A New York-based immigration consultant has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a years-long scheme that targeted vulnerable immigrant communities with false promises of legal status and work authorization. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the defendant charged clients thousands of dollars to file asylum and visa applications that were either fraudulent, incomplete, or never submitted at all.
Prosecutors allege that the consultant falsely claimed affiliations with licensed attorneys and federal agencies, advertising “guaranteed green cards” through social media and community outreach events in Queens and the Bronx. Investigators say dozens of victims were instructed to sign blank forms, which were later filled with fabricated persecution narratives to support asylum claims.
In some cases, clients received counterfeit employment authorization cards and falsified USCIS receipt notices designed to appear legitimate. Authorities report that more than $2.3 million was collected over four years, while many victims now face removal proceedings after unknowingly submitting false information to federal authorities.
The scheme began to unravel when federal analysts identified a cluster of nearly identical asylum applications originating from the same IP addresses and preparer contact information. A joint task force later executed search warrants that uncovered template narratives, forged government seals, and prepaid debit cards linked to client payments.
“This defendant exploited fear and hope for personal gain,” said the Acting U.S. Attorney. “Immigration fraud not only harms victims financially — it can permanently jeopardize their legal status.”
The case highlights the importance of digital document authentication, preparer verification, and anomaly detection within immigration filing systems. The defendant faces charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and immigration document fraud.
Today’s Fraud of the Day is based on reporting from the U.S. Department of Justice and local New York media regarding immigration services fraud in 2026.
