The High Cost of Lying on Immigration Applications

For those who think marrying a U.S. Citizen (while not in a legitimate relationship) can solve your immigration problems, think again. 

I've always emphasized one critical principle in my client’s immigration matters: using honesty in every application and not lying when filling them.

Recent enforcement actions by ICE and DHS show why truthfulness matters — matters as small as lying on USCIS forms can lead to big financial, criminal, and/or immigration consequences.

In May, an Albanian national and his American wife were charged with marriage fraud. 

The husband falsely claimed they lived together, while the wife concealed a prior marriage to a Brazilian national who had obtained U.S. citizenship via this marriage.

Each defendant faces up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

In Texas, two residents were recently criminally charged in a large-scale fraud scheme involving fraudulent EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B applications. They allegedly helped foreign nationals unlawfully enter and remain in the U.S.

They face up to 20 years in federal prison. One could even lose his U.S. citizenship.

What's particularly concerning is that a law firm was allegedly involved in the Texas scheme. Some "professionals" actively participate in fraud.

For this reason, it’s always advisable to check the disciplinary history, online reviews, and license validity for attorneys with their state bar (often, this is as simple as a name search on the state bar website).

And remember: notarios and immigration consultants are not licensed to practice law in the U.S.

Immigration authorities — USCIS, DHS, FBI, Department of Labor — actively investigate fraud. Their mission has been even more pronounced under the Trump Administration. 

We advise our clients that when preparing any immigration application:

• Every statement must be truthful and accurate.

• Documentation must be genuine.

• Criminal charges may follow fraudulent applications.

If you’re unsure how to answer a question, tell your attorney everything. Your attorney can help you determine what to disclose, and if you need to include an explanation and supporting evidence. 

This is especially important if you have any arrests, convictions, and traffic/driving violations. 

Working with an ethical, experienced immigration attorney who insists on complete honesty is your best protection. At our firm, we maintain a 99% approval rate by preparing meticulous, truthful applications – never by cutting corners.

Don’t take chances – take control of your application. 

If wedding bells are in your future, or you’re still in the Honeymoon period and thinking about filing K-1 or adjustment of status application based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, call (949) 940-6725, or book a consultation online to speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys and get a winning Green Card application.

DISCLAIMER: This post does not constitute legal advice, create an attorney-client relationship, or make any guarantees. Consult with a licensed immigration attorney about the facts specific to your case.