This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Daniel Perlman who has years of legal experience as a Federal Crimes attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last updated & reviewed.
By: Daniel Perlman
At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our immigration fraud victim lawyer team helps people tricked by immigration scams. We fight for clients facing federal charges across the USA. Our defense attorneys know how to protect your rights when dealing with citizenship and immigration services issues.
When facing immigration fraud problems, you need a lawyer who knows both immigration law and criminal defense. Our team has years of hands-on experience with these cases. We use our knowledge to build a strong defense for you against immigration authorities.
We help clients across the country with immigration fraud issues. Whether you fall victim to fake immigration services or face false charges, we stand up for your rights. Our defense lawyers work closely with you to make a plan that fits your specific needs in immigration matters.
Immigration fraud happens when someone lies or uses fake papers to get immigration benefits. This might include:
Federal agencies take these very seriously. If you don't comply, you could face criminal charges and removal proceedings, which could result in deportation to your home country.
The government looks for these cases through agencies like ICE and the Department of Justice. They search for lies in immigration forms and original documents. Our defense attorneys understand how prosecutors build these cases. We know how to fight their evidence and protect your rights. Getting help quickly is key when facing such big trouble.
Immigration fraud comes in many forms. People use fake passports, set up fake marriages for green cards, make up job offers, or lie about needing asylum. Each type has different legal risks, but all are serious federal crimes.
Federal agents check documents, watch suspects, and talk to witnesses to catch fraudulent acts. They often build cases for months before pressing charges. Our defense starts by learning exactly what fraud they claim you did, then finding weak spots in their case before immigration proceedings begin.
Immigration marriage fraud is when people marry just to help a foreign person get U.S. immigration benefits. The sole purpose is getting a green card, not building a real marriage. This hurts the real family-based immigration system. People caught doing this can go to jail, pay big fines, and face removal proceedings.
Victims of marriage fraud face real problems. U.S. citizens who didn't know they were in fake marriages may lose money, have bad credit, and even be suspected of crimes. Foreign nationals may lose their status and have to leave the country.
Our defense team helps both those accused of marriage fraud who need legal assistance. We skillfully and carefully guide you through the complex immigration proceedings.
Fake marriages often start when someone pays a U.S. citizen to get married. After the wedding, the couple files papers claiming a real relationship to get a work permit or green card. They also make fake proof of living together, such as joint bank accounts or leases.
Immigration authorities look for warning signs, such as large age gaps, language barriers, short dating periods, or couples living apart. They might talk to neighbors, check social media, or visit homes without warning. If they suspect fraud, the Department of Justice could charge both people.
The penalties for marriage fraud are tough. U.S. citizens involved can spend up to five years in jail and pay large fines. Foreign nationals face the same punishments, plus deportation through removal proceedings and a ban from the U.S.
Beyond legal troubles, marriage fraud causes lasting problems. Criminal records make it hard to get jobs and housing. Foreign nationals lose their chance at legal status. Our attorneys work to reduce these problems through smart defense or when needed, deals with prosecutors.
The Attorney General leads the Department of Justice's work to find and prosecute immigration fraud. This office decides what kinds of fraud to focus on and where to use resources. Under their guidance, prosecutors build immigration cases against people involved in immigration scams.
The Attorney General works with other government offices to fight fraud together. This teamwork helps find patterns of fraud across different areas. Our defense attorneys stay up-to-date on what the Attorney General is focusing on. This helps us predict how they'll build cases and create better defenses for our clients.
The Attorney General directs U.S. Attorneys to investigate suspected fraud using various tools. They may request original documents, interview suspects, interview witnesses, and check money records. In major cases, they might use undercover agents to gather proof of fraudulent acts.
These investigations often take months before charges are filed. During this time, suspects might get "target letters" or be asked for interviews. If you get such a letter, call the American Immigration Lawyers Association for a defense lawyer with immigration law experience right away. Early legal advice can sometimes stop charges or reduce them.
Several federal agencies work together to fight immigration fraud:
These agencies share information through databases and joint teams. They track fraud patterns and target immigration service providers who help others commit fraud. Our defense attorneys understand how these agencies work together and use this to find weak points in the case against you.
Green card fraud allegations are serious because they suggest you lied to live in the U.S. permanently. If proven, you could lose your lawful permanent resident status, face removal proceedings, and be banned from returning, plus face criminal charges.
Common green card fraud claims include fake marriages, lying about job skills, or false information on applications. Prosecutors take these cases seriously because they think it hurts the immigration system.
Our defense team builds strong plans for green card fraud cases. We check all evidence, challenge mistakes in the immigration process, and fight to protect your status and freedom. With so much at risk, having good legal advice is vital for lawful permanent residents facing such charges.
We use several proven defense strategies in green card fraud cases:
Sometimes, we make deals that reduce penalties while protecting your immigration status. Our goal is always to keep you legally in the country.
Immigration fraud cases combine immigration and criminal law, creating special challenges. A regular lawyer might not understand how criminal pleas affect your immigration status or know the special defenses for these cases. Our defense lawyers are legal professionals with expertise in both areas.
Many immigrants fall victim to people who provide immigration legal services without proper legal training. Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can legally give immigration advice. Always check if someone can legally practice law before paying for help with USCIS forms or other immigration matters.
Scammers often target immigrant communities. These fake helpers might promise work permits or green cards they can't deliver. They take money and leave victims in worse legal trouble. Getting proper legal advice from the start can prevent these problems.
An experienced immigration lawyer brings valuable insights to your case. They understand what proof is needed in fraud cases and know how to challenge the government's evidence. They can spot errors in immigration proceedings that might get your case dismissed.
At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, our immigration fraud victim lawyers have good relationships with prosecutors and immigration authorities. These connections often help us get better outcomes. We help you navigate immigration services while fighting criminal charges.
Some people worry about the cost of legal help. Many communities offer free legal services for immigration cases. We can connect you with these resources or offer payment plans to make sure you get the defense you need.
Immigration fraud happens when someone knowingly gives false information to get immigration benefits. This includes lying on USCIS forms, using fake documents, fake marriages, or pretending relationships. The key point is intent – they must prove you meant to trick immigration authorities.
Marriage fraud is one type of immigration fraud where people marry just for immigration benefits. The sole purpose is getting a green card. Immigration fraud includes many kinds of lies to get immigration advantages.
Yes. Many organizations in immigrant communities offer free legal services. The New York State Office for New Americans is one example. Similar programs exist in other states. Our team can help you access these resources.
You can report immigration fraud to Citizenship and Immigration Services, ICE, or the Department of Justice. There are hotlines and online forms for this. If you're worried about payback, they can keep your name private.
Removal proceedings are court hearings that decide whether you can stay in the U.S. You'll appear before an immigration judge. The government will present evidence of fraud. You have the right to bring legal professionals to defend you. These proceedings can take months or years, and you might be detained during this time.
Yes. If you commit fraud to sponsor family members, their status might be at risk, too. If you're a victim of fraud, your family's immigration plans might be delayed while you fix your status. Our lawyers can help protect your family in either case.
If you face immigration fraud charges or someone scammed you, Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers can help. Our team has special experience in both immigration law and criminal defense. We fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future in America.
Don't wait to get help. Immigration cases move quickly, and quick action often leads to better results. Contact us today for a free meeting to discuss your situation. We can arrange legal screening, explain immigration proceedings, and build a strong defense. We also offer additional resources to help you through this tough time.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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