NY Woman Pleads Guilty in $30M Green Card and Political Access Fraud

A New York woman, Sherry Xue Li, pleaded guilty on July 30, 2025, to running a $30 million fraud scheme that promised fake green cards and sold illegal access to U.S. politicians. Li, 53, admitted in federal court that she tricked over 150 foreign investors, mostly from China, by claiming their money would secure them lawful permanent resident status in the United States 🇺🇸.

How the Fraud Scheme Worked

For nearly ten years, Sherry Xue Li and her co-defendant, Lianbo Wang, convinced people to invest $500,000 each in what they described as a private educational institution or development project. They told investors that this money would help them get green cards, which are official documents that allow people to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently. In reality, there was no real project. Instead, Li and Wang moved the money into shell companies and spent it on personal luxuries like expensive clothing, jewelry, housing, travel, and fine dining.

Victims and Their Losses

The fraud scheme affected over 150 people, most of whom were foreign nationals hoping to build a new life in the United States 🇺🇸. Many of these victims lost their life savings, believing they were following a legal path to immigration. Now, they face not only financial loss but also possible immigration problems because their applications were based on false promises.

Illegal Political Donations

Li and Wang did more than just promise fake green cards. They also broke U.S. election laws by funneling foreign money into political campaigns. This included making illegal contributions to a 2017 fundraiser for then-President Trump. U.S. law strictly bans foreign nationals from donating to political campaigns to protect the country’s elections from outside influence. Prosecutors said Li sold access to politicians by collecting these illegal donations, which threatened the fairness of the democratic process.

What Prosecutors and Officials Say

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. called the scheme a serious abuse of both the political and immigration systems. He said, “This case shows how criminals can try to buy influence and cheat honest people who want to come to the United States 🇺🇸 the right way.” FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia added that the fraud had real consequences for both the victims and the country’s trust in its systems.

What Happens Next for Sherry Xue Li

As part of her guilty plea, Sherry Xue Li agreed to give up $31.5 million and three properties. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison and will be sentenced on December 5, 2025. Li has been in jail since her arrest in 2022. Her co-defendant, Lianbo Wang, pleaded guilty in 2024 and is already serving a five-year prison sentence.

Background: The EB-5 Visa Program

Li’s fraud scheme took advantage of the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. This program allows foreign nationals to invest in U.S. businesses and, if certain conditions are met, apply for a green card. The idea is to create jobs and support the U.S. economy. However, Li’s project was fake, and no jobs or real investments were created. Instead, she used the program’s reputation to make her promises sound real.

How the Scheme Exploited the System

• False Promises: Li told investors their money would guarantee them green cards, which is never a sure thing under the EB-5 program.
• Fake Projects: No real school or development project existed.
• Money Laundering: The funds were moved through shell companies to hide their true use.
• Illegal Donations: Foreign money was funneled into U.S. political campaigns, breaking federal law.

Policy Implications and Calls for Reform

This case highlights weaknesses in both the immigrant investor visa system and campaign finance enforcement. Experts say it shows the need for:

• Stricter Oversight: More checks on EB-5 investments to make sure projects are real and money is used as promised.
• Better Enforcement: Stronger rules to stop illegal political donations and protect U.S. elections from foreign influence.
• Support for Victims: Help for those who lost money and may now face immigration trouble because of the fraud.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like this often lead to calls for new laws or tighter rules to prevent similar scams in the future. Lawmakers may look at ways to make sure only real, job-creating projects can qualify for the EB-5 program and that political donations are closely watched for illegal foreign money.

Expert Opinions and Broader Impact

Legal experts say the Sherry Xue Li case is a clear example of how people can try to use the immigration and political systems for personal gain. They warn that without strong oversight, more people could fall victim to similar scams. Authorities stress the importance of transparency and enforcement to protect both honest investors and the country’s democracy.

Some analysts believe this case could lead to:

• Increased Scrutiny: More investigations into immigrant investor programs and political fundraising.
• New Reforms: Possible changes to laws and regulations to close loopholes and prevent fraud.
• Greater Awareness: More education for potential investors about the risks of scams promising green cards.

What Victims Should Do

If you or someone you know invested in a project promising a guaranteed green card, it’s important to:

• Contact Authorities: Report the fraud to the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Seek Legal Help: Talk to an immigration lawyer to understand your options and protect your status.
• Check Official Sources: Always verify investment opportunities and immigration programs through official government websites, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Official Resources

For more information or to report suspected fraud, you can visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the Federal Election Commission, or the FBI New York Field Office.

Looking Ahead

Sherry Xue Li’s sentencing is set for December 5, 2025. The Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission are expected to keep a close watch for similar fraud schemes. Lawmakers may also consider new rules to better protect immigrants and the U.S. political system from abuse.

This case serves as a warning to anyone seeking a green card through investment: always check that the project is real and approved by the government. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. By staying informed and careful, immigrants and investors can avoid falling victim to fraud schemes like the one run by Sherry Xue Li.