Immigration Scams You Need To Be Aware Of

Hopeful US immigrants are some of the most vulnerable people in the entire nation. It is their hope that makes them such promising targets for scam artists, as these criminals know that migrants are often willing to do just about anything in order to stay in the nation. Some of these scams are quite obvious, while others are much harder to detect. Everyone is capable of being swindled – even those who consider themselves above such deception. But what specific immigration scams should you be aware of?

 The Adult Adoption Scam 

In December of 2022, it was reported that the Supreme Court was hearing a case involving an immigration scam. This particular scam involved a man who falsely led people to believe that they could achieve citizenship by participating in an “adult adoption” program. People paid between $500 and $10,000 to participate in this fraudulent program. The defendant convinced people to overstay their visas, causing them to incur serious legal penalties as a result. This individual has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

 Paid USCIS Forms 

The USCIS reminds people that its forms are completely free to download, print, and acquire. Be wary of sites that charge you money to download these forms, as you can easily obtain them from the USCIS official site. This is just one example of how fraudulent immigration “help” websites can swindle you out of your money.

 Marriages for Sale 

One of the most common forms of immigration fraud is marriage fraud. Many immigrants agree to participate in these fraudulent programs, and these systems are often set up by scam artists. In October of 2022, it was reported that a woman had been sentenced to five years in federal prison for her role in a marriage fraud scam. Not only was she offering to set up these fraudulent marriages, but the weddings were completely illegitimate and fake. The Department of Justice reported that Vietnamese nationals were willing to pay up to $70,000 for one of these fake marriages. She raked in millions of dollars over a four-year period in what authorities called one of the largest marriage fraud conspiracies in US history.

 Fees for “Jumping the Line” 

Beware of organizations or individuals that offer to help you “jump the line” for a fee. Remember, the USCIS does not accept money in exchange for an expedited processing period. Everyone has to wait in line.

 Where Can I Find an Immigration Attorney in Palm Beach County? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Palm Beach County immigration attorney, look no further than Devore Law Group. Over the years, we have helped many individuals who wish to settle in the United States. Remember, the best way to avoid scams is to team up with a reliable immigration attorney. Book your consultation at your earliest convenience, and you can immediately get started on an effective action plan.

Sources: 

uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/common-scams

justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/ringleader-sentenced-immigration-scam-offered-fake-marriages-70000

consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/06/scammers-pretend-be-us-customs-and-border-protection

thestar.com/news/world/us/2022/12/09/supreme-court-takes-case-on-immigration-scam-case.html