6/23/2004
Michael
Doughtery, Director of Operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), testified before the House Subcommittee on
Immigration, Border Security, and Claims early this year. In his prepared statement, he mentioned that ICE has Benefits Fraud Units at the USCIS
Service Centers in Vermont, Texas, and California.
These
units focus on identifying and targeting the most significant and repetitive fraud
violators for prosecution. This may include notarios, other "immigration specialists," employers, and even attorneys, if any of these people
commonly assist individuals to develop what is perceived to be fraudulent documentation.
Though
the focus is on larger organizations or institutions, individuals should be aware of these units. If an applicant is represented by
one of the unit's targets, the applicant's case may be significantly delayed or denied, and the applicant's credibility may be called into
question. An individual is usually deemed to be held liable for the actions an
agent takes on his or her behalf. Therefore, if the agent is considered guilty of fraud on a case, the applicant may also be considered guilty
of fraud.
Anyone
offering to fabricate documents to facilitate the process should be avoided at all costs.
Anyone condoning or suggesting the use of fabricated documents, similarly, should be avoided. Information and documentation needs
to be truthful and accurate. Forms should never be signed without full review.
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