by submitting false information for jobs that did not exist. Instead, when the foreign nationals obtained a visa, the defendants marketed them to other businesses.
USCIS Screening Catches Another Fraudster
USCIS credits its robust vetting procedures for uncovering a fraud scheme in the Philippines. The defendant submitted over 200 fraudulent applications in which he falsely claimed that applicants qualified for employment authorization. The false submissions resulted in the issuance of 66 work permits. The defendant charged thousands of dollars to applicants for these fraudulent submissions.
A USCIS officer suspected fraud, and the Fraud Detection Unit immediately began investigating. The defendant was prosecuted and sentenced to 18 months in prison for visa fraud.
Chicago-Area Man Caught for Immigration Fraud and Other Crimes
May 2026 also brought a conviction of a man from the Chicago suburbs who ran a business which helped people apply for immigrant visas, asylum, and other benefits. Over a five-year period, he submitted false information to USCIS for his clients. For example, he created false police reports and other documents, while also lying to clients that he was a licensed attorney. A judge ultimately sentenced him to prison for 9 years.
Work with an Experienced Lawyer
As the above stories show, immigration fraud consists of submitting false information or concealing information to obtain a visa or immigration benefit. Intent matters, too. Fraud requires showing an intent to deceive, as well as knowledge the information is false. Anyone seeking a visa or adjustment of status should hire a detailed, experienced lawyer when preparing their application.
Not every innocent mistake leads to a full-scale fraud investigation. But even innocent mistakes on an application can slow down the processing, so it’s best to avoid them.
The above prosecutions also show that there are many fraudsters who run businesses claiming to help foreign nations obtain visas or other benefits. You should steer clear of these people. Getting caught up in a fraud investigation can result in arrest and deportation.
Contact Our Office for Professional Legal Advice
The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC, has helped countless foreign nationals with their immigration needs. Attorney Sullivan is licensed to practice in the United States, and his firm upholds the highest ethical standards. Call to speak with a Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Miami, Florida immigration lawyer today.