ICE Seeks Over $470,000 in Penalties Against New York Immigration Lawyer
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is pursuing civil penalties exceeding $470,000 against a New York immigration attorney, Suraj Raj Singh. He is accused of submitting fraudulent documents in support of asylum claims for numerous clients, involving more than 100 documents with nearly identical narratives of persecution.
Allegations of Fraudulent Asylum Claims
According to a letter of intent from Homeland Security Investigations, Singh, who predominantly represents Indian nationals in immigration court, is under scrutiny for creating and filing 118 fraudulent documents across 54 separate immigration cases. The agency aims to impose the maximum penalty of $470,584 for these violations.
Identical Claims Raise Red Flags
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the asylum declarations submitted in support of Singh’s clients’ claims bore “identical or nearly identical wording and content,” with many containing substantially similar factual statements regarding persecution allegations.
Official Statements on the Matter
DHS General Counsel James Percival emphasized the gravity of fraudulent asylum claims, stating, “Fraudulent asylum claims threaten the safety of Americans, weaken our immigration system, and delay the deportation of dangerous criminal illegal aliens.” He assured that under the current administration, efforts would intensify to hold attorneys accountable for practices that exploit the immigration system.
Legal Framework for Enforcement Actions
A Notice of Intent to Fine serves as a proposed civil enforcement action, allowing the recipient an opportunity to respond before any fine is finalized. This mechanism reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing pervasive issues of immigration fraud.
Context of Increased Scrutiny on Asylum Fraud
This latest action marks another step in the Trump administration’s crackdown on asylum fraud allegations. In recent months, Percival directed DHS lawyers to pursue heightened enforcement efforts aimed at combating fraudulent claims, a focal point of immigration policy under this administration.
Previous Actions Against Immigration Attorneys
Singh’s case represents the second instance in which DHS has sought civil penalties against immigration attorneys under 8 U.S.C. 1324c(d), which permits sanctions for immigration-related document fraud. Last month, ICE also issued warnings to attorney Vinod Dodamani, proposing civil penalties totaling $255,232 related to immigration fraud charges.
FOX News Digital has reached out to Suraj Raj Singh for a statement regarding these allegations.
