Immigration Fraud
» Print This PageExperienced Dallas Immigration Fraud Defense Attorney
With the federal government’s crackdown on immigration, facing allegations of immigration fraud is a very real concern for many individuals living in Texas. Businesses that employ foreign citizens, organizations that provide services to immigrants, and various other entities may be at risk as well. If you need to speak with a Dallas immigration fraud attorney, we encourage you to contact us right away.
Dallas immigration fraud attorney Michael Lowe provides experienced, compassionate, and vigorous legal representation for individuals and organizations targeted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal authorities in Texas. Regardless of the circumstances you are facing, he can use his experience to help you avoid unnecessary consequences. With that said, time is often of the essence in these cases—and you may need to act quickly to protect yourself, your family or your business.
Federal Immigration Fraud Cases We Handle
Our firm represents individuals and businesses in all types of federal immigration fraud cases in Texas. If you need a Dallas federal immigration fraud attorney to help you defend against any of the following allegations, Mr. Lowe can assist, and he can provide representation on an emergency basis if necessary:
Marriage Fraud
While marrying a U.S. citizen is a legitimate path to citizenship in the United States, federal authorities are increasingly scrutinizing marriages between U.S. and foreign citizens for potential fraud. Under federal law (8 U.S.C. Section 1325), entering into a marriage strictly for immigration-related reasons is a crime that carries up to a $250,000 fine and five years of federal imprisonment.
Providing False Information to Immigration Agents
Providing false information to immigration agents is also a serious federal crime. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Providing false information on a visa application
- Providing false information on a green card application (I-485)
- Providing false information on an Application for Naturalization (N-400)
- Providing false information to immigration agents during a green card or naturalization interview
- Providing false information to immigration agents during law enforcement activities
These offenses, among others, can lead to prosecution under various federal immigration laws. When you hire Dallas immigration fraud defense attorney Michael Lowe to represent you, he will be able to determine the specific charges you could be facing and determine what options you have available under the circumstances at hand.
Possessing False Immigration Documents
Possessing false immigration documents is another serious form of U.S. immigration fraud. If you are being accused of possessing a fraudulent visa or green card in Texas, you could be facing substantial fines and anywhere from 5 to 25 years of federal prison time.
Harboring Immigrants
Federal law (8 U.S.C. Section 1324) prohibits U.S. and foreign citizens from harboring immigrants who are in the United States illegally. Anyone who “conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection” a person who is in the United States illegally can face substantial fines and prison time if prosecutors can prove that they acted knowingly or with reckless disregard for the person’s immigration status.
Transporting Immigrants
Knowingly transporting individuals who are in the United States illegally or with reckless disregard for their immigration status is also prohibited under 8 U.S.C. Section 1324. Similar to harboring immigrants who are in the United States illegally, transporting undocumented immigrants in violation of federal law carries substantial fines and prison time.
Aiding and Abetting Immigration Fraud
Aiding and abetting immigration fraud is generally subject to the same penalties as harboring and transporting immigrants who are in the United States illegally. This includes assisting with marriage fraud, preparing false paperwork or interview answers, generating or assisting with procuring false immigration documents, and other means of federal immigration fraud.
Conspiracy to Commit Immigration Fraud
Conspiring to commit immigration fraud is generally subject to the same penalties as harboring and transporting as well. To substantiate conspiracy charges, federal prosecutors do not need to be able to prove that someone has entered the U.S. illegally. In these cases, it is enough to show that two or more individuals or organizations have taken steps toward facilitating illegal immigration.
What To Do (and What Not To Do) When Facing Immigration Fraud Allegations in Texas
Due to the substantial risks involved with facing immigration fraud allegations in the United States, individuals and organizations that are facing these allegations need to be extremely careful to protect themselves. If you find yourself in this situation, you should:
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent – If you are approached by federal agents, you have the right to remain silent. You should exercise this right, and you should refuse to answer any questions without your attorney present.
- Be Sure You Do Not Provide Any Documents Voluntarily – You should not provide any documents to federal agents voluntarily. If you do, they will be able to use anything you provide against you. However, if federal agents have a judicial warrant, you must generally comply with the warrant.
- Refuse to Sign Any Documents – Federal agents cannot force you to sign any immigration-related documents during a stop, search or raid. If you sign any documents voluntarily (even if you didn’t realize you had the right to refuse), this could have serious consequences.
- Keep as Much Information as Possible – After coming into contact with federal agents, you should keep as much information as possible. Be sure to keep any documents you received, and take detailed notes about the encounter.
- Talk to a Dallas Immigration Fraud Attorney Right Away – You should talk to a Dallas immigration fraud attorney as soon as possible. An experienced immigration fraud attorney will be able to explain everything you need to know and guide you through your next steps.
Discuss Your Case with Dallas Federal Immigration Fraud Attorney Michael Lowe in Confidence
Do you need to speak with a Dallas federal immigration fraud attorney? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us today. To discuss your case with experienced attorney Michael Lowe in confidence as soon as possible, call 214-526-1900 or contact us confidentially online now.
