With less than two weeks until the midterm elections, federal agencies have launched a multi-pronged anti-fraud offensive that immigration lawyers say is ensnaring lawful permanent residents and even U.S. citizens. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested 28 green-card holders in California this week on voter-fraud allegations and raided the Washington, D.C. home of Rep. Ilhan Omar in a separate immigration-fraud probe. The White House simultaneously rolled out a $25 million Fraud Whistle-blower Incentive Program and tasked USCIS adjudicators with reviewing tens of thousands of immigrant files for potential misstatements—often under 12-minute quotas, according to a whistle-blower complaint. A federal judge has already limited election-season field visits in nine states, calling the tactics intimidating. Business immigration experts warn the broadened definition of “fraud” now covers minor filing errors, putting legitimate petitions at risk of denial and triggering removal proceedings. Employers sponsoring H-1B, L-1, or EB candidates should expect more Requests for Evidence focused on consistency and may consider third-party audits before filing. The crackdown also poses travel risks: individuals under fraud investigation face automatic flags in CBP’s TECS system that can prompt secondary inspection or airport deferred inspection interviews. Mobility programs should track the litigation landscape and advise impacted employees on document retention and cooperation with counsel.
Source: Los Angeles Times
