Federal immigration investigators allege an attorney with a nationwide practice recycled nearly identical stories of persecution across dozens of asylum cases, filing 118 fraudulent documents and prompting ICE to seek a $470,584 fine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations issued a Notice of Intent to Fine against attorney Suraj Raj Singh on July 28.
Alleged Fraudulent Asylum Claims
ICE says declarations filed for Singh’s clients were “identical or nearly identical in language and substance,” repeating the same or nearly the same factual narratives and supporting details about alleged persecution. The notice covers 54 immigration cases.
When combined with a June action against another immigration attorney, ICE has now proposed $725,816 in civil fines over 182 allegedly fraudulent documents across 86 cases. DHS General Counsel James Percival described the Singh action as part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the nation’s asylum system.
Percival stated, “Fraudulent asylum claims threaten the safety of the American people, undermine our immigration system, and delay the removal of dangerous illegal immigrants.” The agency is seeking the maximum penalty permitted under the statute.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
