U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) warned on September 10, 2025 that immigrants who commit application fraud will face arrest and deportation during immigration appointments.
This policy, pushed by President Donald Trump, intensifies the fight against immigration fraud. Here are the details of the offenses that can lead to detention and recent cases.
New USCIS authority
Since September 4, USCIS has had armed special agents, authorized by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, to investigate and arrest for immigration fraud, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
These agents may issue expedited removal orders without judicial review.
In 2024, USCIS processed 2.5 million residency applications, and 3% were denied for fraud, according to official data.
The new rule seeks to protect the integrity of the immigration system.
Highlighted fraud cases
Muhammad Chaudhry, a Pakistani immigrant, was arrested in Washington after attending an immigration appointment.
Chaudhry, who entered in 1998 on a B-2 visa, faces charges of falsifying documents, concealing crimes in Australia and lying in eight attempts to obtain citizenship, according to USCIS.
In another case, a Brazilian was arrested in Florida for links to money laundering.
Since January, USCIS has initiated 26,000 removal proceedings, according to the American Immigration Council.
Crimes that trigger arrests
Accordingly, USCIS notes that submitting false information, such as falsified documents or concealed criminal records, can lead to deportation.
Other crimes include financial fraud, passport forgery or misrepresentation of immigration status.
In 2023, 15% of green card denials were due to fraud, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
Agents now thoroughly review applications, and any discrepancies can result in immediate detention during interviews.
Rambhai Patel case
On the other hand, Rambhai Patel, an Indian immigrant, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in New York for orchestrating fake armed robberies to obtain U visas.
Patel, who collected $850,000 through the fraud, also faces two years of supervised release, according to federal prosecutors.
This case, investigated by USCIS and the FBI, highlights the growing vigilance over schemes that exploit immigration benefits.
In 2024, USCIS identified 600 fraudulent applications, according to the Department of Justice.
Impact on the migrant community
Still, the new policy has raised fears. The American Immigration Lawyers Association warns that the presence of armed agents in USCIS offices could deter immigrants from applying for legal benefits.
In 2025, green card applications dropped 10% due to the “deterrent effect,” according to the Washington Post.
Latino communities, which represent 40% of applicants, according to the Pew Research Center, fear raids at immigration appointments.
Political context
In addition, the Trump administration has prioritized national security in its immigration policy.
In a speech in August, Trump defended the measures, claiming that “immigration fraud threatens our economy.”
Since January, ICE and USCIS have deported 65,000 people, according to The Global Statistics, a 30% increase over 2024.
Critics point out that expedited deportations limit due process, especially for asylum seekers, according to Human Rights First.
Citizenship and Immigration Services resources for the community
To report fraud or seek assistance, contact USCIS at +1-800-375-5283 or the Immigrant Defense Project at +1-212-725-6422.
As USCIS intensifies its role as an enforcement agency, immigrants must be sure to present truthful information at their appointments to avoid serious consequences in an increasingly strict immigration system.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
