NJ Immigration Fraud Lawyers

Immigration Fraud: Consequences and Defense

It isn’t easy to move to the United States. There are a lot of rules and regulations regarding naturalization and obtaining a Visa. The laws are always changing, which is why an immigrant may unintentionally break the law. Thousands of people are investigated for immigration fraud each year. Many of these people are prosecuted at the federal level.

If you are facing an immigration fraud charge, then it is of paramount importance that you get legal help.

What Is Immigration Fraud?

This is a term that is used to describe any type of deceptive act that someone commits during the immigration. It may include the following:

• Lying on the immigration forms
• Obtaining citizenship by entering a sham marriage
• Entering a sham marriage in order to help someone else get citizenship
• Lying to your employer about your immigration status
• Completing the Visa application with someone else’s identity
• Committing perjury or forgery

Punishment for Immigration Fraud

If you are convicted of immigration fraud, then you can be punished harshly. The details of your case will determine the specific punishment that you get. If you enter a fraudulent marriage to gain citizenship, then you can be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison or be ordered to pay a fine of $250,000.

You can face a 25-year sentence in prison if you make counterfeit documents or forge documents. Additionally, if you commit immigration fraud with the intention of engaging in drug trafficking or a terrorist act, then you may have to serve 20 years in jail.

Prison time and fines are not the only punishments that you can face if you are charged with immigration fraud. If immigration fraud is on your record, then it can be a lot harder for you to get a job or government benefits. You may also have a harder time getting housing. Furthermore, you may be deported from the United States if you commit immigration fraud.

Defenses Against Immigration Fraud

The best thing that you can do if you are facing immigration fraud charges is to hire an attorney. You have rights, and your attorney will work hard to defend your rights. The following defenses can be used if you are facing immigration fraud charges:

• Proper documentation – You and your attorney can prove that you have the valid documents.
• Lack of knowledge – You were not aware of the fact that you were committing a crime.
• Lack of intent – You did not intentionally commit immigration fraud.
• Legal marriage – You are legally married.
• Duress – Immigration fraud was committed under duress.
• Entrapment – A police officer or law enforcement agent forced you to commit immigration fraud.
• Insufficient evidence – There is not evidence to prove that you committed a crime.
• Illegal search and seizure – The evidence that was used against you was obtained during an illegal search.

What You Will Need to Do If You Are Facing Immigration Fraud Charges

You will get letters from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Do not ignore these letters. You will need to start resolving this issue as soon as possible.

You do not want to speak to any investigators. They will try to use any information that they obtain against you. It is best to contact a NJ immigration fraud attorney as soon as you get the letters from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Why Immigration Fraud Cases Are Complex

Immigration fraud is taken seriously because of all of the problems that it can potentially cause. The cases are typically taken to federal court. These cases may also involve multiple parties. If all of the parties involved are from different countries and speak different languages, then this can further complicate the case. Additionally, criminal acts can make the immigration fraud cases even more complicated.

How Our New Jersey Immigration Fraud Lawyers Can Help You

As soon as you contact the attorney, they will take over the case. They will analyze all of the evidence that has been obtained. The attorneys will try their best to prevent your case from going to federal court. Their goal is to reach a settlement and reduce the penalties.