Articles Posted in ICE

After an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a former supervisor of an Iowa poultry plant was sentenced to twenty-three months in prison for his role in harboring illegal aliens.

According to information disclosed in court, the former supervisor played an active role in harboring the illegal aliens. Specifically, he told a number of employees to change their Social Security numbers and names in order to continue working at the company, and later directed six of his most valuable workers to get new identification documents.

The Federal Judge in this case increased the sentence from the sentencing guidelines because the former supervisor held a supervisory position and also because one hundred or more illegal aliens were harbored.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated their list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved schools .

The schools listed have all been certified to participate in the program. The program allows foreign students interested in obtaining an education in the United States to complete a visa petition, pay the required fee, and attend a U.S. College or University. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a web based system called the Student Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) which maintains information on the foreign students accepted into the program. The SEVIS monitors the students for the duration of their approved stay, as required by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996.

Interested Foreign students: There is a process in obtaining a student visa, but it is not a difficult one. The student must first obtain Form I-20 from the U.S. College or University from which he/she intends to enroll, pay the required visa fee (Form I-901) and contact a local U.S. Consulate/Embassy to schedule an interview. At the interview, the student must have Form I-20, proof of payment of Form I-901, financial support documentation, and a completed visa application. The SEVP procedures differ among U.S. Consulates/Embassies; contact your U.S. Consulate/Embassy NOW to determine its particular procedure on applying for a visa before planning for the interview.

After an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beginning in September 2008, the seventh and final defendant of the restaurant raids was sentenced. The Asian buffet restaurant owner was sentenced to eight months of home confinement and three years probation on charges of knowingly employing illegal aliens and mail fraud. Additionally, the judge ordered the owner to pay $49,000 in criminal fines.

As a result of the investigation, ICE arrested 21 illegal alien workers on administrative immigration violations who were encountered at the search locations.

Additionally, the judge noted that the restaurant owner had conspired with an employment agency to hire aliens, who due to their illegal status, were subject to exploitation. The judge also made note that the defendant benefitted financially by not paying taxes, fees and proper salaries for the illegal employees.

After an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Alabaster Police Department, a Birmingham, Alabama construction company owner was indicted on charges of harboring and employing illegal aliens.

As a result of the investigation, the owner was charged in a three-count indictment. If convicted of all counts, the owner faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of $250,000. All of the illegal aliens working for the construction company were arrested and placed in deportation proceedings.

ICE aggressively targets employers who violate immigration laws by knowingly employing an illegal workforce.

After an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a Louisville, Kentucky restaurant owner was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for knowingly employing illegal aliens.

As a result of the investigation, the restaurant owner plead guilty to knowingly employing at least 10 illegal aliens at his restaurant for commercial advantage and financial gain. During the ICE raid, agents seized about $59,000 from the restaurant, which will be forfeited to the United States, and detained six illegal aliens found working at the restaurant, who have since been deported. The owner of the restaurant was not a U.S. citizen and will be subjected to deportation proceedings after he completes his prison sentence.

ICE aggressively targets employers who violate immigration laws.