Key Takeaways:
- Bronx-based immigration attorney Kofi Amankwaa and his son charged in a large-scale immigration fraud scheme.
- The Amankwaas allegedly manipulated the Violence Against Women Act to fraudulently obtain immigration benefits.
- The defendants face charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud, with potential prison sentences.
Father and Son Charged in Immigration Fraud Scheme
In a shocking revelation for the legal and immigration communities, Bronx-based immigration attorney Kofi Amankwaa and his son, Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., from South River, NJ, find themselves at the center of legal charges for what has been described as a “large-scale immigration fraud scheme.” Under the scrutiny of the U.S. legal system, their alleged actions have brought to light the serious repercussions of manipulating immigration laws and victimizing those seeking legal assistance.
The Perpetuation of Fraud Under Legal Guise
It was in New York that the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, together with Michael Alfonso, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement regarding the unsealing of a Complaint. This Complaint has charged both Kofi Amankwaa and his son with carrying out immigration fraud on an extensive scale, involving the abuse of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to illegally benefit their clients — and themselves.
“As alleged, Kofi Amankwaa, an immigration attorney, and his son, Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., sought to make a mockery of the U.S. immigration system by conspiring to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud,” expressed U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
Williams underscored how the Amankwaas “exploited the Violence Against Women Act — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — for their own financial gain by falsely claiming that their clients were victims of domestic abuse.”
The Scheme’s Mechanics
Between September 2016 and November 2023, the Amankwaas are alleged to have met with clients and coerced them into signing Front I-360 VAWA Petitions that were fraudulent. By falsely asserting that the clients had suffered abuse at the hands of their U.S. citizen children and with Amankwaa signing these petitions as the attorney preparer, they misused the system designed to protect true victims of domestic abuse. They also mishandled advance parole travel documents, leading to their clients being denied lawful permanent resident status due to fraud.
The repercussions of these actions were highlighted by Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso: “Kofi Amankwaa is charged with deceitful practices whereby he allegedly victimized clients who relied on his legal assistance with their immigration process.” He commended the collaborative efforts of various agencies in bringing these activities to light.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Following multiple complaints regarding the Amankwaas’ fraudulent activities, Kofi Amankwaa’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended in November 2023. The legal ramifications didn’t stop there. Kofi Amankwaa, 69, and Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., 37, face charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit immigration fraud — charges carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Additionally, they are facing charges for immigration fraud, with a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
It should be noted that “the maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge,” as the Complaint noted.
Acknowledgments and the Path Forward
Damian Williams extended gratitude to the HSI for their exemplary investigative work. Additionally, Williams recognized the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, along with the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which initiated a parallel civil proceeding against the Amankwaas.
The case is being managed by the Office’s General Crimes Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies at the helm of the prosecution.
Understanding Legal Pathways for Immigration
For those seeking to navigate U.S. immigration law, it’s crucial to understand and acknowledge the legal pathways in place. The incident involving the Kofi Amankwaa immigration fraud case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in the immigration process. Individuals seeking legal residency should consider the following steps (which must be undertaken with honesty and transparency):
- Properly Research Immigration Laws: Familiarize yourself with the laws, such as the Violence Against Women Act, and understand the legitimate avenues it provides.
- Seek Credible Legal Assistance: Work with reputable attorneys and avoid any suggestion of dishonest or fraudulent activity.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter any fraudulent practices, report to authorities like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or HSI.
For further information or to report fraudulent activities, you can visit the official USCIS website or the HSI tip line.
The Importance of Trust and Accountability
As the Kofi Amankwaa immigration fraud case progresses through the legal system, it’s a sobering reminder of the trust placed in legal professionals and the accountability required in such positions of responsibility. The defendants in this case are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, but it’s an opportunity for the legal community and those seeking immigration services to reinforce the need for ethical practices in navigating the complexities of immigration law.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions:
- Immigration Fraud: The act of knowingly providing false or misleading information, or engaging in deceptive practices, in order to gain an immigration benefit illegally.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): A U.S. federal law that provides protection and a pathway to lawful permanent residency for noncitizen victims of domestic violence, abuse, or crimes.
Complaint: A formal written document filed in court that outlines the allegations made against a defendant. In this context, the Complaint refers specifically to the legal document charging Kofi Amankwaa and his son with immigration fraud.
United States Attorney: An attorney appointed by the President of the United States to represent the federal government in prosecuting criminal cases and enforcing federal laws.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): A division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) responsible for investigating a wide range of federal crimes, including immigration fraud.
Conspiracy: An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime or engage in illegal activity.
Legal Permanent Resident: An individual who has been granted lawful permanent residence in the United States, often referred to as having a “green card.”
Advance Parole: A travel document that allows certain individuals in the process of adjusting their immigration status to travel internationally and re-enter the United States without abandoning their pending applications.
License Suspension: A disciplinary action taken by a regulatory authority, such as a state bar association, to temporarily or permanently prohibit an individual from practicing their licensed profession.
Maximum Sentence: The highest punishment or imprisonment term prescribed by law for a particular offense. The actual sentence imposed on a defendant is determined by a judge.
Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS): A unit within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) responsible for identifying immigration fraud, safeguarding the immigration system, and ensuring national security.
Parallel Civil Proceeding: A separate legal action initiated alongside a criminal case, where civil penalties or remedies are sought by a regulatory agency or individual affected by the alleged misconduct.
General Crimes Unit: A division within the United States Attorney’s Office responsible for prosecuting a wide range of federal criminal offenses.
Vigilance: The state of being watchful, alert, and attentive to potential risks, dangers, or suspicious activities.
Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles, honesty, and consistency in actions and behavior.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A government agency responsible for administering immigration and naturalization benefits, including processing applications and petitions for various immigration benefits.
Ethical Practices: Standards of conduct and behavior that reflect honesty, fairness, and responsibility in professions, including the legal and immigration fields.
Presumed Innocent: A legal principle that assumes an individual is not guilty of a crime until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
To delve deeper into the fascinating world of immigration and stay informed about the latest updates, remember to check out visaverge.com. From legal pathways to navigating the complexities, Visa Verge has got you covered. Stay curious, stay informed, and let Visa Verge be your go-to resource for immigration knowledge. Happy exploring!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Father and son, Kofi Amankwaa and Kofi Amankwaa Jr., face charges for a large-scale immigration fraud scheme in the Bronx. They allegedly manipulated the Violence Against Women Act to deceive the U.S. immigration system. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison. Seek reputable legal assistance and report suspicious activities to USCIS or HSI.
