NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ Immigration Fraud Charges

Understanding the Risks and Consequences of Immigration Fraud

Immigration is a complex issue that impacts millions of people worldwide, with the United States being one of the countries receiving the highest number of immigration applications each year. While the immigration process can be lengthy and complicated, some individuals resort to fraudulent practices to deceive immigration authorities or officials either by providing false information or using fraudulent documents. This act constitutes immigration fraud, which attracts severe penalties for those found guilty of it.

What is Immigration Fraud?

Immigration fraud refers to a type of crime committed when someone tries to deceive immigration officials or authorities through false, misleading, or incomplete information regarding their application. Essentially, this occurs in several ways:

– Lying on an application or omitting vital information.
– Creating a fake marriage.
– Falsifying citizenship details during an application.
– Attempting re-entry into the US after deportation.
– Trying to get into the country illegally.
– Helping others gain illegal entry into the country.

Some examples of assisting others in illegal entry include:

– Entering into a fictitious marriage for the sole purpose of helping someone enter the United States.
– Not following proper hiring procedures when employing immigrants.
– Providing fraudulent information to those seeking to immigrate.

Related Crimes

Immigration fraud often intersects with other crimes, which could result in exacerbating the penalties if found guilty. Some related crimes to immigration fraud include bank fraud and wire fraud if an individual received payment for aiding another’s immigration. Similarly, bribing a government official while trying to obtain favorable ruling results in additional charges against one for further offense.

Penalties for Immigration Fraud

Immigration fraud is punishable by law with severe consequences that put anyone found guilty at significant risk. The most prevalent penalty for committing this offense is immediate deportation. Consequently, if you provide false information on your application form or attempt illegal entry into the country using counterfeit documents, you may face hasty repatriation back home.

Individuals that systematically aid others’ illegal entry into the country face more severe penalties. Immigration fraud is a felony carrying severe financial penalties and imprisonment for those found guilty. Employers who violate federal law by hiring undocumented immigrants may face significant penalties from the Department of Homeland Security or ICE.

Persons convicted of wire fraud or bribery may attract additional consequences that could result in a felony charge, imprisonment or more financial penalties.

Defense Strategies

Several defense strategies apply to immigration fraud charges, with arguing ignorance being most common. Given the complexity of immigration laws and processes, completing this paperwork may result in errors. If an individual provided unintentionally fraudulent information, they might be exonerated. However, such exoneration would necessitate starting afresh the entire application process.

Final Thoughts

Immigration fraud is punishable by law with severe consequences for those found guilty. Individuals facing charges related to this offense should consult a specialized attorney dealing with immigration offenses. Experienced attorneys advise clients on defensive strategies, disclosures on possible consequences, and possible outcomes of their cases if presented before a court of law. Nonetheless, applying for immigration legally and honestly remains the preventative measure against immigration fraud charges.