From my archive of press clippings:
Economic Times
US visa-fraud scheme broken up in Brazil
8 Dec 2009, 0400 hrs IST, AGENCIES
SAO PAULO: Authorities arrested 11 people on Monday in an alleged US work-visa scam that raked in more than $50 million from thousands of Brazilians since 2002.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Some of those scammed went to the US and wound up as illegal aliens because promised jobs didn't exist.
Brazilians seeking temporary working visas were charged up to $15,000 each in what a statement from the US Consulate called one of the largest cases of US visa fraud ever."
&
"Officials from the US Consulate in Sao Paulo said American lawyers suspected of involvement are under investigation but none has been charged."
Showing posts with label visa fraud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label visa fraud. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
BW - H1B Visa Law: Trying Again
From my archive of press clippings:
Business Week
H1B Visa Law: Trying Again
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.
"The new bill calls for the Labor Dept. to conduct random audits of at least 1% of companies using the H-1B program, and would require the agency to conduct annual audits of companies with more than 100 employees that have 15% or more of those workers on H-1B visas. The bill also authorizes 200 additional Labor Dept. employees to administer, oversee, investigate, and enforce guest worker programs such as H-1B. The bill would also require that employers advertise a job opening for 30 days on a Labor Dept. Web site before seeking a visa for such a position. It would also forbid employers from advertising a job as available only for H-1B visa holders."
&
"The bill also includes a number of changes to the L-1 visa program, which is used for intracompany transfers of employees for up to seven years. It would establish for the first time a process for Labor Dept. officials to investigate, audit, and penalize L-1 visa abuses."
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Business Week
H1B Visa Law: Trying Again
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.
Snippet(s):
"The bill would not reduce the number of H-1B visas—now 85,000 per year—but contains provisions to increase oversight and enforcement and discourage outsourcing of H-1B visa holders. It also requires all employers seeking to hire an H-1B visa holder to pledge that they have made a "good faith" effort to hire American workers first, and that the H-1B visa holder will not displace an American worker. Under current law, only heavy users of the program must make such a pledge."
"Microsoft came under fire in January when it announced it would lay off 5,000 workers while continuing to seek H-1B visas. On the company's first-quarter earnings call on Apr. 23, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell said the company wants to add 2,000 to 3,000 new jobs in "higher growth" areas over the next 18 months. He said Microsoft's overall applications for H-1B visas are down about 20% and new-hire visas down 40% from last year."
"The introduction of the bill comes as concern has spread about the H-1B program's susceptibility to fraud. In October, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services released a report stating that 13% of H-1B visa applications are fraudulent and another 7% contain some form of technical violations."
(page 2 of 2)"The new bill calls for the Labor Dept. to conduct random audits of at least 1% of companies using the H-1B program, and would require the agency to conduct annual audits of companies with more than 100 employees that have 15% or more of those workers on H-1B visas. The bill also authorizes 200 additional Labor Dept. employees to administer, oversee, investigate, and enforce guest worker programs such as H-1B. The bill would also require that employers advertise a job opening for 30 days on a Labor Dept. Web site before seeking a visa for such a position. It would also forbid employers from advertising a job as available only for H-1B visa holders."
&
"The bill also includes a number of changes to the L-1 visa program, which is used for intracompany transfers of employees for up to seven years. It would establish for the first time a process for Labor Dept. officials to investigate, audit, and penalize L-1 visa abuses."
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
BW - H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again. Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa.
From my archive of press clippings:
Business Week
H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Business Week
H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Monday, September 7, 2009
ET - Man, woman posing as married couple to get US visa arrested
From my archive of press clippings:
Economic Times
Man, woman posing as married couple to get US visa arrested
23 Jun 2009, 1903 hrs IST, PTI
CHENNAI: A man and woman from Gujarat who allegedly posed as husband and wife and produced fake documents to obtain US visas have been arrested here.
Read the whole article here.
Economic Times
Man, woman posing as married couple to get US visa arrested
23 Jun 2009, 1903 hrs IST, PTI
CHENNAI: A man and woman from Gujarat who allegedly posed as husband and wife and produced fake documents to obtain US visas have been arrested here.
Read the whole article here.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
WIBW - Trio Charged With Visa Fraud
From my archive of press clippings:
WIBW.COM
Trio Charged With Visa Fraud
Updated: 9:13 PM Jul 1, 2009
Posted: 9:07 PM Jul 1, 2009
Reporter: 13 News
Topeka (WIBW) - A Topeka couple is accused of working with a Colorado man to fraudulently get documents to stay in the U.S.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"An indictment unsealed Wednesday charges Mahesh Gangineni and his wife, Komali Donavalli, of Topeka along with Sankar Chava of Littleton, Colorado with conspiracy to fraudulantly obtain an H-1B visa."
WIBW.COM
Trio Charged With Visa Fraud
Updated: 9:13 PM Jul 1, 2009
Posted: 9:07 PM Jul 1, 2009
Reporter: 13 News
Topeka (WIBW) - A Topeka couple is accused of working with a Colorado man to fraudulently get documents to stay in the U.S.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"An indictment unsealed Wednesday charges Mahesh Gangineni and his wife, Komali Donavalli, of Topeka along with Sankar Chava of Littleton, Colorado with conspiracy to fraudulantly obtain an H-1B visa."
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
TT - AIT requires face-to-face interviews for kids' US visas
From my archive of press clippings:
Taipei Times
AIT requires face-to-face interviews for kids' US visas
By Jenny W. hsu
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Jun 20, 2009, Page 2
“Too often, we have found instances where people who were not Taiwan citizens have been able to obtain genuine Taiwan passports.”— Stephen Young, AIT director
Starting on July 1, Taiwanese passport holders under the age of 14 will require a face-to-face interview with a US immigration officer when applying for a US visa, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The announcement was posted on the official AIT Web site yesterday, but the AIT was reluctant to comment on whether the policy change was in response to human trafficking arrests made last month.
The ring, headed by Taiwanese and Chinese “snakeheads,” used personal information from Taiwanese Aboriginal children under age 14 but used pictures of underage Chinese girls to apply for Republic of China passports.
The passports were then used to obtain a US visa.
The victims often ended up working in brothels or sweatshops upon arriving in the US, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency said."
&
"Persons above age 79 are still exempt from the interview process. When asked if the policy change was in response to the recent human trafficking case, AIT spokesman Thomas Hodges yesterday declined to give a direct answer, but referred to comments made by AIT Director Stephen Young.
Asked about the possibility of including Taiwan in the US’ visa-waiver program last December, Young said: “Too often, we have found instances where people who were not Taiwan citizens have been able to obtain genuine Taiwan passports.” "
Taipei Times
AIT requires face-to-face interviews for kids' US visas
By Jenny W. hsu
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Jun 20, 2009, Page 2
“Too often, we have found instances where people who were not Taiwan citizens have been able to obtain genuine Taiwan passports.”— Stephen Young, AIT director
Starting on July 1, Taiwanese passport holders under the age of 14 will require a face-to-face interview with a US immigration officer when applying for a US visa, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The announcement was posted on the official AIT Web site yesterday, but the AIT was reluctant to comment on whether the policy change was in response to human trafficking arrests made last month.
The ring, headed by Taiwanese and Chinese “snakeheads,” used personal information from Taiwanese Aboriginal children under age 14 but used pictures of underage Chinese girls to apply for Republic of China passports.
The passports were then used to obtain a US visa.
The victims often ended up working in brothels or sweatshops upon arriving in the US, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency said."
&
"Persons above age 79 are still exempt from the interview process. When asked if the policy change was in response to the recent human trafficking case, AIT spokesman Thomas Hodges yesterday declined to give a direct answer, but referred to comments made by AIT Director Stephen Young.
Asked about the possibility of including Taiwan in the US’ visa-waiver program last December, Young said: “Too often, we have found instances where people who were not Taiwan citizens have been able to obtain genuine Taiwan passports.” "
Friday, May 15, 2009
re: "The Art of the Visa Adjudication"
NoDoubleStandards at Calling a Spade a Spade ("Rants of a Foreign Service Officer on the things that matter to you -- and matter to you not at all") provides some insights into visa interviewing.
Money quote(s):
"I've heard consular officers deny they profile visa applicants; then, when they describe exactly how they adjudicate, you're left with the impression that profiling is exactly what they're doing."
"I don't ask a single question I don't already know the answer to. Why? Credibility. I don't care how much an applicant makes, how often he's traveled or what kind of dirt he has under his fingernails. My sole concern is this: is the applicant in front of me going to return to his country of residence when he says he will."
This is true, but only in terms of overcoming the presumption of being an intending immigrant, "two-fourteen-bee" in other words (referring to Section 214b of the Immigration and Nationality Act). There are lots (and lots) of other grounds for visa ineligibility, ranging from everything from being a public charge to having committed crimes of moral turpitude, but this is far and away the most common grounds for visa refusal.
"The vast majority of documents provided aren't material to the adjudication, in any case. If I make a show of reviewing the documents before rendering my decision, it's because I'm heading off an inquiry at the pass: "The officer didn't even look at my documents.""
If a document can be forged (and just about any document can be forged), it has been forged. Or be genuine but chock-full-o' false and misleading information, because the issuing authority was bought or otherwise corrupted.
"How can any human being make an accurate snap judgment in two minutes? You wouldn't think it was possible, but it is. I wish I had a dollar for every time I refused an applicant who earned a great salary and demonstrated a sound travel history, and I was later provided with derogatory information. Why did I refuse these guys? Primarily ambiguity regarding purpose of travel. I don't give a damn what you make or where you've been. Post 9/11, if you can't tell me EXACTLY what you'll be doing in the U.S., I won't issue you a visa. I don't have that luxury."
&
"(W)hen you look at the percentages, I and my colleagues are good, very good at what we do. This is why post-9/11 discussions over removing the visa function from State and giving it to DHS were so misguided. You can't replace experience. You simply can't. Good consular officers develop these skills over years and thousands of interviews; you can't teach these skills, to a large extent, through classroom simulations. They have to be developed through experience. And let me suggest this: if you could teach it in a classroom, it would be much easier for terrorists to break it down."
The obvious objection to the immediately above is the 9/11 hijackers. Bear in mind that prior to 9/11, not every visa applicant was required to have an interview with an adjudicating officer. That has changed. There are vanishingly few exceptions to the interview requirement nowadays, and it'll be important to hold that line when, as will inevitably occur, someone promotes the idea that it's a waste of resources to interview all those applicants.
Don't fall into that trap.
Money quote(s):
"I've heard consular officers deny they profile visa applicants; then, when they describe exactly how they adjudicate, you're left with the impression that profiling is exactly what they're doing."
"I don't ask a single question I don't already know the answer to. Why? Credibility. I don't care how much an applicant makes, how often he's traveled or what kind of dirt he has under his fingernails. My sole concern is this: is the applicant in front of me going to return to his country of residence when he says he will."
This is true, but only in terms of overcoming the presumption of being an intending immigrant, "two-fourteen-bee" in other words (referring to Section 214b of the Immigration and Nationality Act). There are lots (and lots) of other grounds for visa ineligibility, ranging from everything from being a public charge to having committed crimes of moral turpitude, but this is far and away the most common grounds for visa refusal.
"The vast majority of documents provided aren't material to the adjudication, in any case. If I make a show of reviewing the documents before rendering my decision, it's because I'm heading off an inquiry at the pass: "The officer didn't even look at my documents.""
If a document can be forged (and just about any document can be forged), it has been forged. Or be genuine but chock-full-o' false and misleading information, because the issuing authority was bought or otherwise corrupted.
"How can any human being make an accurate snap judgment in two minutes? You wouldn't think it was possible, but it is. I wish I had a dollar for every time I refused an applicant who earned a great salary and demonstrated a sound travel history, and I was later provided with derogatory information. Why did I refuse these guys? Primarily ambiguity regarding purpose of travel. I don't give a damn what you make or where you've been. Post 9/11, if you can't tell me EXACTLY what you'll be doing in the U.S., I won't issue you a visa. I don't have that luxury."
&
"(W)hen you look at the percentages, I and my colleagues are good, very good at what we do. This is why post-9/11 discussions over removing the visa function from State and giving it to DHS were so misguided. You can't replace experience. You simply can't. Good consular officers develop these skills over years and thousands of interviews; you can't teach these skills, to a large extent, through classroom simulations. They have to be developed through experience. And let me suggest this: if you could teach it in a classroom, it would be much easier for terrorists to break it down."
The obvious objection to the immediately above is the 9/11 hijackers. Bear in mind that prior to 9/11, not every visa applicant was required to have an interview with an adjudicating officer. That has changed. There are vanishingly few exceptions to the interview requirement nowadays, and it'll be important to hold that line when, as will inevitably occur, someone promotes the idea that it's a waste of resources to interview all those applicants.
Don't fall into that trap.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
TOI - Five seek US visa with fake papers
From my archive of press clippings:
Times of India
Five seek US visa with fake papers
27 Mar 2009, 0410 hrs IST, TNN
CHENNAI: Five persons including two couples were arrested for producing fake documents while applying for visas at the US consulate in the city.
Read the whole article here.
Times of India
Five seek US visa with fake papers
27 Mar 2009, 0410 hrs IST, TNN
CHENNAI: Five persons including two couples were arrested for producing fake documents while applying for visas at the US consulate in the city.
Read the whole article here.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
7NB - The Chinese 9 Still in Belize
7 News Belize
The Chinese 9 Still in Belize
Thu, April 2, 2009
Exactly one week ago, we told you about the 9 Chinese who flew into Belize from Cuba without a visa. They never should have been allowed on the plane...but they were; and when they got here, they should have been sent back immediately, but they weren’t. A series of curious slip-ups and now there’s one more. As we reported, the eight men and one woman were remanded to prison for a week on the assurance that they would be sent right back to Cuba when the flight returned yesterday. But, again, they weren’t.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"It might not seem so odd to the outsider, but those with experience in how these things work, say that kind of slippage has been typical – as the illegals are often kept lurking in the system until attention subsides and some conspicuous oversight or deliberately corrupt act, allows them to slip out of custody or get out on bail, and then they’re off, headed north. And something’s definitely up with this group as now the story is that they had visas when they boarded the plane in Cuba – mind you, they were fake ones - but tore them out of their passports once they got on the plane."
The Chinese 9 Still in Belize
Thu, April 2, 2009
Exactly one week ago, we told you about the 9 Chinese who flew into Belize from Cuba without a visa. They never should have been allowed on the plane...but they were; and when they got here, they should have been sent back immediately, but they weren’t. A series of curious slip-ups and now there’s one more. As we reported, the eight men and one woman were remanded to prison for a week on the assurance that they would be sent right back to Cuba when the flight returned yesterday. But, again, they weren’t.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"It might not seem so odd to the outsider, but those with experience in how these things work, say that kind of slippage has been typical – as the illegals are often kept lurking in the system until attention subsides and some conspicuous oversight or deliberately corrupt act, allows them to slip out of custody or get out on bail, and then they’re off, headed north. And something’s definitely up with this group as now the story is that they had visas when they boarded the plane in Cuba – mind you, they were fake ones - but tore them out of their passports once they got on the plane."
Saturday, March 28, 2009
EW - Dominos Keep Falling in H1-B Visa Fraud Schemes
From my archive of press clippings:
eWeek.com
Dominos Keep Falling in H1-B Visa Fraud Schemes
By Roy Mark
2009-02-25
Federal, state and local authorities are tightening the noose on H1-B fraud schemes in the United States, where the Customs and Immigration Service claims 1 in 5 H1-B visas are obtained under false pretenses.
Read the whole article here.
eWeek.com
Dominos Keep Falling in H1-B Visa Fraud Schemes
By Roy Mark
2009-02-25
Federal, state and local authorities are tightening the noose on H1-B fraud schemes in the United States, where the Customs and Immigration Service claims 1 in 5 H1-B visas are obtained under false pretenses.
Read the whole article here.
Friday, March 13, 2009
DNAI - Fake US visa racket busted, five arrested
Diligent Media Corporation India
Fake US visa racket busted, five arrested
Preety Acharya
Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:29 IST
Mumbai: The Pydhonie police busted a fake visa racket with the arrest of five persons on Tuesday. The accused, apart from issuing fake US visas, were also involved in issuing bogus ration cards and birth certificates.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
""Police said Khan used to collect rejected US visas and remove the 'rejected visa' stamps from them. He then replaced these with a fake visa which would have a 'stamp of approval'. "
Fake US visa racket busted, five arrested
Preety Acharya
Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:29 IST
Mumbai: The Pydhonie police busted a fake visa racket with the arrest of five persons on Tuesday. The accused, apart from issuing fake US visas, were also involved in issuing bogus ration cards and birth certificates.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
""Police said Khan used to collect rejected US visas and remove the 'rejected visa' stamps from them. He then replaced these with a fake visa which would have a 'stamp of approval'. "
Saturday, February 28, 2009
TMN - Walnut Creek woman charged with holding Peruvian nanny as indentured servant
The Mercury News
Walnut Creek woman charged with holding Peruvian nanny as indentured servant
By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 02/09/2009 05:23:14 PM PST
A federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment against a Walnut Creek woman alleging that she smuggled a Peruvian nanny into the United States and for two years forced her to live in indentured servitude, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.
Walnut Creek woman charged with holding Peruvian nanny as indentured servant
By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 02/09/2009 05:23:14 PM PST
A federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment against a Walnut Creek woman alleging that she smuggled a Peruvian nanny into the United States and for two years forced her to live in indentured servitude, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Mabelle de la Rosa Dann, 45, was indicted last week on criminal violations of forced labor, unlawful conduct regarding documents in furtherance of servitude, visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring an illegal alien for private financial gain, according to a news release."Friday, February 27, 2009
GDN - Crackdown on visa conmen
Gulf Daily News
Crackdown on visa conmen
By BEGENA P PRADEEP
Vol XXXI NO. 326 Monday 9th February 2009
AUTHORITIES have launched a crackdown on conmen who sell fake visas to foreigners.
Read the whole article here.
Crackdown on visa conmen
By BEGENA P PRADEEP
Vol XXXI NO. 326 Monday 9th February 2009
AUTHORITIES have launched a crackdown on conmen who sell fake visas to foreigners.
Read the whole article here.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
BW - Visa Fraud Sparks Arrests Nationwide.
Business Week
Visa Fraud Sparks Arrests Nationwide.
An ongoing federal probe into H-1B visa fraud leads to 11 arrests and the indictment of IT services firm Vision Systems Group.
February 13, 2009, 12:01AM EST
By Moira Herbst
The controversy over the H-1B visa program for highly skilled workers is heating up once again. Federal agents detained 11 people in six states as part of a wide investigation into suspected visa fraud, the U.S. Attorney's office in Iowa announced on Feb. 12, a day after the arrests. Those arrested are accused of fraudulently representing themselves or other workers in immigration documents.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The coordinated, nationwide enforcement effort began 18 months ago and continues, officials said. It is the first to specifically address fraud in the H-1B visa system, which critics say brings lower-cost tech workers into the U.S., displacing American workers.
As unemployment rises in the U.S., the H-1B program is drawing scrutiny for its potential effects on U.S. jobs."
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Visa Fraud Sparks Arrests Nationwide.
An ongoing federal probe into H-1B visa fraud leads to 11 arrests and the indictment of IT services firm Vision Systems Group.
February 13, 2009, 12:01AM EST
By Moira Herbst
The controversy over the H-1B visa program for highly skilled workers is heating up once again. Federal agents detained 11 people in six states as part of a wide investigation into suspected visa fraud, the U.S. Attorney's office in Iowa announced on Feb. 12, a day after the arrests. Those arrested are accused of fraudulently representing themselves or other workers in immigration documents.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The coordinated, nationwide enforcement effort began 18 months ago and continues, officials said. It is the first to specifically address fraud in the H-1B visa system, which critics say brings lower-cost tech workers into the U.S., displacing American workers.
As unemployment rises in the U.S., the H-1B program is drawing scrutiny for its potential effects on U.S. jobs."
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
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