Fraud in Obtaining US Visas

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese apply for a U.S. visa, whether it be for tourist purposes or to become an immigrant in order to live out the American dream. However, some have found the process to be too long or the risk of denial to be too great. To ensure an approval, they look to other avenues for help in getting their U.S. visas approved.

Some make use of visa agents who assure that their U.S. visas will be approved. Unfortunately, some of these visa agents provide their clients with documents such as fake passports or financial documents. Those seeking a U.S. visa pay fees that could end up being exorbitant and non-refundable fees for orientation, coaching and of course, fake documents. If they are successful in their visa applications, the applicants are required to pay their visa agents a "success fee," which is just as exorbitant, if not more.

In scenarios like these, it is not just the visa agencies that may be criminally charged. The applicants will also face consequences such as deportation for their use of fake documents. 

On the other hand, some make use of recruiters who take advantage of the applicant’s economic needs. As it could take years for visas to be approved, it is hard to predict what needs will have to be met by the workers. Recruiters have the advantage of being able to move people around according to the demand. However, applicants don’t realize the underlying risks of signing with a recruiter. There are some instances where the applicant signs contracts wherein their recruiters take a percent of their salary or they are paid less than the minimum wage. The recruiters hold them hostage to their contracts through the constant threat of deportation. The workers become especially vulnerable due to their lack of knowledge and understanding of what it takes to get a new contract to maintain their visa.

Applicants from Vietnam should be wary of visa agencies and recruiters that are using illegal means to obtain a visa to the United States. They should be more circumspect in choosing immigration consultants lest they fall victim to unscrupulous groups. In doing so, applicants should be informed that only licensed attorneys can legally offer immigration assistance.

by: Enterline and Partners Consulting