Local Families Allege Immigration Fraud by Service Provider
Two families are raising serious concerns about their immigration status, claiming that local businesses have jeopardized their legal standing in the United States. They report spending thousands of dollars on work permits and immigration assistance, unaware of the potential risks involved. Channel 5 News launched an investigation into this matter eight months ago and has uncovered additional lawsuits from other families affected by similar experiences.
Struggles with Citizenship Process
For one family in McCarren, the journey toward U.S. citizenship has devolved into a series of unanswered questions and anxiety. The family’s representative, a woman named Monica, has chosen to remain anonymous for safety reasons. She speaks on behalf of her uncle, who is deeply concerned about being deported.
Promised Assistance Turns to Frustration
Monica’s uncle sought help last October from a company advertised as a pathway to citizenship. Referred by trusted individuals, he approached Feller Public Services in Fahl for assistance in applying for legal status based on family eligibility. He paid the company $2,000 for its services, but months later, he still has no confirmation that his application was ever submitted.
Unresponsive Communication Leads to Refund Requests
In June, after months of silence, Monica attempted to reach out for a refund, only to be met with further delays. She detailed that initial communications on WhatsApp were unreturned, and while she received half of the payment via Zelle, the remaining amount was not forthcoming. After a Channel 5 News segment aired, she finally received the remaining funds from the company owner, Roberto Ferrer, although the process raised significant concerns about transparency and trustworthiness.
Unraveling the Claims of Fraud
Efforts to investigate Ferrer Public Services have proven difficult, as the office has been repeatedly inaccessible, and the company’s website is no longer operational. Authorities attempted to contact the business using the published phone number, but without success. Channel 5 News previously learned of Ferrer’s questionable practices just months prior when interviewing another former client named Celeste.
Additional Legal Troubles Emerge
Celeste shared her experience of seeking work permits for herself and her family, investing $4,000 with Ferrer. While she eventually received her work permit, her husband and son remain in legal limbo. Consulting an attorney revealed that Ferrer had mistakenly filed a pending asylum claim on her behalf without her knowledge or consent. Now, Celeste finds herself facing a court date to address the asylum issue she never intended to pursue.
Legal Experts Weigh In on Ethical Violations
Roberto Ferrer maintains that his clients were fully aware of the documents they signed. Yet, local immigration attorney Gerardo Arriaga, who represents several of Ferrer’s former clients, contrasts this assertion. He alleges that clients were misled, leading to unnecessary complications in their immigration status due to fraudulent filings. Two lawsuits against Ferrer are currently looming in Hidalgo County, with plaintiffs claiming that his actions have endangered their residency in the U.S.
Seeking Justice and Advocacy for Others
Despite receiving partial compensation, Monica aims to safeguard others from falling victim to similar practices. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and vigilance in dealing with immigration services. Celeste echoes this sentiment, expressing outrage over the lack of concern exhibited by individuals exploiting vulnerable populations for financial gain. With their cases still pending resolution, both families remain in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
