Bronx Attorney Sued for Immigration Fraud and Deceptive Legal Services

Bronx Legal Office Accused of Immigration Fraud

In a shocking revelation, Attorney General Letitia James announced a significant lawsuit against a Bronx legal office on Monday, charging them with engaging in a fraudulent immigration scheme that has negatively impacted hundreds of immigrants. The office, operated by immigration lawyer Kofi Amankwaa and associates, is now under intense scrutiny for what is described as a deceitful plot against those they were entrusted to help.

The Deceptive Practices Uncovered

From 2018 to 2023, Kofi Amankwaa, along with Sylvester Boateng, Nana Adoma Kontoh, Betty Smith, and Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., are accused of deceptively charging immigrants exorbitant fees of $6,000 plus administrative costs for legal services that resulted in severe repercussions for the clients, including deportations and green card denials.

The lawsuit alleges that the Bronx immigration fraud was perpetrated by filing false petitions under the Violence Against Women Act. The group made false claims that their clients were being abused by their children, without the clients’ knowledge, which led to dire consequences for the immigrants involved.

“People who immigrate to America are often vulnerable and simply trying to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones,” Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the desperation of immigrants seeking better opportunities in America. “When these immigrants sought help from attorneys claiming to act in their best interests, they were taken advantage of and harmed instead. This cruel and illegal scheme led to them being separated from their families and deported.”

Case Examples and Legal Ramifications

The investigation into the deceptive legal services lawsuit revealed several instances of misconduct. A notable case involved Ricardo Velazquez, a Bronx father who was deported following Amankwaa’s misleading advice to exit and re-enter the U.S. Another client was instructed to falsely allege abuse from her daughter, resulting in her residency application denial and the start of deportation processes.

Nana Adoma Kontoh, who is not an attorney, provided unlawful legal advice and encouraged clients to lie to immigration authorities. Notably, Kofi Amankwaa, Jr. was also accused of illegally giving legal counsel despite not being admitted to practice law in New York.

Moreover, Kofi Amankwaa and his son made court appearances before SDNY Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn on Monday. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams and Michael Alfonso from HSI’s Newark Field Office informed the public that the Amankwaas had been using the Violence Against Women Act for financial gain by falsely claiming that their clients were victims of domestic abuse.

The Criminal Charges

The complaint filed with the Southern District of New York Court detailed a scheme from September 2016 to November 2023 involving clients who were directed to sign fraudulent petitions under penalty of perjury, stating they were abused by their U.S. citizen children. The scheme also involved the misuse of advance parole travel documents based on these false claims, which were used to facilitate travel and apply for lawful permanent resident status. Unsurprisingly, many applications were denied due to detected fraud among other reasons.

As a result of the growing number of client complaints, Kofi Amankwaa’s law license was suspended in November 2023. Both he and his son face charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud, each offense potentially warranting up to five years of imprisonment, and immigration fraud, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Consequences and Warnings for Immigrants

The New York Attorney General’s Office is pushing for an immediate cessation of these illegal activities and is seeking restitution for those affected, as well as civil penalties against the defendants.

For immigrants seeking legal advice and assistance, it is crucial to ensure that the services they are engaging with are legitimate and that the attorneys or legal advisors are credentialed. For reliable information on immigration services and avoiding fraud, resources are available at official immigration websites such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Protecting the Integrity of Immigration Services

This distressing case serves as a stern reminder of the importance of due diligence when seeking immigration services. It underscores the need for immigrants to be vigilant, especially when dealing with legal advisors, and to seek help from trusted sources. The legal system is poised to take firm action against those who distort immigration laws and prey on the vulnerabilities of people seeking a brighter future in the United States.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

1. Attorney General – The chief legal officer of a government, responsible for the administration of justice and enforcement of laws.
2. Bronx legal office – A law firm located in the Bronx, New York that provides legal services, in this case, immigration-related services.
3. Immigration lawyer – A lawyer specializing in immigration law, assisting clients with matters such as visas, green cards, and naturalization.
4. Fraudulent immigration scheme – A deceptive plan designed to exploit and defraud immigrants by offering false or ineffective immigration services.
5. Deceptive practices – Unethical or misleading actions aimed at misleading or taking advantage of immigrants seeking legal assistance.
6. Exorbitant fees – Unreasonably high charges or costs for legal services, exceeding what is considered fair or reasonable.
7. Administrative costs – Expenses related to the provision of legal services, such as document processing fees.
8. Green card denials – Rejection or refusal of an application for a permanent residency (green card) status.
9. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – A federal law that allows individuals who have been the victims of domestic violence, including immigrants, to self-petition for legal status independently of their abusers.
10. Separated from their families – Distanced or removed from their family members, often as a result of deportation or immigration-related issues.
11. Deported – The act of being expelled or forced to leave a country, usually due to violation of immigration laws.
12. Misleading advice – Providing incorrect or deceptive guidance or recommendations to clients to mislead them about their legal rights or actions.
13. Residency application denial – The rejection or refusal of an application for legal residence or status in a country.
14. Deportation processes – The legal procedures involved in removing a person from a country and sending them back to their country of origin.
15. Unlawful legal advice – Advice or guidance given by someone who is not authorized or qualified to provide legal advice or services.
16. Practice law – Engage in activities related to the provision of legal services, including providing advice, representing clients, and making appearances in court.
17. Court appearances – Attending and participating in legal proceedings or hearings before a judge.
18. U.S. Attorney – A lawyer appointed to represent the United States government in legal matters and criminal cases.
19. HSI’s Newark Field Office – Homeland Security Investigations, a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) responsible for investigating immigration-related crimes, has a field office in Newark, New Jersey.
20. Southern District of New York (SDNY) Court – One of the federal district courts in New York State, handling a wide range of civil and criminal cases in the southern part of the state, including Manhattan and the Bronx.
21. Perjury – The act of lying under oath or giving false information, usually in a legal setting.
22. Advance parole travel documents – Documents issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allow certain individuals to temporarily leave the United States and return without jeopardizing their immigration status.
23. Lawful permanent resident status – The immigration status of an individual who has been granted permission to live and work permanently in the United States as a green card holder.
24. Due diligence – The process of conducting thorough research, investigation, or verification before making a decision or engaging in a transaction.
25. Restitution – The act of compensating someone for a loss or damage they have suffered, often ordered by a court as part of a legal judgment or settlement.
26. Civil penalties – Monetary fines or sanctions imposed by a court or government agency for violations of civil laws or regulations.
27. Immigration fraud – The act of deceiving or misleading immigration authorities through false statements, documents, or other means for personal gain.
28. Credentialed – Having the necessary qualifications, credentials, or official recognition to provide a specific service or function.
29. USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a government agency responsible for handling immigration-related applications, petitions, and processes in the United States.
30. Immigration services – Legal assistance, guidance, and processes related to immigration, including visa applications, green card petitions, naturalization, and other immigration-related matters.

So, folks, it appears justice is being served in the Bronx legal office immigration fraud case. This shocking scheme reminds us all to be cautious when seeking immigration services and to trust only reputable sources. Remember to stay informed and protect yourself. And if you’re hungry for more immigration insights, head on over to visaverge.com. They’ve got all the info you need to navigate the immigration landscape safely and smartly. Happy exploring!

This Article in a Nutshell:

The Attorney General is suing a Bronx legal office for immigration fraud. They’re accused of tricking immigrants into paying high fees for legal services that led to negative consequences like deportation. Protect yourself by using legitimate immigration services and seeking advice from trusted sources.