According to recent reports ICE has begun making in-person contact with the individuals who used fraudulent experience letters from Integra Technologies LLC, AZtech Technologies, and Andwill LLC—the three companies that share the same address at 19C Trolley Square, Wilmington, Delaware-19806. These companies were found to have charged money from prospective employees for the purpose of giving employment letters and in some circumstances charged individuals to sign the I-983 training plan for submission to the DSO to obtain an I-20 for students to file STEM extensions.

In a recent development, our office has been contacted by several individuals who are now receiving visits by ICE in their home. It appears that ICE is visiting homes and asking questions regarding employment with Integra and AZTech. In some instances, ICE is also asking the individual to visit their office at a certain date and time for additional interview questions.

While individuals do not have the right to refuse the interview or the NTA they are entitled to legal representation throughout ICE’s initiation of the removal proceeding. Individuals are not obligated to let police or immigration agents into their home absent a warrant. A warrant of removal or deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent. If the police have an arrest warrant they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant. Individuals should not lie about their immigration status if questioned by agents or by law enforcement however they do have the right to remain silent as anything said to agents or law enforcement may be used against them in immigration court proceedings. 

It is possible that if ICE feels you have committed misrepresentation or fraud, you could be issued a Notice of Appear (NTA) and could possibly be detained. You may also have to appear before an Immigration Judge. If you are contacted by ICE, please be aware that this is a potentially serious matter. You should contact a qualified immigration attorney immediately. As stated in our previous articles regarding these findings, please remember that if a false employment offer letter was used, and a visa has been revoked at a later date due to the false employment offer letter, it is possible that there could be a finding of fraud or misrepresentation associated with the visa application. Upon the finding of fraud or misrepresentation in this context may lead the applicant to be found inadmissible and permanently barred from entering the U.S. There is a possibility of a waiver of inadmissibility, such as when the applicant demonstrates that a U.S. citizen or lawful performance resident spouse or parent would face extreme hardship if the applicant is removed from or denied a visa to enter the U.S. However, these types of extreme hardship waivers are available under limited circumstances and are warranted as a matter of discretion.

Should you have any questions regarding the consequences of a finding of fraud or misrepresentation with regards to your visa application, have been contacted with a request for an interview, or additionally have been issued an NTA, please speak to a qualified immigration attorney. 

By: Rahul Reddy

Rahul is the founding partner of Reddy Neumann Brown PC His practice covers employment-based immigration, in which he represents corporate clients in far-ranging industries.