NJ Immigration Fraud Lawyers
Facing Immigration Fraud Charges in New Jersey? Here’s What You Need to Know
Moving to the United States requires following numerous rules and regulations related to naturalization and obtaining a visa. However, these laws can be complex and ever-changing, which increases the risk of innocently breaking them. Each year, thousands of people are investigated for immigration fraud and many end up facing federal prosecution.
If you find yourself charged with immigrants fraud, there is no time to waste in getting legal help. The right attorney can play an invaluable role in your defense.
What Is Immigration Fraud?
Immigration fraud refers to any deceptive act during the immigration process which includes lying on immigration forms, entering or facilitating a sham marriage for citizenship purposes, lying to employers about your immigration status, completing visa applications under someone elses identity, committing perjury or forgery among other things.
Punishment for Immigration Fraud
The exact punishment you face will depend on the specifics details of your case. Entering into a false marriage carries a penalty of maximum five years prison sentence or paying a $250,000 fine. If you produce counterfeit documents or forge documents related to immigration fraud, you may face up to 25 years in prison.
Worse still if you commit immigration fraud with an intention of engaging in drug trafficking or terrorism act then you are likely to spend 20 years behind bars.
Besides being faced with large fines and jail time, having an immigration fraud charge on your record may hamper your job search while also disqualifying from government benefits such as public housing aid. Moreover , it could lead to deportation from the United States and obviously hinder international travels
Defenses Against Immigration Fraud
The most crucial thing anyone accused of immigration fraud needs is legal representation since working with NJ-based attorneyslike those at our law firmwill work hard to ensure that their rights are protected at every turn.
The defenses available when one has been caught up in an immigration fraud fiasco include:
Proper documentation: Your lawyer will prove the validity and legality of the documents in question.
Lack of knowledge: You were not aware that your actions constitute fraud.
Lack of intent: You did it unintentionally believing that you were doing the right thing
Legal marriage: You can provide evidence that your marriage is valid per the laws of NJ
Duress: The act was committed under duress.
Entrapment: Law enforcement forcibly mandated you to commit immigration fraud.
Insufficient evidence In certain scenarios, there could be a lack of information required to prove someone committed a crime
Illegal search and seizure- Any evidence obtained through illegal searches can’t be used as prosecution evidence
What You Need to Know If You’re Charged with Immigration Fraud
Do not ignore letters from USCIS. These letters are intended towards resolving these issues as soon as they arise making it imperative for one to take necessary actions as soonest possible. Talking to investigators isn’t advisable since everything you tell them may potentially be used against you in a court of law.
Why Immigration Fraud Cases Are So Complex
Immigration fraud cases aren’t easy or straightforward; they tend to spiral into complex, drawn-out legal battles causing lasting damage on one’s reputation, career and life generally considering having such charges leveled at you especially if found guilty make it difficult for one to obtain job opportunities, government benefits like public housing aid etc
Our New Jersey Attorneys Can Help You
If charged with immigration-related offences in NJ hiring attorneys who specialize in this field increases one’s chances of reaching a better outcome than proceeding without their help usually results The moment we come onboard after contacted we first analyze your case.Then our attorneys work hard behind the scenes trying to resolve cases outside OF federal or state trial courtrooms, ultimately reducing any potential damages.
Example Foreigner May Commit Immigration Fraud
Description Example
Lying on immigration forms Providing false information such as pretense of illness or making diagnoses claim to scam the USCIS in seeking for a waiver
Obtaining citizenship by entering into a sham marriage Entering into fake marriages solely for the purpose of obtaining documentation
Entering a sham Marriage to get another person citizenship status Helping another individual unlawfully acquire citizenship.
Committing perjury or forgery Attempting to evade background checks and fabricating documents while doing so
Conclusion
Overall, finding yourself accused of immigration fraud is serious business. The punishments are severe, and your future may be in jeopardy. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference between being misjudged unfairly versus steadfastly winning your case with minimum damage.
NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS